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Death of Queen Elizabeth II: Events across Kent cancelled as county mourns

Organisers have cancelled a number of events in Kent as a mark of respect to the Queen following her death yesterday.

The UK's longest-reigning monarch died peacefully at Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands at the age of 96.

The Queen leaves Buckingham Palace for the State Opening of Parliament in 2009. Picture: Chris Radburn/PA
The Queen leaves Buckingham Palace for the State Opening of Parliament in 2009. Picture: Chris Radburn/PA

The Queen's death has triggered a period of mourning leading up to the first state funeral in England in almost 60 years.

Buckingham Palace said mourning will be observed by members of the royal family, royal household staff and representatives of the royal Household on official duties, together with troops committed to ceremonial duties.

This will be from now until seven days after the Queen's funeral - the date of which is yet to be confirmed.

And following the announcement of her death, events across the county have been cancelled - while some appear to be going ahead as planned.

Here is what we know so far...

Herne Bay Pride

There was due to be a series of events in the town tomorrow for its first Pride celebration.

But the organisers say it has been postponed, and not cancelled. A new date will be confirmed for the event after the period of national mourning has been observed.

"The Herne Bay Pride team is sad to hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," a statement on Facebook said.

"We would like to send our deep condolences to the Royal Family and would like to recognise her contribution over 70 years.

"In light of this, we are - with heavy hearts - postponing Herne Bay Pride.

"We feel it would be disrespectful to go ahead with a Pride celebration at such a time. This does not mean Herne Bay Pride is cancelled, simply postponed."

Canterbury Duck Race

The popular event by the city's Rotary Club, which sees hundreds of toy ducks released into the River Stour for charity, was set to be held on Sunday.

But organisers decided to postpone it for two weeks and will run it at 1pm on Sunday, September 25 instead.

The Queen on duty at the State Opening of Parliament in 2021. Picture: Chris Jackson/PA
The Queen on duty at the State Opening of Parliament in 2021. Picture: Chris Jackson/PA

Canterbury Rotary Club President said: "Whilst we live in very different times from when Elizabeth II became Queen, it was felt that going ahead was the not the right option when we could seek a short postponement.

"The Rotary Club is grateful to Canterbury City Council for promptly agreeing to the postponement and it will now be held on Sunday, September 25 at 1pm."

River Walk Music

The free live music festival was set to be held in Tonbridge today.

A post on Facebook said: "It is with great sadness that we mourn our late Queen we cancel [today's] concert on River Walk.

"We will make further announcements regarding the next year's season in due course."

However, a number of major events are still set to go ahead as planned.

Salute to the 40s at Historic Dockyard

The vintage festival is set to take place in Chatham on Saturday and Sunday.

And the organisers have confirmed the event will be going ahead this weekend.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were married for more than 73 years. Picture: Owen Humphreys/PA
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were married for more than 73 years. Picture: Owen Humphreys/PA

"We would like to inform you that Salute to the ‘40s will continue as planned this weekend," a post on the Historic Dockyard website says.

"As we come together for the festival, we will recognise Princess Elizabeth’s prominent role in the War effort and provide time for reflection.

"This decision was taken in consultation with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport; our Trustees; and the Executive team."

Salt Pork, Ship's Biscuit and Beer

Dover District Council has announced its event has been postponed.

It was part of Heritage Open Days (HODs) and was due to be held tomorrow.

However, a statement by HODs says events will continue from today until Sunday, September 18.

"As England’s largest festival of history and culture, HODs offers people a chance to come together and mark all that is good about their communities," it reads.

"It is a grassroots festival, delivered by thousands of extraordinary individuals and organisations.

"We will support our event organisers to do what feels right for them, whether that is running their events as planned, or cancelling their activities."

Visitors have been encouraged to check its website for the latest information about its events.

Meanwhile, Hops 'n' Harvest Beer Festival at Kent Life in Maidstone and the Detling Antiques and Collectables Fair at the Kent Showground currently seem to be taking place.

The Football Association has announced all fixtures will be postponed from today until Sunday.

Theatres across the country are also opening books of condolences as well as dimming their lights, observing a minute’s silence and playing the national anthem prior to performances as a mark of their respect.

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