Proclamation of the new Sovereign to be made in Shropshire

The first reading takes place at the bandstand at The Quarry, Shrewsbury at 1pm followed by a second reading at the bandstand in Southwater, Telford at 3.30pm.

The Proclamation of the new Sovereign will be read by the Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire. It is a tradition dating back centuries to announce the accession, which takes place on the death of the reigning monarch. 

Members of the public are invited to watch the Proclamation events. Those planning to do so are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before the event starts. The Proclamation is expected to take around 15 minutes.

Both Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council are planning to live stream the proclamation via social media channels.

Vince Hunt, Chairman of Shropshire Council, said:

“The proclamation of the new Sovereign is a very old tradition which can be traced back over many centuries.

“The ceremony does not create a new King. It announces the accession which took place immediately on the death of the reigning monarch. Now, when modern communication conveys news around the globe in an instant, the proclamation is no longer the means by which people learn for the first time that they have a new Monarch.

“Sunday, however, is one of the first occasions when communities have an opportunity to come together and reflect on the moment in our nation’s history when the reign of our longest-serving Monarch came to an end and our new Sovereign succeeded.

“I do hope you will join us, whether in person or online.” 

Mayor of Telford and Wrekin, Councillor Raj Mehta, said: “Our sadness at this time is shared by people across the globe as we remember with affection and gratitude the lifetime of service given by our longest serving Monarch.

“This ceremony will mark the formal Proclamation to the people of Telford and Wrekin of the beginning of the new King’s reign and is a tradition that can be traced back over many centuries.”

Councillor Shaun Davies, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, added: “At this sad time, the Proclamation of the new monarch is an important part of royal protocol.

“The Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire will read the formal Proclamation and announce the new King. Residents of the borough are welcome to attend the reading, which will be held at the bandstand in Southwater.”

Car Parking and Road Closures

Shrewsbury town centre car parks at Bridge Street, St Austin’s Street and the Quarry Swimming & Fitness Centre will all close from 6pm on Saturday 10 September until 4pm on Sunday 11 September 2022 to support arrangements for the Proclamation.  

Victoria Avenue and Priory Road will also be closed to through traffic from 8am until 4pm on Sunday. Parking will also be suspended on Victoria Avenue, Priory Road and St Chads Terrace from 6pm on Saturday 10 September until 4pm on Sunday 11 September 2022. 

St Chads Terrace will also be closed to through traffic between approximately 12.25pm and 2pm on Sunday. High Street, which is usually closed during the day over a weekend, will now remain open all day on Sunday to assist access. There will be further minimal local parking restrictions on Castle Street and Lower Claremont Bank as required. 

Anyone travelling into Shrewsbury by car to attend the Proclamation is recommended to use the main car parks at Frankwell, St Julian’s Friars, Abbey Foregate or Raven Meadows Multi-Storey Car Park to access The Quarry. 

Car parking within the Shrewsbury river loop is expected to be very limited, and anyone wanting to attend the Proclamation is encouraged to consider this, travel early and, where possible, walk or cycle to the event.