The nation entered a period of national mourning today after it was confirmed the Queen had sadly died, aged 96, with several events cancelled as a result.

The tragic news was confirmed on Thursday evening after members of the royal family travelled to Balmoral, where the Queen was laying in rest.

A statement from Buckingham Palace confirming the news read: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

Queen Elizabeth II - a tribute

"The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."

Due to this situation, many may be wondering what will be closed or what events will be cancelled around this mourning period in Somerset.

Somerset closures and cancellations following the Queen's death

Shops and the economy

Local shops and businesses will not be required to shut their doors during this mourning period.

Many may choose to close or have reduced hours on the day of the Queen's funeral, which reports suggest could be on Monday, September 19.

That day will be a national bank holiday, meaning all banks in Somerset will be shut.

Schools

As per national guidance from the Department for Education, schools “should remain open” during the mourning period.

Somerset schools may have special activities/assemblies arranged to remember the Queen during this time.

Sports teams

Over the weekend of September 9-11 most sport scheduled has been cancelled as a mark of respect.

Therefore all of Somerset's non-league football clubs, such as Yeovil Town and Weston-super-Mare, will not be playing.

Royal Mail and RMT strikes cancelled

The Royal Mail and RMT rail strikes that were set to affect Somerset have now been postponed as they fall within the period of mourning.

Workers for the Royal Mail were set to strike today (Friday, September 9) but have called it off. 

Meanwhile, members of the Royal, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union have suspended strikes that were set to take place on September 15 and 17.