The annual Last Night of the Proms event in Exmouth – one of the biggest events organised by by Exmouth Rotary – was allowed to go ahead despite news of the death of The Queen breaking as the audience was taking it’s seats. 

The news came on Thursday, September 8, as 350 people were waiting to be seated at Exmouth Pavilion but according to the Rotary Club, management at the venue alowed the event to continue under certain conditions including that there was no singing to the National anthem. 

The president of the club said a few words in tribute to The Queen and there was a minutes silence observed.  

A spokesman for the Rotary Club said the management felt that as the event had become a concert of tributes and remembrance, it could proceed. 

The spokesman added: “The music by SW Comms was very much a tribute to our Queen’s 70 years celebration and patriotic Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory in tribute and celebration of our Queen's service and reign and to our future Monarch.  

The programme took place and included the hymn I Vow to Thee My Country – a song played at many past funeral services of past monarchs. 

The Rotary spokesman told The Journal the hymn was a wonderful tribute’ to The Queen and was read with ‘dignity and passion’. 

The spokesman added: “The audience applauded with great emotion and so right for that occasion.  It was said as a lady was leaving she was so happy to be amongst so many friends when that very sad news was announced.   

“We all echo this sentiment. God Save The King.”