Public invited to bring Paddington bears as Great St Mary’s in Cambridge holds choral service in commemoration of the Queen

Paddington bears have been invited along with members of the public to a choral service in commemoration of the Queen at Great St Mary’s in Cambridge.

The University of Cambridge church will hold the service at 5pm on Sunday, September 18, a day ahead of the state funeral.

Before the service begins, the Society of Cambridge Youths, founded in 1724 and responsible for bell-ringing at Great St Mary's, will attempt a half-muffled peal of 5,007 changes of Stedman Cinques. It will involve 12 people ringing for approximately three and a half hours - without any breaks or rests.

For the service, both galleries at the church on Senate House Hill will be open to increase the available seating, with doors opening for the service at 4.20pm. It is expected to conclude by 5.45pm.

Guests are asked not to bring backpacks or other large bags, but Paddington bears are welcome in memory of the Queen’s video with the famous character for her Platinum Jubilee, in which they were seen chatting and enjoying marmalade sandwiches at Buckingham Palace.

Sunday’s service will be presided over by the Bishop of Huntingdon, the Rt Revd Dr Dagmar Winters, who will officiate and preach, and among those attending will be Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Julie Spence, the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, Jennifer Crompton, the mayor of Cambridge, Cllr Mark Ashton, the University of Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Prof Stephen J Toope, Chief Constable Nick Dean, Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston and other dignitaries from across the city and county.

Representatives from a number of Cambridge faith communities will attend and an ecumenical gathering of ministers will help lead the prayers.

Dr Benedict Todd will conduct the university church choirs, accompanied by organist Mark Zang.

The service will be livestreamed at youtube.com/greatstmarys and is due to be broadcast on Cambridge 105 radio.

The state funeral on Monday will also be screened at Great St Mary’s and the public are invited to attend.