Around a thousand people gathered to pay their respects at a vigil for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II yesterday evening (Sunday 18th September).
Local residents of all ages gathered at Beacon Hill in the Lickey Hills Country Park to honour the national silence held on the eve of her funeral.
Hundreds queued to sign a book of condolence on top of “The Castle”, a toposcope built by the Cadbury family.
As darkness fell, the toposcope – draped in Union flags – bathed in a purple glow.
It is said that, while at her Scottish home Balmoral, The Queen liked to have the bagpipes played outside her window on waking in the mornings. A lone piper, Alex Orchin, played as attendees signed a book of condolence and lit candles on the toposcope.
The National Anthem was sung by local singer Charley Thompson and Lickey and Blackwell vicar Revd Sheri Gidney led a prayer.
The event was organised by Cllr Simon Morrall (Frankley Great Park) and community members came together to help and support.
Cllr Morrall said: “I just love this place, it’s my home, we have such truly amazing people, and an amazing community. While some of us may not see eye to eye, there is so much more that unites us. Let us reflect on this as we mourn today the funeral of a truly remarkable woman.
“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.