Swansea Council has issued renewed advice on arrangements for Bonnie Tyler’s funeral and cortege, as a large gathering is expected in the seaside destination to pay respects to the singer. The Total Eclipse of the Heart singer, born Gaynor Hopkins, died in a Portuguese hospital on July 8 at the age of 75.
Public invited to line streets for cortege
On Saturday, August 15, members of the public are invited to line Newton Road in Mumbles as the cortege travels from William Pressdee Funeralcare in Mumbles, returning to her home in Llwynderw. The hearse will depart at approximately 3.15pm, travelling along Newton Road before continuing onto Mumbles Road.
To allow people to line the streets safely, Newton Road will be closed from the junction with Mumbles Road, near the White Rose, to Langland Road, near Oystermouth School, from approximately 3pm on Saturday. Buses will be permitted to travel through the closure for as long as it remains safe to do so, and the road will reopen as soon as possible after the cortege has passed.
Service at Swansea Minster
A celebration of Bonnie’s life will take place at Swansea Minster (St Mary's Church) on Monday, August 17, at 12pm. Entry to the church will be for family, friends and invited guests only. For members of the public wishing to pay their respects, the service will be shown on a large screen in nearby St David's Square and streamed online.
The funeral directors have advised that those wishing to watch the service online will need to follow the link and set themselves up as a user on the platform beforehand. This is the only live stream available, and at no point will any payment be requested. The public are told that if they are directed to a site that requests payment, not to do so. The service is expected to last approximately one hour.
Final journey through Skewen
Following the service, the singer will make a final journey through her hometown of Skewen at approximately 1.20pm before a private family committal and farewell service. The route from Swansea will be along Fabian Way to Ashleigh Terrace (through Jersey Marine), Pen Y Heol, Burrows Road, Hen Hoel, New Road, Sidling Terrace, Park Avenue and Peniel Green Road.
Swansea Council’s deputy leader Andrea Harrington said: “Our thoughts remain with Bonnie’s family and friends at this difficult time. We know that many people across Swansea, Wales and much further afield will want the opportunity to pay their respects and celebrate her remarkable life and achievements. We would ask everyone attending any part of the arrangements to do so respectfully, follow any instructions from stewards and police officers, and help ensure the occasion is a fitting tribute to one of Wales' most loved performers.”
People wishing to pay a personal tribute can do so in a book of condolence at Y Storfa on Oxford Street until August 24 during its regular opening hours, or via an online book of condolence. The Lord Mayor of Swansea, Penny Matthews, has written to the singer’s family to offer condolences on behalf of the people of Swansea. Bonnie Tyler rose to worldwide fame with a string of hit records including It's a Heartache, Total Eclipse of the Heart and Holding Out for a Hero, and her passing has attracted tributes from musicians and fans around the world.
