Thousands are set to line Manchester’s streets today to commemorate the life of Sir Bobby Charlton CBE ahead of his funeral at Manchester Cathedral.
Manchester United have invited fans of the legendary football player to pay their respects along the route to be taken by the funeral cortege, which will travel from Old Trafford to Manchester Cathedral, setting off after 1pm.
Once at the cathedral around 2pm a private ceremony will be held – with around a thousand guests set to attend.
The club have stated that the service will not be broadcast in any form.
Mancunian Matters will provide comprehensive coverage throughout the day.
Those intending to pay their respects at Old Trafford are advised to use the ground’s E2 car park and arrive at the East Stand forecourt from 1pm onwards.
The funeral procession is then expected to pass before the Trinity Statue – which depicts Sir Bobby alongside fellow United legends George Best and Denis Law – at 1:30pm.
Following the A56 towards the cathedral, the funeral cortege will then proceed along Chapel Street and across Victoria Bridge.
The funeral itself will be led by Canon Nigel Ashworth at Manchester Cathedral after 2pm and will include eulogies by family members and Manchester United.
Manchester United said the service will “celebrate his incredible life as a husband, father, grandfather and, of course, as one of the finest footballers this country has ever produced”.
Tributes will be delivered by David Gill, the club’s former CEO, and John Shiels, the Manchester United Foundation’s former CEO.
Guests will include Sir Alex Ferguson, several teammates from Sir Bobby’s time with the club, various current United first team members, and other notable figures from throughout the football community.
Salford born opera singer Russel James Watson will perform How Great Thou Art as part of the service.
Some seats may be available to members of the public who wish to attend and pay their respects.
The Charlton family would like those paying their respects to donate to either the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation, Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, Alzheimer’s Society, or Alzheimer’s UK in lieu of flowers.
Sir Bobby passed away last month aged 86-years-old after suffering a fall at his care home, where he had been receiving care for dementia.
The footballing icon played a key role in England’s sole World Cup victory in 1966, while his time with the Red Devils saw them attain the European Cup, FA Cup and three First Division titles.
He amounted 758 appearances for the club, including a then club-record 249 goals.
His personal accolades include receiving the prestigious Ballon D’or Award in 1966 and the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.
Featured image credit: Iain Middleton-Duff via Flickr
