A COMMUNITY stalwart from Bradford has revealed what it was like to be part of the congregation inside Westminster Abbey at the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Humayun Islam, founder of the Bangla Bantams Bradford City supporters’ group, took his seat among the more than 2,000 people who were invited to witness the historic occasion first hand.
He was sat alongside heads of state, overseas Government representatives, Government ministers, First Ministers, former Prime Ministers, foreign royals and members of the Royal Family.
Mr Islam, who is also the BEAP Community Partnership chief executive, based in Manningham, says he queued up from 6.30am today (Saturday, May 6) outside Westminster Abbey so he could take his seat inside.
He said: “The whole experience was amazing. It’s been unbelievable.
Witnessing a truly breathtaking & historic day at The Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles lll @ Queen Camilla @RoyalFamily #Coronation #Bradford pic.twitter.com/8zfYW8yzwL
— Humayun Islam BEM BCAc (@HumayunislamBFD) May 6, 2023
“To be able to witness such a global occasion was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“It has just been fantastic to be part of the whole event.
“I was queuing up outside from 6.30am today. It was really well organised. It was just amazing.
“It was hard to put into words how in awe we were, of the King, you could see his emotion and how much it meant to him.
“I don’t think I will ever see this again. It is good for my family and good for my children, that I got to be part of a truly historic event. It was a pinch yourself experience.
“I was taken upstairs and I got to sit with House of Lords members. They were really welcoming.
“I was nervous before as I didn’t know what to expect. I was excited too.
“I wore my medals. I took some pictures outside.
“It was an incredible feeling to represent the Bradford district.”
During the service Mr Islam also proudly wore his British Citizen Award (BCA).
In January this year, he was honoured with a British Citizen Award (BCA) in recognition of his community work in Bradford.
The BCA recognises exceptional individuals who positively impact their communities throughout the country.
Mr Islam helped build the £1.3 million Midland Road Sports Complex, attached to the existing BEAP Community Partnership building on Cornwall Road, which includes new facilities for the community in Manningham and beyond, such as five-a-side football pitches.
The site, next door to the Bantams’ Valley Parade home, was officially opened by club manager Mark Hughes in July 2022.
He set up the Bangla Bantams in 2015 which has helped to encourage more South Asian fans to attend Bantams home matches.
Bradford-born magician Dynamo, real name Steven Frayne, was also among the congregation for the coronation after being invited through his links with the Prince’s Trust charity.
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