Since the news was announced, Lichfield Cathedral has opened its doors as a space to reflect, pray, light a candle and write in the condolence book. Saturday 10 September saw record numbers, including many children leaving their drawings to remember the Queen. This coming weekend Lichfield Cathedral has some special services and events to help people mark the occasion:

Sunday 18 September, alongside the usual services, there will be a Service of Commemoration at 15:30 to which everyone is invited. Doors will open at 14:45. 

The Very Revd Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield said: “Lichfield Cathedral wants to welcome everyone, and to offer a space to reflect upon and remember the remarkable life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Lichfield Cathedral will be part of the national act of thanksgiving and commemoration taking place in cathedrals, churches and places of worship throughout the UK.” 

To mark the national 1-minute silence on Sunday 18 September at 20:00, everyone is invited to meet outside Lichfield Cathedral where the silence will be observed as three beams of light are projected into the night sky – an art installation ‘Light of Hope’ by Peter Walker Sculptor. At the end of the silence a bell will toll 96 times and all will be able to join a time of reflection, known as a vigil. 

The Dean of Lichfield continues: “We felt it important to give people a chance to reflect in a unique way by standing with the nation in silence. It also reflects the light of faith that was Queen Elizabeth’s strength and inspiration.” 

On Monday 19 September, the day of the Queen’s state funeral, Lichfield Cathedral will be joining with others to watch the service live streamed from Westminster Abbey. The Cathedral would like to invite anyone who would wish to watch the service in Lichfield Cathedral to come along, where it will be screened from 11am. 

The Dean concludes: “This is an historic day, as we watch the funeral of the longest reigning monarch in British history, but it is also a deeply poignant moment as we say goodbye to the Queen. We pray that Lichfield Cathedral might be of service to its community during this time of mourning and that we can offer stability and hope for the future.” 

“We, as a Cathedral team, would like to thank Lichfield District Council for their support. The Council has generously provided resource for the production of orders of service, and the necessary technology to screen the funeral in the Cathedral.”

To find opening times, service times and other details visit Lichfield Cathedral’s website right here.  

Photo credit Peter Walker