A SPECIAL choral evensong is to be held at Carlisle Cathedral to mark Her Majesty The Queen becoming the nation’s longest-reigning monarch.

Next Wednesday Queen Elizabeth II will beat the record set by her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria, who reigned for 63 years and 216 days.

The Dean of Carlisle, the Very Rev Mark Boyling, said: “It is important that such a remarkable moment in history should be marked with reverence and with thanks to God. Throughout her many years as monarch, Queen Elizabeth II has demonstrated an unswerving Christian faith, a faith played out in all her many duties.

"I am sure that many people across the county will want to thank God for all Her Majesty has done in service to her people. All who wish to join us will be most welcome.”

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Those due to attend the 5.30pm service include the Lord Lieutenant, Claire Hensman, as well as council and city councillors. Members of the public are being asked to arrive by 5.10pm as seating will be allocated on a first come first served basis

Choral Evensong will be sung by the Cathedral’s Youth Choir. The anthem chosen for the service is Sir Hubert Parry’s ‘I was glad’, performed at the Queen’s coronation in 1953. One of the prayers prepared by the Church of England for when Her Majesty becomes the longest-serving monarch will also be used. 

It reads: Almighty God, who hast set our gracious sovereign Queen Elizabeth upon the throne of this realm, and given her to surpass all others in the years of her reign: Receive our heartfelt thanks for her service to her people, confirm and encourage her in the continuance of the same, and keep her in thy heavenly wisdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who took the form of a servant for our sake, and reigneth now in glory with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Prayers will also be said across the Diocese of Carlisle including those at services in the Rainbow Parish of Kirkby Lonsdale, at a 10.30am; Communion at Grasmere Church and at a service of thanksgiving at Kirkby Stephen Parish Church at 7.30pm, both on Wednesday 9 September.