The service is scheduled for 11am, after which her coffin will be taken in a walking procession from the abbey to Wellington Arch, London’s Hyde Park Corner and taken by hearse to Windsor Castle and her last place at St George’s. Chapel. The abbey has a capacity of 2,000 mourners, but unless you are one of the heads of state, prime ministers, presidents, European royalty or key figures in public life who have been specially invited, you will not be able to attend the service in person. Thousands are expected to travel to London, particularly the Mall, to say their last goodbyes during the funeral procession, but outside the capital, hundreds of thousands more are expected to gather to watch the Queen’s funeral in cathedrals, parks and other public places. the UK. More than 20 cathedrals – including Chester, Norwich, Manchester, Guildford and Winchester – are hosting events to promote the service. Large screens will be erected in towns and cities to broadcast the service at locations including Hull Town Hall, Bradford Cathedral, Manchester Exchange Square, Millennium Square in Leeds, Lincoln Cathedral, Ripon Cathedral and the Cornhill in Ipswich. In Birmingham, the ceremony will be shown on a big screen in Centenary Square. Ian Ward, the leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Many people will want to go to London to watch this moment, but getting to the capital will not be easy or cheap. [so] the square will be a local, easily accessible, space where people can reflect.” In Coventry, the council is putting up a display in University Square. This week, he urged people who want to attend to “dress appropriately for the weather and be considerate of others and not bring golf umbrellas if it’s raining to ensure the view isn’t obscured”. Meanwhile, Exeter council is showing the funeral on a big screen in Northernhay Gardens and Exeter City Football Club. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with doors opening at 9am. People are allowed to bring their dogs, but alcohol is prohibited. Several movie theater chains are showing the funeral, but no popcorn will be available. Vue said most of its 91 venues were holding screenings, but retail kiosks would be closed. However, guests will be offered complimentary bottled water during the show. Vue and Curzon both said most of their venues have already reached capacity. The Arc cinema chain announced on Twitter: “This is a free event but pre-booking is essential. There will be no further broadcasts while the funeral is broadcast.” Most pubs are expected to be open and running the service. Stonegate Group, Britain’s biggest pub operator – which runs brands such as Slug & Lettuce and Walkabout – has already confirmed its venues will stage the funeral, as has Fuller Brewery. Wetherspoon’s said most of its pubs would close for the service, only opening at 1pm after the funeral. The exception will be its pubs in train stations and airports and venues in central London.
