THE city of Southend will come together in honour of The Queen one final time and host a minute’s silence ahead of her funeral.

A special commemorative event will be held at Victoria Plaza at the top of High Street on Sunday evening to coincide with the national moment of reflection.

Prays, music and speeches will also form part of the ceremony, which gets under way from 7.30pm.

It will end with the national anthem, God Save the King.

People across the UK are being urged to take part in the minute silence in honour of Her Majesty, who be laid to rest during a state funeral the following day.

Residents and officials in Southend admit it is important for the city to hold a commemorative event as the curtains come down on the end of an era.

Verina Weaver, 66, of Walters Close, Eastwood, is among those who will be attending on Sunday.

READ MORE >>>

She has always felt a close bond with Her Majesty as her 21st birthday fell on the day of The Queen’s Silver Jubilee on June 7, 1977.

She said: “I am sure it will be poignant and we will be there on Sunday.

“I think it’s really good Southend’s got behind this and it makes us part of what’s going on nationally.

“I think it’s important we do this and do to it as part of the national event and show everyone’s thoughts will on the same thing at that time.

“I think it’s massive for Southend, I am delighted we are doing this.”

Southend Mayor Kevin Robinson, who hosted the city’s proclamation ceremony for King Charles III earlier this week, will be in charge of Sunday’s event.

He said: “The Queen was sure in her faith and steadfast in her duty, bringing constancy through 70 years of change.

“We will remember Her Majesty with affection and gratitude and silently give thanks in our hearts for her unswerving devotion to us and to our country.

“I’m sure she would be pleased to know that our communities are gathering to support one another during this time of grief and taking a moment to remember our late monarch, before we look forward to the reign of our new king, His Majesty King Charles III.”