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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Zahna Eklund

Six ways to swerve Coronation fanfare if you don't care about it - including 'safe' pub

This weekend, thousands of people will be flocking to London to be part of history as they line the streets to watch King Charles' Coronation.

The momentous occasion marks the first time a coronation ceremony has been held in the UK since his late mum, Queen Elizabeth II, was crowned in 1953.

But the Royal Family isn't everyone's cup of tea, and there are plenty of people who are already sick to death of seeing Union flags in every supermarket and bizarre King Charles-themed displays in local shop windows.

So if you're not planning on heading to London or sticking the coverage on your telly, what can you do this weekend to avoid all the Coronation craziness?

Well, if you're stuck for ideas worry not, as we've got five activities right here that are sure to keep you entertained and coronation-free all weekend.

You could get your mates round for a BBQ (stock photo) (Getty Images)

Have a BBQ

It might be a little bit obvious, but if you want to escape all things Coronation, one of the best things you can do is invite your mates round for some drinks and good food in your garden.

There will no doubt be plenty of people throwing BBQs to celebrate the Coronation, but your get-together can be used to celebrate any occasion you want - or even for no reason at all.

Unfortunately, the weather might not be conducive to cooking food outdoors as there is rain forecast for many areas of the UK on Saturday, while Sunday is also set to be wet, despite temperatures on both days climbing to highs of 19C in London.

But if your BBQ does suffer due to the unpredictable British weather, you can always move your party inside - just don't turn on your TV.

You could also head to the anti-Coronation pub (stock photo) (Getty Images)

Go to a sports event

It might seem like life in the UK is screeching to a halt for Coronation weekend, but that's not actually the case, and many sports events are continuing as normal.

Saturday sees a range of cricket matches as the County Championship continues, while there's also a whole host of football matches are also still scheduled - including Bournemouth at home to Chelsea, Manchester City facing Leeds United, and Liverpool playing at home to Brentford.

There are also football matches scheduled in the Scottish Premier League, as well as Rugby Union events, and other sports such as netball and horse racing.

Meanwhile, Sunday sees even more cricket and football - as Bristol Rovers take on Bolton Wanderers and Portsmouth face Wycombe Wanderers in the EFL League One - as well as more netball and the addition of some basketball games.

Getting together with mates for a drink is a great Bank Holiday weekend idea (stock photo) (Getty Images)

Visit the 'anti-Coronation' pub

Heading to the pub on the weekend is something of a tradition for many Brits, but if you're trying to escape the Coronation, your local might be a no-go, especially if they're insisting on having the coverage on the telly.

But worry not, as there's still at least one watering hole you can visit this weekend - the Dog and Partridge in Sheffield.

The Irish boozer is holding a get-together for those who "aren't interested in the whole palaver", and has set up an "anti-Coronation safe space" that will see them fundraise for charities.

Landlord Conor Smith told the Mirror: "We've been feeling a bit uncomfortable with the whole thing for a while. It's just to do with the economy and the financial side of it.

"I just feel like it's a bit of a slap in the face for the taxpayers really, to have to have to foot the bill for this extravagant party when the King is one of the wealthiest people on the planet, and there are people in the country that can't afford to eat."

You can read our whole story on the anti-Coronation pub here.

You could use this weekend to plan your Eurovision outfit (AFP via Getty Images)

Plan your Eurovision outfit

If all the royal pomp isn't your cup of tea, then why not think ahead to next weekend instead, when another huge event will be taking place on our shores - the Eurovision Song Contest.

The contest starts on Tuesday with the semi-finals before the music extravaganza comes to a close with the final on Saturday, May 13, and will be held this year in Liverpool.

If you're planning to head to the event, or you're throwing a Eurovision watch party with your mates, why not spend this weekend planning your over-the-top outfit? It's sure to take your mind off of all things royal, and it's a great excuse to put on a Eurovision playlist to get you in the mood.

Volunteer for charity

You could also use your time this weekend to give something back to a cause close to your heart by volunteering at a local charity. Whether you spend time at a food bank or join a litter-picking group to help clean up your streets, you'll be making a difference to the lives of those around you.

As part of the Coronation, Scouts and the Royal Voluntary Service have organised an event called The Big Help Out which encourages people to take part in a day of volunteering on May 8, which is the Bank Holiday Monday after the Coronation.

However, if you're not planning on getting involved in the Coronation celebrations, why not get ahead of the curve and spend Saturday or Sunday helping out your local community too?

Throw a birthday party for Prince Archie

OK, this one is a little tongue-in-cheek - but any excuse for a party, right?

King Charles' Coronation happens to fall on Prince Archie's fourth birthday, and with his dad, Prince Harry, expected to travel to the UK to be at the Coronation, Archie will have to celebrate his birthday with just his mum, Meghan Markle, and his little sister, Princess Lilibet, who are staying in the US this weekend.

If you're not keen on the Coronation, why not get your mates together to throw the young prince a birthday party? Sure, it's still royal-themed, but at least it stops you from watching the coverage on TV.

There's plenty of Union Flag merchandise in shops that you can use to decorate for the occasion, and you can use his birthday as an excuse to buy a cake and have a party without having to celebrate the Coronation itself.

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