Coronation concert – live: Prince William, Katy Perry and Take That prepare for Windsor Palace gig
A day after King Charles III’s coronation, much of the UK is turning its attention to Windsor Castle, where an extravagent concert is being held in the new monarch’s honour.
The line-up of performers for the event includes Take That, Lionel Richie, and Katy Perry.
Festivities begin at 8pm. Those not in attendance who wish to do so will be able to watch the concert live on the BBC.
The concert will be staged on the East Lawn of the castle’s grounds, marking the first time an event like this has taken place on the property.
As well as the acts mentioned above, the night also sees acts such as Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli, Welsh bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel, and classical-soul composer Alexis Ffrench perform.
Singer-songwriter Freya Ridings had to pull out of procedings due to being unwell, while presenter Zoe Ball announced this morning that she too would be unable to take part.
Charles was officially inducted as King in a ceremony at Westminster Abbey on Saturday (6 May). Among the attendees was his son, Prince Harry, who rushed back to LA immediately after the ceremony to be with his son, Archie, for belated birthday celebrations.
Amid the festivities, the Met Police been accused of a “totalitarian crackdown” on protesters, with police also facing condemnation for arresting late-night women’s safety volunteers.
You can find a rundown of the best looks from the coronation yesterday here.
Follow below for live updates as the coronation concert progresses...
Key points
Preparations underway at Windsor Castle ahead of tonght’s event
Zoe Ball drops out of BBC coverage at last minute after falling sick
Prince William will take to stage during the event
Details of the concert: what time will it start and who is performing?
14:30 , Louis Chilton
William and Kate sharing a last update before the concert.
(Think Harry might need a VPN if he wants to watch along on iPlayer)
Final preparations for this evening’s #Coronation Concert… 👀 pic.twitter.com/3bc8yfiiV8
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 7, 2023
14:10 , Louis Chilton
The Prince of Wales will be making a surprise on-stage appearance during the concert.
Here’s what they’re up to at the moment...
14:00 , Louis Chilton
From yesterday evening: Coronation attendees were spotted singing Katy Perry songs on the tube.
In footage shared by Christopher Hope of the Daily Telegraph, a number of people can be seen belting out “Firework”.
Coronation attendees sing Katy Perry songs on packed Tube after Charles crowning
13:35 , Louis Chilton
The first revellers in the queue, six hours before showtime. That’s a long wait!
Jess and Rachel are first in the queue for tonight’s #Coronation concert at Windsor Castle. “Only” six hours til the gates open.. They’re here to honour their King (Olly Murs!!) @ollymurs #BBCBreakfast pic.twitter.com/CArv6KAjD8
— Jon Kay (@jonkay01) May 7, 2023
Long waits, of course, a subject Charles is very familiar with...
13:14 , Louis Chilton
In case any keen-eared people were wondering about the music they’ve been hearing throughout the weekend...
Expect we’ll be hearing again tonight!
Some of you have already guessed! YES, I did compose the BBC's theme music for the BBC Coronation broadcasts across this weekend. It's called "Accession 2023" and the full version can be heard during the montages. It was beautifully performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra. 🎵🎼
— Debbie Wiseman (@wisemandebbie) May 7, 2023
12:53 , Louis Chilton
Safe to say this is one artist who won’t be making an appearance tonight...
The Cure frontman Robert Smith shares anti-monarchy cartoon
12:26 , Louis Chilton
Viewers were able to get a little peek at some of tonight’s acts during the coronation proper yesterday morning.
Katy Perry, in particular, provoked all kinds of amusement with her antics at Westminster Abbey.
An instant meme?
Katy Perry addresses meme-worthy moment she struggled to find seat during coronation
12:04 , Louis Chilton
Tonight’s concert will of course be broadcast on the Beeb.
From yesterday, here’s Nick Hilton’s breakdown of all the TV coverage of the coronation.
“In the build-up, the BBC gave the commentary reins to Clare Balding, a seamless multi-register presenter as comfortable talking about ladies-in-waiting as synchronised swimmers (though the rain driving down on the Mall might have temporarily elided that difference). Julie Etchingham and Tom Bradby, who have been given extensive royal duties over the past year, led ITV’s team. The third channel also dispatched Charlene White to reunite with Ant and Dec (esteemed guests of the new king), who she last saw on the set of I’m a Celeb. This was about as close as either broadcaster came to a concession to youth.”
Read more...
How the battle of coronation commentary played out for BBC, ITV and Sky
11:45 , Louis Chilton
A little explainer for the evening’s affair here.
Wondering what time it begins? Who’s performing? How to watch it?
Look no further.
Everything you need to know about King Charles’s coronation concert
11:20 , Louis Chilton
As you would imagine, preparations for the concert are already well underway at Windsor Castle.
You can watch some of that live here...
Watch live: Preparations get underway at Windsor Castle ahead of coronation concert
11:00 , Louis Chilton
Ball’s announcement comes after singer-songwriter Freya Ridings was forced to pull out yesterday, also due to illness.
Read more:
Freya Ridings pulls out of Coronation Concert
10:41 , Louis Chilton
Good morning. Less than 10 hours to go until the coronation concert, and there’s some breaking news...
Presenter Zoe Ball has had to withdraw from the event at the last minute.
absolutely gutted… the sickness bug has got me 🤢
was meant to be heading to Windsor Castle for the #coronationconcert on @BBCRadio2 later 😞@radioleary and @scott_mills have got you covered 📻
i’m heading back to bed 👑♥️— Zoe Ball (@ZoeTheBall) May 7, 2023
