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Pubs are set to stay open for longer on three days next year as revellers enjoy an extra bank holiday to mark the coronation of King Charles.
Licensing hours will be extended from 11pm to 1am in pubs, clubs and bars in England and Wales across the bank holiday weekend from Friday, 5 May until until Sunday, 7 May, The Mirror reports. Home Secretary Suella Braverman confirmed the plans, announcing: “His Majesty the King’s Coronation will be a historic moment that will see our great nation and the entire Commonwealth joined together in celebration.
“Our country, and in particular our hospitality industry, has faced many challenges in recent years and the King’s Coronation is an opportunity to give a boost to local businesses. Over the bank holiday weekend, we can raise a glass to our new monarch and, with our friends and families, wish him a long and successful reign.”
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Although his coronation is not set to take place for several months, Charles instantly became King following the Queen’s death aged 96 in September and the first coins bearing a portrait of the new sovereign have already entered circulation. Earlier this month the first 50p coins featuring the King were introduced at UK post offices, with the reverse side beating a special design commemorating the Queen.
The King will also give his first Christmas speech this December, which will be broadcast on TV on Christmas Day. It will mark the first time in history that a male monarch – or anyone other than the Queen – has delivered the iconic televised festive message, with Elizabeth II issuing her debut on-screen yuletide speech back in 1957.
While the theme of Charles’ speech is yet to be confirmed, it’s expected that the monarch will pay tribute to his late mother by reflecting on her years of service and Platinum Jubilee celebrations earlier this year. The King may also address the turbulent time in the UK’s politics, with multiple Prime Ministers taking office, as well as the Covid recovery and the war in Ukraine.
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