The government has said that events can continue following
the death of the Queen.
Government guidance says that there is no obligation on
organisations to suspend business during the National Mourning period.
It acknowledges that depending on their nature and tone,
some businesses may wish to consider closing or postponing events, especially
on the day of the State Funeral, but that this is at the discretion of
individual businesses.
The guidance says: “There is no obligation to cancel or
postpone events and sporting fixtures, or close entertainment venues during the
National Mourning period. This is at the discretion of individual organisations.
“As a mark of respect, organisations might wish to consider
cancelling or postponing events or closing venues on the day of the State
Funeral. They are under no obligation to do so and this is entirely at the
discretion of individual organisations.”
The Queen’s funeral is expected to take place 10 days after
her death, but this is yet to be confirmed.
The guidance adds: “If sporting fixtures or events are
planned for the day of the State Funeral, organisations may want to adjust the
event timings so they do not clash with the timings of the funeral service and
associated processions.
“As a mark of respect, and in keeping with the tone of
National Mourning, organisers may wish to hold a period of silence and/or play
the National Anthem at the start of events or sporting fixtures, and players
may wish to wear black armbands.”
The guidance can be found here.
