Summary

  • Volunteers across the south have taken part in community events to mark the final day of the Coronation celebrations

  • The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children joined volunteers to help renovate the 3rd Upton Scouts Hut in Slough

  • Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Take That took to the stage on Sunday evening for the spectacular Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle

  • Beach cleaning, wildflower planting, and litter picking are among some of the events in the south people have helped out with

  • The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh took part in a puppy class at the Guide Dogs training centre in Reading

  • Organisers say volunteering rates dropped during the pandemic and that many charities are in desperate need of help

  1. Gardening volunteers needed at Hythe health centrepublished at 10:24 British Summer Time 8 May 2023

    Tristan Pascoe
    Reporting from Hythe

    Hythe Help Out

    Pam and Kim are getting involved in the Big Help Out by working at Waterside Health Centre in Hythe today.

    The duo volunteer at the centre and will be encouraging people to get involved in some gardening, with the provision of tea and cake to keep helpers going.

    Hythe Help Out
  2. Burger customers in Windsor get orchestral surprisepublished at 10:16 British Summer Time 8 May 2023

    The Royal Philharmonic OrchestraImage source, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

    The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra has been surprising customers at McDonald's in Windsor.

    To mark the Coronation of King Charles III, musicians gave a live, regal-inspired performance of the fast food chain's jingle.

    The orchestra then took their performance out into the town, playing for visitors heading to Windsor Castle to mark the start of the Coronation festivities.

    The Royal Philharmonic OrchestraImage source, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
  3. Sustainability collective creates tribute to King Charles IIIpublished at 10:09 British Summer Time 8 May 2023

    Hannah Walsh
    BBC South

    An Oxford-based group aiming to reduce food waste and increase wellbeing, is holding a litter picking event in Park Hill recreation ground in Kidlington for the Big Help Out today.

    Cherwell Collective, external has been holding a number of events through the week in the lead up to the Coronation weekend.

    Volunteers came together to create a statue made from waste and repurposed materials in the shape of a unicorn - as a reference to the royal coat of arms.

    They also helped a food bank event, selling locally grown produce to residents and had stalls offering information on how to live more sustainably.

    Cherwell CollectiveImage source, Hailey Larson
    Cherwell CollectiveImage source, Hailey Larson
    Cherwell CollectiveImage source, Hailey Larson

    Founder and managing director Dr Emily Connally said: "The goal for all of our large events is to normalise sustainable celebrations, because that's how we want people to come together, sustainably.

    "This year we are also trying to honour King Charles' climate legacy by really emphasizing that he has also asked us to take on these values and live different and has set the pace to do so."

    After the litter picking event today they will have an offical unveiling of the statue, which has been made by more than 60 volunteers.

    Cherwell CollectiveImage source, Hailey Larson
    Cherwell CollectiveImage source, Hailey Larson
    Cherwell CollectiveImage source, Hailey Larson
  4. Dorset County Hospital celebrates Coronation in stylepublished at 09:54 British Summer Time 8 May 2023

    Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation TrustImage source, Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
    Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation TrustImage source, Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

    The team at Dorset County Hospital have been pulling out all the stops to celebrate the Coronation.

    Staff covered the wards in Union Jack bunting, baked cakes and snuck glimpses of the procession on laptops between shifts.

    One group even created their very own royal carriage to match King Charles III on Saturday and the catering team made an afternoon tea for staff and patients to enjoy too.

    In the post on Facebook,, external the team said: "A big thank you to everyone who is working this weekend and helping patients who would like to mark the occasion to join in the festivities."

    Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation TrustImage source, Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
    Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation TrustImage source, Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
  5. How have you decorated your home for Coronation weekend?published at 09:47 British Summer Time 8 May 2023

    WindsorImage source, Getty Images

    Some residents in Windsor have been getting into the Coronation spirit by decorating the fronts of their homes over the weekend.

    Photographers spotted these houses with a life-size King Charles III and Queen Camilla for people to take photos with and an extra large balloon Union Jack.

    If you've decorated your home for the occasion, let us know by sending in pictures to south.newosnline@bbc.co.uk or message us on social media., external

    Windsor houseImage source, Getty Images
  6. Captivating drone display at King's Coronation concertpublished at 09:40 British Summer Time 8 May 2023

    A colourful drone display took to the sky across the country as part of the Coronation concert.

    The drones formed together to create different animals and moments in nature, as Alexis Ffrench and Zak Abel performed a cover of Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds on the stage in Windsor.

    Media caption,

    Captivating drone display honours nature at Coronation concert

  7. Watch William say he is 'so proud' of his father during Windsor concertpublished at 09:26 British Summer Time 8 May 2023

    Media caption,

    William pays homage to King Charles and late Queen Elizabeth

    The Prince of Wales paid tribute to his "Pa" King Charles during the Coronation concert, saying the late Queen Elizabeth II would be "a proud mother".

    Addressing the crowds at Windsor Castle, William said his grandmother was "up there, fondly keeping an eye on us".

    He said this weekend was "so important" because it was all about service.

    Highlighting King Charles' achievements over the last 50 years, William said: "Pa, we are all so proud of you."

  8. Pop stars and performers wow King at Coronation concertpublished at 09:20 British Summer Time 8 May 2023

    Media caption,

    Highlights from King Charles III Coronation concert

  9. Royals set to take part in Big Help Out eventspublished at 09:20 British Summer Time 8 May 2023

    The Prince of Wales (L), the Queen and the King (R) wave flags at the concert on SundayImage source, reuter
    Image caption,

    The Prince of Wales (L), the Queen and the King (R) wave flags at the concert on Sunday

    Millions of members of the public will take part in community events across the UK to mark the final day of the Coronation celebrations.

    The Big Help Out involves people taking on volunteering roles on the extra bank holiday.

    The King and Queen are not expected to attend any events - but other royals will drop in on some of the projects.

    It follows Sunday's Coronation concert which featured performances from stars including Take That and Katy Perry.

  10. Good morning on Coronation Big Help Out day here in the southpublished at 09:17 British Summer Time 8 May 2023

    Emily Ford
    BBC South

    Islanders Youth and Community Centre, Portland
    Image caption,

    Islanders Youth and Community Centre in Portland is hosting a Big Help Out event this morning

    Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of Coronation Big Help Out day here in the south of England.

    We're sure many of you are still recovering from the excitement of the Coronation concert and the hundreds of street parties yesterday - but today is all about getting involved with helping your communities.

    We'd love to hear from you on our Facebook page, external or you can email pictures of how you're helping out today to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk.