Cirencester falls silent during Queen's funeral

Residents from across the town stopped what they were doing as a mark of respect towards our sovereign on this Bank holiday. 

The death of the Queen and coverage of her funeral is expected to top the ranks of the most-watched broadcasts in British television history.

These pictures show a deserted town centre. 

Schools and businesses have closed as a mark of respect, with others providing limited opening hours, as Monday has been declared a bank holiday.

Cirencester Parish Church was one of the venues which showed the State Funeral on a giant 14 foot screen which was supported by Cirencester Town Council grant. 

Their church bells rang out before Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's funeral.

Hundreds of people attended the livestreamed service with families, friends and members of the community all joining together in a magnificent surrounding. 

A poignant atmosphere there were almost 300 attendees with people of all ages singing the national anthem and taking part in the service. 

Daniel Bevan and his partner Emma from Cirencester attended the service and said it was ‘sombre’. 

He said: “We wanted to be somewhere special there rather than being sat on the sofa and watchih and actually feel a part of the historic service. 

“It was a sombre service but it struck the right mood. 

“Coming here you can really join in with everyone in the community.”

John and Chris Stanley from California are on holiday in Cirencester and also attended the screening. 

John said: “The Queen has always been in my life and she’s always been very important to me. 

“We were always amazed by her faith, it’s quite inspirational. 

“The service was wonderful and emotional. I’m glad we were here instead of home to watch it. 

Revd Canon Graham Morris from Cirencester Parish Church said it was ‘impressive’ to see so many different age groups attending the service. 

He said: “It’s humbling to see everyone gathered today.

“It was important to do the screen so that people feel that sense of occasion and be part of it. 

“It was impressive to see the cross section of all ages. 

“The Queen’s mark touched all of us and all lives.

“We may not of known her personally but we have all known her 

“She was the glue that held everything together. 

“It is an absolute privilege to be a vicar at this historic time and to open the doors to the community.” 

Cllr Sabrina Dixon Mayor of Cirencester, said the service was ‘incredibly moving’.

She said: “Queen Elizabeth II has been a continuous figurehead for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth during 70 years of enormous political and social change. 

“It's been an honour to be Mayor at this time and come together with so many people who wish to pay their respects to her over the past 12 days.

“I'm so glad that, with a grant fund from Cirencester Town Council, the funeral could be screened to the community in Cirencester Parish Church. 

“The atmosphere in the church, from the contemplative silences to the belting out of our new national anthem, was incredibly moving.

“I hope her devotion to public service is a legacy that lasts forever.”

Hugo Kennard, director of music at Cirencester Parish Church said: “We thought the community might want to take part in this once in a lifetime experience together. 

“So many people in Cirencester wanted to travel to London but it just wasn’t going to happen.  

“We wanted the community to join together and take part in the service. 

“We’ve never done this before but we will do the same thing for the coronation. 

“It was a real success, I hope the community enjoyed being sort of something together.”