CROWDS flocked to The Castle on the Beacon on the Lickey Hills tonight for The Vigil For The Queen.
Around 1,000 residents gathered at the landmark to pay tribute to the UK’s longest ever serving monarch.
People laid flowers and signed the books of condolence. Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
Queues to sign two books of condolence on the castle were extensive. The building was decorated with Union Flags and people laid flowers on the monument.
As night fell, candles were lit and Coun Simon Morrall, who worked hard to get the event held, gave a speech where he described Queen Elizabeth II as ‘the mother of the nation and of British values’ and paid tribute to her lifetime of service.
Coun Simon Morrall addressed the crowd. Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
Just before 8pm, Rev Sheri Gidney from the Holy Trinity Church in Lickey said prayers in memory of The Queen, recited one of Her Majesty’s favourite readings from the Bible and a speech from The Monarch about her life.
Then at 8pm, those gathered observed The National Moment of Reflection – a minute’s silence began after The Last Post was played by a lone piper.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
After that, the National Anthem was sang by Charley Thompson and there were three cheers for King Charles III.
Charley said: “It was an honour to sing the National Anthem for this event.
“After all the cancellations from before, it almost seemed more poignant with the funeral tomorrow.
“I’m so happy the turn-out was good.”
And to round off the evening, bagpiper Alex Orchin played on the tower and later at the front of the castle.
The bagpiper Alex Orchin on the tower. Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
Danielle Grieve Carter from Cofton Hackett and Gemma Wilkes from Lickey were among those who came to the event, bringing their children.
Danielle said: “We wanted to pay our respects and enable us and our children to be part of this important moment of history.”
Gemma added: “They have learnt a lot about The Queen this year at school in the run-up to the Platinum Jubilee.
“We also wanted to be here so we could come together with other members of our community.”
Originally it was reported Birmingham City Council, which owns the country park, did not want the event to take place but it had a change of heart and said it could go ahead.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
Coun Morrall praised Birmingham City Council for allowing the event to be held and agreeing to keep the car park open until around 8.30pm to 9pm.
He said: “I’m absolutely overwhelmed that so many people came out to support the event – this has been the greatest privilege of my political career so far.
“The outpouring of love from people has been amazing – this is definitely the best thing I’ve achieved since becoming a councillor.”
