Blackpool was filled with love on Saturday morning as hundreds of people came out to pay tribute to the life of.
The Irish singer and television star died from double pneumonia on January 15 at the age of 65 after a lengthy cancer battle. The star’s nearest and dearest gathered at St. Paul’s Church in Blackpool, where Linda married her husband Brian Hudson in 1981.
It’s fair to say the small venue struggled to find room for everyone who turned up, with fans forced to line the streets and stream the service online.
Linda’s surviving sisters arrived all dressed in black, looking emotional as some fans reached out to hug them as they headed into the church. It was a touching moment, and almost silent, as they supported each other through knowing looks of sadness.
Other famous faces that joined the congregation included Paul Elliott – better known as one half of the Chuckle brothers – Shayne Richie and Charlotte Dawson.
:
I attended Linda Nolan’s emotional funeral in Blackpool (Image: Getty Images)
One thing became crystal clear – the enormous procession showed how much Linda was loved and appreciated. It included the hearse, with a number of floral tributes, a car full of flowers and messages, a family car, and four black limos.
As Linda’s pink, glittery coffin was carried to the church by pallbearers, the congregation erupted into applause. Some soft sobs could be heard amongst the crowds, as birds flew over head in a very sombre moment.
But the burst of colour reminded the congregation of how Linda wanted to be remembered – vibrant and full of life. Hundreds of fans came to pay their respects, as they lined the route of the procession.
Floral tributes were left with poignant messages, one of which read: “You brought joy, happiness and laughter to all that met you. You’ll be deeply missed by everyone. Never forgotten.”
One mourner described the day as: “Heartbreaking” and shared that they had travelled from Glasgow to be there. Another didn’t get into the quickly filled up church but sobbed softly as she watched the live stream on her phone.
Don’t miss… [EXPLAINED] [REACTION]
Fans lined the streets to pay tribute to the Nolan family and the late singer (Image: Stephen Lock / i-Images)
After the church service, there was a private cremation at a nearby crematorium, for close family and friends only. It seems that Linda touched everyone that she made contact with over the years, leaving a positive impact on the world.
From her nearest and dearest to fans from around the world, the funeral made it clear that she would leave many happy memories for years to come.
Despite the funeral taking place on a chilly winter morning, the sun still shone through the clouds – bringing some light to dark times for Linda’s loved ones as they remembered her fondly.