The Queen was treated to a medley of Queen’s hits performed by the Manchester Lesbian and Gay Chorus during a visit to the city’s cathedral.

After touring the set of Coronation Street and meeting the soap’s stars, the Queen later chatted to community groups and clergy when she visited the place of worship.

The head of state’s visit marked the 600th anniversary of the Collegiate Church of Manchester, which became a cathedral in 1847.

Rogers Govender, Dean of Manchester Cathedral, said: “She was here to mark the occasion with us and given the Covid restrictions she was unable to come into the cathedral so we had the event outside.

“It’s a huge honour that in the midst of all the Covid challenges and her busy schedule that she managed to find time and celebrate with us.”

The Queen also met a number of community groups and charity volunteers from Manchester and across the North West to hear how they have supported those affected by the pandemic.

Manchester Lesbian and Gay Chorus sang songs by gay artists or those popular with the LGBTQ+ community, from George Michael’s Freedom to Kylie Minogue’s dance hit Can’t Get You Out Of My Head.

The chorus was reduced from around 80 members to 15 due to Covid restrictions but musical director Daniel McDwyer said: “The Queen said the singing was absolutely wonderful outside – she made that comment to a couple of guests.

“I explained to her we hadn’t been able to sing together for about two years because of the pandemic so that was our first time properly singing together.”