Big screens are being put in place in Manchester city centre to enable members of the public who wish to join others in watching the state funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to do so.
Up to 10,000 members of the public will be able to view live TV coverage of the proceedings from 9 am onwards at three different locations in the city centre:
Cathedral Gardens (outside)
Exchange Square (outside)
Manchester Cathedral (inside)
Each site is open to the public without the need for a ticket, on a first-come first-served basis.
Entry into the three viewing areas will be from 9am, with fully subtitled TV coverage to be shown on the big screens from then until approximately 5 pm.
All three sites offer level access for people who use wheelchairs or with other mobility requirements. Manchester Cathedral will be offering a fully seated arrangement for people wishing to watch the proceedings from there, and there is fixed bench seating already in place in Exchange Square. There will also be an accessible viewing area in Cathedral Gardens for anyone who needs it.
Members of the public who are planning to be in either Cathedral Gardens or Exchange Square for the full day are encouraged to bring camping chairs with them.
People heading to the screenings at Cathedral Gardens and Exchange Square are also encouraged to bring their own refreshments with them as although there may be some cafes and shops open nearby this can't be guaranteed. Note however that no alcohol is allowed, and no glass drinking bottles. Manchester Cathedral has requested that water only is taken into the cathedral.
Bag searches will be in operation on entry to the three sites and people are asked not to bring bags larger than a ruck-sack with them to assist with this.
People will be able to move in and out of the big screen areas throughout the day - however access to each location will be limited when they reach capacity.
The public toilets in the Arndale Centre will be available throughout the day and additional toilet facilities are being put in place in Cathedral Gardens.
Both the Red Cross and St John's Ambulance will be on site at each location to provide welfare and emotional support to anyone who needs it.
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This Monday will be an historic occasion as Queen Elizabeth II is honoured with a state funeral.
“We recognise that many people will take comfort in gathering together to share the moment as they pay tribute to the late Queen and reflect on her long and momentous reign. We are pleased to be able to support this communal remembrance through a public screening of the event."
The Metrolink service will be suspended in Exchange Square for the State Funeral.