Licence fee suspended

THE BBC will suspend the licence fee during the coronation so the ceremony can be screened in village halls across the country.

Venues will be allowed to screen both the Coronation itself on May 6 and the Coronation concert on May 7 without purchasing a TV licence, which costs £159 annually. The public should be able to watch for free and bring their own food and drink.

Coverage will be screened in community spaces, such as churches and town halls, as well as outdoor venues and commercial premises such as concert halls and cinemas.