Winchester is preparing to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III which, for many, will be the first in living memory.

Winchester Cathedral, the Guildhall and local businesses will be contributing to the celebrations across the weekend.

In the evenings, the Guildhall will be lit up with a projection to show the story of a King in waiting unfold, symbols of the Coronation and a celebration of England’s ancient capital and its royal connections.

The Union Flag will fly above the building and the balcony will be dressed in a similar style to that of Buckingham Palace. Coronation merchandise will be available from the Visitor Information Centre.

Winchester Cathedral will be hosting the award-winning Indian restaurant Rimjhim, who will be handing out free food to 1,000 people.

The restaurant held a similar event on the day of the Queen's funeral, on September 20.

They will be at the cathedral on May 6, from 12pm.

Owner Showquat Ahmed said: “We will be offering food free to the community. It means so much to us to do this. 

“I love Great Britain, I love this city and I love the King. We are offering this as a blessing to this country and to the King.”

Mr Ahmed added that they will be serving chicken and vegetable biryanis, pakora fritters, yoghurt and fruit juices.

READ MORE: King Charles Coronation: Market trader sells patriotic merchandise

Last year, Rimjhim, in City Road, was crowned the best Indian restaurant in Hampshire at the Curry Life Awards.

Street parties, picnics and screenings will be held in market towns and villages such as Wickham, Denmead, Whiteley, Kings Worthy and Bishop’s Waltham.

The Arc, in Jewry Street, will be holding a workshop on May 6 for children to design their own Royal crown.

This will be held on May 6 from 11am-12pm and 1pm-2pm. It will also be repeated on May 31 and June 2. Tickets cost £6.

Winchester City Museum will have a traditional Punch and Judy show on May 8. David Wilde is presenting the fun-packed show for the whole family. 

Shows will take place at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm.

On June 2 1953, the Southern Daily Echo reported that 'Bishop's Waltham rang with gaiety and laughter' when the 27-year-old princess became Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Now, 70 years on, we look forward to the land ringing with gaiety and laughter once more as we witness the crowing of a new king and usher in a new era for Britain.