Church of England churches and cathedrals are welcoming thousands of people to events marking the Queen's Platinum Jubilee this weekend. 

From village greens to city centres, churches are holding services and community events to celebrate the historic milestone. 

In Devon two churches are holding exhibitions of wedding dresses from the last 70 years as a way of highlighting the timeless appeal of a church wedding. 

St Mary’s, Kentisbeare and St Thomas of Canterbury, Thorverton, are displaying wedding dresses and flowers as part of their jubilee celebrations.

The festival in Thorverton includes dresses from the last 70 years. Included in the display will be the dress worn by Charli Harlow (pictured) whose marriage to Chris finally happened in the church on 28 August 2021 – after moving the date three times because of Covid.

The team of flower arrangers have also recreated wedding bouquets from each decade of the Queen’s reign. 

Allison Toogood who serves on the Parochial Church Council, attended a recent Church of England’s Life Events conference and felt inspired to do more to promote the church for weddings, baptisms and funerals :. 

“It’s a chance to remember all the lovely village weddings that have happened during the Queen’s reign and remind everyone in the village that the parish church is there for everyone.” 

The Bishop of Exeter, Rt Rev Robert Atwell, said :

"By custom, we call a 70th anniversary a ‘platinum’ anniversary and such a noble designation is certainly worthy of the reign of Her Majesty the Queen. 

“Her constancy in times of pressure and difficulty, as well as in times of joy, has been exemplary. Public service, duty and a devout Christian faith continue to be hallmarks of Queen Elizabeth’s reign. Her trust in Jesus Christ is central to her life.