In Pictures: Striking images from the south of England in 2023

In August, Billie Eilish appeared from the smoke on the main stage at Reading Festival during her headline set

It was a year full of memorable moments across the south of England, from the King's Coronation to rockfalls and festivals. Here are some 2023's most most striking images and a look at the stories behind them.

One of the most popular photos was this "epic" shot of the sun rising through Durdle Door in Dorset which was shared around the world in December. Taken by photographer Jack Lodge, it has been seen by millions of people and Jack was even interviewed by a Canadian national TV channel about it.

Windsor Castle provided a spectacular backdrop to the Coronation Concert. The night celebrated the arts, from pop star performances, choirs and orchestras to cartoon characters and a colourful drone display. Hosted by actor Hugh Bonneville, Katy Perry was one of those to dazzle the crowds with her golden gown.

For two nights in February, photographers across the region were treated to rare views of the northern lights. Dan Cocks was one of the lucky ones. He said: "I looked at where the weather was going to be clear for at least an hour... I thought Blenheim Palace is pretty epic, and went for a wander."

In January, heavy overnight snow brought treacherous conditions to parts of the UK, including here on the iconic Gold Hill in Shaftesbury, Dorset.

Storm Ciarán caused a large section of cliff to collapse on to a beach in November. Walkers were warned to avoid the area at West Bay in Dorset after it was battered by huge waves.

There was disappointment for Oxford once again in March as Cambridge won the men's and women's Boat Race. Cambridge's women took victory by four-and-a-quarter lengths despite a protest from their opponents. And a late charge from Oxford's men was not enough as they succumbed by just over a length for their fourth defeat in the past five races. Can they get revenge in 2024?

The Prince and Princess of Wales paid a surprise visit to a food bank in January where they helped prepare parcels. Staff at Foodshare in Windsor learned of the visit just an hour before the couple's arrival. While at the food bank, Catherine checked sell-by dates on goods while William packed food for collection.

A spectacular full-size replica of a 17th Century Spanish ship paid a visit to Weymouth in May. El Galeón is a copy of the types of Spanish galleons used between the 16th and 18th centuries. Photographers lined the quayside to watch it arrive with this aerial shot proving a highlight.

Thousands enjoyed the sun at the Isle of Wight Festival in June. About 55,000 people were at the four-day event with headliners Pulp, Robbie Williams, George Ezra and Chemical Brothers.

There was an amazing weekend in the Solent as 6,000 competitors and 1,100 boats sailed a 50-nautical mile course round the Isle of Wight for the annual Round Island Race in July.

Windsor took centre stage for the Coronation of King Charles in May. A spectacular concert took place in the grounds of Windsor Castle in front of a crowd of 20,000. Traders also took advantage of interest in the Royal Family with gifts galore on display in shop fronts.

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