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Sophie Doughty

'She would have been proud': Newcastle comes together to say goodbye as Queen's funeral shown on big screen

Hundreds flocked to Newcastle's Old Eldon Square to watch the Queen's Funeral on the big screen.

While the eyes of the world were on events in London, Tynesiders of all ages chose to leave their homes so they could share the once in a lifetime occasion with others in the city centre.

Newcastle City Council confirmed last week that it had teamed up with NE1 to arrange the screening.

Read more: How it felt to watch mourners pass the Queen's coffin as she lies in state

Members of the crowds who came out to pay their respects said they were grateful to have the opportunity to watch the state funeral with other mourners, without having to travel to London.

And after seeing people of all ages and races come together for the occasion, one spectator said Newcastle had done Her Majesty proud.

Sabrina Lyall, 38, from Whitley Bay, said: "I think she would have been proud to see this, especially seeing how diverse the people were. There were people of all ages, races and religions paying their respects."

And Andrew Clarence, 47, also from Whitley Bay, added: "There was a real feeling of respect from everyone. It was really special."

The big screen and deckchairs that had been used for the Screen on the Green this summer were once again set up for the funeral.

The Queen's funeral on the big screen (Newcastle Chronicle)

By 10.30am all the seats were full, but this did not deter others who chose to either sit on grass nearby or stand to watch the events.

There was a peaceful atmosphere in the usually bustling Old Eldon Square.

Many brought their children to witness the moment in history.

Michael Farmer with his son Thomas (Newcastle Chronicle)

Michael Farmer, 60, from Seaham came to the square with his son Thomas, six.

Michael said: “We grew up with the Queen so I just wanted to pay respect. I don’t have a television at home so this is great.

“It’s not too sad an event, because she lived a good life. It’s sombre here but it’s not tragic. It’s like a celebration of her life.”

Dozens turned out to the Old Eldon Square screening (Newcastle Chronicle)

Eric Cooke, 64, from Seaton Delaval, said he wanted to share the event with others.

“I would have watched it at home, it’s obviously a big public event so I just wanted to share it with other people. It’s good to have something going on in Newcastle," he said.

Malcolm Risely, 63, from Tynemouth added: ”I wanted to be around other people. It’s nice that people can share this. It will be interesting to see what the atmosphere is like in Newcastle. It’s nice to be part of the community.”

People watch the Queen's funeral in silence (Newcastle Chronicle)

While, Kathleen Lunn, from Wallsend, said she was grateful she did not have to watch the funeral alone.

The 82-year-old, said: "I have just come here to get out. It’s lovely to watch it with other people because I live on my own.
“It’s nice to be among all these people.

“It’s such a shame for her. She was lovely, you couldn’t fault her at all. It’s lovely to see what she meant to Newcastle.”

Screening of the Queen's funeral at Old Eldon Square (Newcastle Chronicle)

Old Eldon Square fell virtually silent when the first image of the Queen's coffin appeared on screen.

The crowds then stood quietly as the service at Westminster Abbey got under way.

Many couples stood hand in hand or with arms around one another as they watched.

Hayley Warnes from Ashington (NCJ Media)

And even the young children playing near their parents did so quietly. As the national anthem played at the end of the service most of those sitting got on their feet.

The two minutes' silence was observed impeccably, despite a flock of pigeons taking flight above people's heads at the same time.

Student, Hayley Warnes, from Ashington, said it had been an emotional event to be part of.

The 26-year-old explained: "It was just really moving seeing everyone come together and celebrate this person that a lot of us have grown-up with. I wanted to watch it among other people who feel the same way about the Royal Family.

"It was a really nice atmosphere. Everyone was coming together for a moment in history."

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