Watercress Line's coronation celebration is a royal success

A crowd of over 650 people descended on the Watercress Line’s coronation celebration at Alresford Station last Sunday. 

Attendees ranging from newborn babies to elderly residents showed up in fancy dress with a plethora of cakes, picnic delicacies, and other treats. 

Best dressed gazebo winners, credit: Steve Morley

There was fierce but jovial competition for the title of best dressed gazebo, and judges found that selecting a single winner amongst the sea of impeccably decorated gazebos was a tall task indeed. 

Proceedings began with a trumpet fanfare at 1pm and the music continued into the afternoon through renditions of a number of British classics performed by the Alder Valley Brass band. Other entertainers included the Winchester Morris Men, who were celebrating their 70th Jubilee as well as the coronation, and singers Stephanie Bell and Shantyhead – all of whom were well received. 

Stephanie Belle, credit: Steve Morley

A highlight for many visitors was when a personal message from King Charles and Queen Camilla was read to the crowd, reciprocated by event-goers with a rendition of the national anthem. This was followed at 2.40pm when The Coronation Train arrived from Alton and everyone on the train stepped onto the platform to participate in an amplified version of the song. 

The Watercress Line’s interim CEO Rebecca Dalley said: “We are delighted to be celebrating this historic occasion of King Charles III’s Coronation with our volunteers and community. In a year when we are also celebrating the good news of The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in last year’s Platinum Jubilee Honours List, this was truly the cherry on the cake for us.  We are very grateful for the financial support we received from Alresford Town Council and Winchester City Council”.