Large crowds gathered in York at lunchtime, in a small break from the showers, for a 21 gun salute to mark the Queen's official birthday. The city was the only place in the north of England to hold such a royal salute which was organised by local dignitaries who wore traditional robes.
A weather forecast of wind and rain didn't put off the hundreds of people who turned out in Museum Gardens in York to witness the 21 gun salute for the Queen's official birthday. The sound of gunfire echoed across the city at exactly 12noon as the guns were fired at 15 second intervals.
John May from the Company of Cordwainers of the City of York organised today's 21 gun salute in honour of the Queen's official birthday. He says it was great to see so many people turn out to pay tribute to Her Majesty, despite the bad weather forecast.
Hundreds of people have turned out in York to watch a 21 gun salute in honour of the Queen's official birthday. The historical companies and guilds of merchants joined forces with the army for the celebration at lunchtime. 21 rounds were fired from three guns at 15 second intervals.
Troops on standby to perform the 21 gun salute in honour of the Queen's official birthday at Museum Gardens in York.
There will be a Royal Salute in York in celebration of the Queen's official birthday. The city is one of twelve saluting stations including London, Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff and is the only one in the North of England.
The salute consists of the firing of twenty-one rounds from three guns at fifteen-second intervals at the Museum Gardens. The light field guns, which were brought into service for Royal Salutes in 2008, have been used in service in the Falklands and latterly in Afghanistan.
The historical companies and guilds of merchants are joining forces with the Army for the celebration - members will wear their traditional robes to see the Army fire the field guns.
The Sovereign's birthday is officially celebrated by the ceremony of the Trooping the Colourin London.