Minster service to remember Her Majesty The Queen

The Choral Evensong and Service of Thanksgiving for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will take place on Sunday 18 September at 4.30pm.

The Mayor will join the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear and other civic guests, and members of the public are welcome to attend to pay their respects.

Minster Priest, Revd Dr Andrew C Dowsett, said: "Her Majesty The Queen touched the hearts of so many people in Sunderland during her 70-year reign and I would like to invite the city's residents to come along and give thanks for her incredible life at this service on Sunday afternoon. This is an opportunity for the people of Sunderland to come along and pay their respects during the service, and afterwards for private prayer."

The Minster will remain open until 7pm for private prayer and reflection, and for opportunity to write in the book of condolence, ahead of a National Moment of Reflection scheduled to take place at 8pm.

Anyone who wishes to lay flowers is welcome to bring floral tributes to the bandstand at Mowbray Park. Flowers will remain in place until Tuesday 20 September.

Please note this is for flowers only. Flowers will be checked daily and any that are wilting or dead will be removed.

Residents can also pay personal tributes by signing one of the books of condolence that have been opened at City Hall, Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, Washington Town Centre Library, The Hetton Centre and Houghton Library and Sunderland Minster.

They are available for people to sign during each venue's standard opening hours (closed bank holiday) until 5pm on Tuesday 20 September.

People can also pay their respects on the online book of condolence at www.royal.gov.uk 

The Bridges car park is open until 11:30pm for anyone who wishes to attend the service at the Minster.