The late queen in 2007 (photo: NASA via Wikimedia Commons).

HBC makes arrangements to show the queen’s funeral

Hastings Borough Council has released details of its arrangements to show the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on Monday, when the town’s book of condolence will also be available for signing.

The state funeral of Her Majesty The Queen on Monday 19 September will be shown on a big screen in Alexandra Park on the top lawn (nearest entrance is in Dordrecht Way).

Hastings Borough Council is organising the event in partnership with Love Hastings, the Business Improvement District for Hastings, who are paying for the screen.

The screen will be set up in the park near the bandstand. There will be no seating provided, so anyone wishing to come along and watch the service should be prepared to stand for the duration or bring a chair or rug, or to sit on the ground.

Please also dress for the weather as the event will be outdoors and uncovered. Anyone who needs assistance should make themselves known on arrival at the event, there will be support and facilities available.

Toilet facilities in the park will be open and nearby, and the Eat@café which operates from close to the bandstand will be open and serving refreshments. There will be stewards to help on the day, thanks to Hastings Borough Bonfire Society for providing these.

Condolence book

The screen will be turned on at 10am, an hour before the start of the funeral and turned off at the end of the service. The condolence book will also be available if anyone wishes to sign on the day.

The condolence book will be at the Seafood and Wine festival on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September for attendees to sign. Anyone who wishes to leave a floral tribute is asked to remove the plastic and lay these at the war memorial in Alexandra Park.

In additional to the funeral screening, at 8pm on Sunday 18 September there will be a National Minute of Silence for Reflection. This will be held outside Hastings Town Hall, in Queens Road. The Mayor of Hastings, Cllr James Bacon, and Deputy Mayor of Hastings, Cllr Margi O’Callaghan, will be attending.

The Mayor will read a short piece before the silence, followed by the national anthem. Residents can attend the short ceremony or mark it at home by standing on their doorstep at 8pm or simply pausing what they are doing.

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