The private funeral of Chris Sievey was turned into a celebration of the life of the man who brought us the cult comedy character Frank Sidebottom the other week as mourners were invited to wear fancy dress.
Family and friends of the comedy genius were told that instead of a dress code, fancy dress costumes were being welcomed instead.
The service was held at Altrincham Crematorium in Greater Manchester in memory of the 54-year-old who had battled with cancer and had died with no money left.
It was left to donations from a huge internet campaign by fans and relatives, with a final total of £21,240, to ensure that he got the send off he deserved. Any money left over is to be given to cancer charities.
A public celebration of the man and his famous character is being planned and will be revealed over the next few weeks.
Guy Lovelady, the former manager of Chris, and co-founder of the internet appeal, said:
“The time is now right to celebrate Chris’s life, then to celebrate Frank’s contribution to comedy.
“There are projects in place to have an event to mark Frank’s work.”
In the meantime, fans are campaigning on social networking site Facebook to raise money for a statue of Frank.
