Stephen Hawking memorial service open to public at Westminster Abbey

Stephen Hawking's memorial service will be open to the public at Westminster Abbey next month.

Up to 1,000 tickets will be available in a ballot for the special service on June 15, during which the award-winning scientist's ashes will be interred between Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin.

Stephen Hawking was considered one of the greatest physicists in the world. Hawking.com

The family said they were grateful for allowing Professor Hawking 'such a distinguished final resting place'.

The Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr John Hall, said the event would celebrate 'not only his remarkable achievements as a scientist, but also his character and endurance through his years living with a devastating illness'.

After the service Westminster Abbey will open its doors to allow the public to pay their respects at Hawking's grave.

It comes after a smaller funeral for Hawking, who was considered one of the world's greatest physicists, was held near his home at the university church, Great St Mary's, in Cambridge, on March 31.

Eddie Redmayne, who played Hawking in the film about his life, The Theory of Everything, spoke at the service alongside several others.

You can apply for tickets for the Westminster Abbey thanksgiving service at stephenhawkinginterment.com.

The ballot closes at midnight on May 15.

News
Diary of a CEO host Steven Bartlett asks evangelist whether he's going to hell
Diary of a CEO host Steven Bartlett asks evangelist whether he's going to hell

Apologist Wes Huff explained what decides who goes to Heaven or Hell to influencer and entrepreneur Steven Bartlett.

Christian charity fears for struggling mums amid funding cuts
Christian charity fears for struggling mums amid funding cuts

Christian charity launches Mother’s Day campaign amid fears funding cuts could leave vulnerable mothers without support.

Liam McArthur accused of 'shameful dodge' during assisted suicide debate
Liam McArthur accused of 'shameful dodge' during assisted suicide debate

McArthur was vague about what doctors should do in the event that assisted suicide drugs do not work.

From despair to deliverance: The Gospel at work in a former drug mule and prisoner
From despair to deliverance: The Gospel at work in a former drug mule and prisoner

Jemimah Wright, deputy editor at Premier’s Woman Alive magazine, speaks to Christian Today about her latest project - an amazing story of redemption in the life of a once-hardened drug mule.