‘Historic event’: Hackney Council offering £750 grants to help residents celebrate coronation of King Charles

King Charles, pictured in 2012 when he was Prince of Wales. Photograph: Wikicommons

Communities planning to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III could get a grant towards their event.

Hackney Council is offering groups grants of up to £750 to hold a Coronation Big Lunch.

The new king will be sworn in on Saturday 6 May, with a one-off bank holiday on Monday 8 May.

There will be Big Lunch events across the country, following similar ones that marked the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Cllr Clayeon McKenzie, Hackney’s cabinet member for housing services and resident participation, encouraged people to get involved.

He said: “The coronation of King Charles III is yet another historic event which I am sure will bring communities and people of all ages together again in colour and style to enjoy the celebrations.”

The grants could help cover food costs, even if Coronation Chicken, created for Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation in June 1953, is off the menu. It could also help pay for equipment such as face paint.

Applicants have to live in Hackney council homes and need to get their applications in by Monday 3 April.

They also have to do a risk assessment and have a safeguarding policy.

The housing services resident participation team can also help people plan their parties and find suppliers for their Big Lunch. They can be contacted by phone on 020 8356 7845 or by email at getinvolved@hackney.gov.uk.

Last year, the council had a record number of applications for funding up to £500. Events included a dance workshop at Trowbridge Seniors’ Club, music and bouncy castles at Wenlock Barn, and a dog show at Albion Drive.

Residents planning street parties are also advised to get planning now as they need to get their applications in at least four weeks beforehand. Application forms are available on the council’s website. Residents should send them to suresh.prajapati@hackney.gov.uk.

The council said: “There is usually no problem in obtaining permission to close quiet residential streets.”

It is unlikely to allow major routes, bus routes, or one-way streets to close if this would cause “too much disruption” to surrounding traffic or emergency vehicles.

There is a limit of 200 guests for street parties and they must have links to the area. Alcohol cannot be sold and formal entertainment is banned.

Other rules outlaw selling tickets, food or merchandise, and setting up temporary structures such as stages or marquees.