A number of events will be held in Manchester this weekend honouring the life of Queen Elizabeth before culminating in the state funeral on Monday. A photo and video exhibition celebrating Britain's longest serving monarch will be held at Central Library from Friday.
A Service of Thanksgiving, open to the public, is being held at Manchester Cathedral from 2.30pm on Sunday. And at 8pm that day a firework will be set off from Central Library to mark a one minute silence.
The Lord Mayor and others will mark the 'National Moment of Reflection' in St Ann's Square, which will be introduced by the Bishop of Manchester. The Mayor, other dignitaries and faith leaders will also be in attendance.
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On Monday big screens in Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Square and inside Manchester cathedral will show coverage of the funeral from 9am. Mourners do not need to book tickets. A national two minute silence will be observed following the ceremony.
The library, the Tower of Light and Manchester Cathedral will all also be lit purple to mark the day. Metrolink will be suspended in Exchange Square during the funeral.
The books of condolence in Central Library – and the online book on the website – will remain open until 8pm on Tuesday.
Manchester council leader Bev Craig said: "This Monday will be an historic occasion as Queen Elizabeth II is honoured with a state funeral. We recognise that many people will take comfort in gathering together to share the moment as they pay tribute to the late Queen and reflect on her long and momentous reign.
"We are pleased to be able to support this communal remembrance through a public screening of the event. As this is a Bank Holiday, people should be aware that many council services will be closed as a mark of respect. However, as is always the case we will be maintaining essential services."
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