Learn where the Saxon Kings were crowned and criminals were hanged in Kingston with the annual May Merrie this bank holiday Monday.

Surrey Comet:

The festival explores the history of the ancient market place and this year’s theme is ‘Crowning Kingston’ – celebrating the boroughs unique royal heritage.

There will be street performances, workshops and re-enactments across Kingston town centre and the market place to mark the event.

Programme of events:

Castle Street:

From 8am: Decoration of trees and street

11am to 4pm: Guerrilla knitting workshops with Charlene Sandy

Clarence Street:

From 8am: Decoration of trees, street and benches

12pm and 3pm: Morris Dancing

There will be theatrical performances throughout the day in Clarence and Castle Street

Bentall Centre:

12pm: Kingston Youth Concert Band

4.30pm to 5pm: Alfresco Trad Jazz

Eden Walk Shopping Centre:

11am to 4pm: caricature artist, face painting, balloon modelling, gold living statues, King costumed character walkabout 

12pm to 12.45pm, 1.15 to 2pm and 2.30 to 3.15pm: Soul Beat performance

Market Square:

11am to 5pm: DJ

11am to 5pm: Scouts tom bola

11am to 5pm: Craft stalls

12pm, 1pm and 3pm: Tour guides depart

12 to 4pm: Hairdressing of public

12pm to 5pm: Face painting

1pm: Mayor Cake Cutting

1.30pm to 2.15pm: Youth Big Band

2pm: Historical talk by author of “Secret Kingston” in Market House

2.25pm: Morris Dancing - after the mock coronation

3.15pm: Frozen

3.45pm: Procession departs

4.15 to 5pm: Noah Sings Jazz Musical performances throughout the day

Rose Theatre

12pm to 3pm: Crown-making and banner making workshops

All Saints Church

10am to 4pm: Family trail

10am to 4pm: Heritage gallery

11am to 3pm: Selfie photo booth

11am to 3pm: Stained glass window workshops

11am to 3pm: Medieval tile decorating workshops

12pm and 2.15pm: Mock- coronations