BRADFORDIANS bid their final goodbye to Her Majesty The Queen with a moving screening of her funeral at the city's cathedral.
Bradford was one of the cathedrals around the country to show the Queen's funeral on a large screen today.
The Stott Hill venue attracted mourners of all generations who came together to witness the service, broadcast live from Westminster Abbey.
A respectful silence was kept throughout by mourners at the venue, only broken to sing the service’s selection of hymns and the National Anthem.
Before the funeral service, visitors were welcomed to offer prayers and light a candle in remembrance.
A two-minute silence was also impeccably observed inside the cathedral during the service.
Mourners were invited to sign the cathedral's book of condolence. Printed copies of the order of service were distributed to those at the cathedral.
People left bouquets of flowers in a corner of the cathedral which also featured a photograph of Her Majesty.
Residents who attended the events at Bradford Cathedral to mark Her Majesty's funeral said they were moved by the service.
Elizabeth Fisher and Michelle Andrews, Brownie leader of the first Bingley Brownies, watched the live streaming of the service in their uniforms.
Elizabeth, of Saltaire, said: “It was a beautiful service. It was quite emotional and a really lovely way to get back together with everyone in London.
“We promised to serve the Queen. It feels like a really important occasion.”
Banita Lal, who watched the service in the cathedral, has recently moved to Bradford from Luton and says it was good to share in such a community event.
She said: “It was so moving. I’m very thankful to the cathedral for organising so many events since the Queen died.
“It was so nice to not watch it at home, but to come here generated a nice feel of community. It was a beautiful, fantastic service.
“Without a doubt, we have lost a massive part of our identity.”
The Very Reverend Andy Bowerman, the Dean of Bradford, said: “The Queen has been a constant for 70 years.
“It’s great to have so many people of all ages and backgrounds to spend some time here. It was a beautiful service. She was a part of all of our lives.
“I have been a little bit surprised that the book of condolence at the cathedral has grown in the past 10 days.
People who attended the cathedral’s screening gave their reasons for leaving their homes to watch it before the funeral started.
Simon Woodvine, of Haworth, signed the cathedral’s book of condolence, before the service began.
He attended the cathedral service proudly wearing his MBE on his jacket which was given to him by the new King Charles III in 2013 at Buckingham Palace in recognition of his charity work.
Mr Woodvine said: “I have come today to show my respects for the royal family and the Queen. Her death has affected me quite badly.
“It’s since a sad time for the whole family. Receiving my MBE was such a lovely occasion. It was such a fantastic day and all the splendour of Buckingham Palace.
“It’s my first time today at Bradford Cathedral. It’s such a beautiful venue.”
Debbie Birkhead, of Eccleshill, lay purple flowers inside the cathedral, attending the morning service with her grandchildren, daughter, her daughter’s partner.
Crying as she talked, Debbie said: “I just wanted to thank God that he gave us a Queen for so long. “The last two weeks has been mixed emotions for me.
“Something might come on TV about her that triggers emotions. I’ve hoped her death is just a dream that we’d wake up from. It feels surreal because she’s always been there. That’s all I’ve known.”
Mike and Jade Holinski, of Baildon, said they attended the screening to be part of a community for the historic event, rather than watch it at home.
Mike said: “We’ve come down here as it’s better than sitting watching it in our front room. It’s our way to pay our respects.
“We contemplated going to London. Being here means it feels like we are coming to a funeral. We feel more part of it. It feels surreal.
“We will never experience anything like this again in my lifetime.”
Barbara Macbeth, of Rodley, opted to come to Bradford Cathedral to watch the funeral rather than go to Leeds.
She said: “I didn’t want to watch the funeral on my own at home on TV. I would rather be with people. The cathedral is a great setting for it.”
Surji Cair, of Shipley, said: “The cathedral is beautiful. I would have liked to have gone to London to pay my respects too.”
The screening followed a Civic Commemoration and Thanksgiving for the Life of Her late Majesty which was also held at Bradford Cathedral on Sunday night.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here