Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter |  8 March 2023

A NEW fund has been launched by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and the Rural Community Council, to help ‘established’ local community groups celebrate King Charles’ forthcoming coronation.

Community groups who are going to organise activities or events for the coronation are eligible for grants of up to £500 in total.

Some of the suggested activities include:

• Community Events from 6 May and 9 May
• Flagpoles or Union Flags
• Commemorative benches or trees
• Coronation orchards or wildflower gardens

A borough council spokesperson noted that food and refreshments included in the applications will only be supported up to a maximum of £100.

And, to be eligible to qualify, applicants must demonstrate that they are an existing voluntary group, and that their coronation celebrations are an extension of their offer to the local community.

It was further stressed that grants will not be available to those planning to hold one-off private street parties celebrating the coronation.

Interested community groups who meet the criteria are able to apply online through this link.

Alternatively, paper copies can be requested by simply calling the Rural Community Council directly on 01455 856330.

Applications will be assessed on “a regular basis”, so that the funds can be allocated in a timely way. But, there is a deadline – Thursday, 6 April at 5pm, meaning there are still four weeks left to apply.

Coun. Keith Lynch, the Borough Council’s Executive Member for the Voluntary Sector, said: “The King’s coronation will be another opportunity for communities to come together and celebrate.

“We hope that this funding will enable that to happen across the borough and I would urge local community groups to apply for this funding.”