Tens of thousands expected for Best funeral

Tens of thousands of people are expected to line Belfast's streets at the weekend to pay their final respects to football legend George Best who is due to be buried on Saturday.

The 59-year-old former Manchester United and Northern Ireland star died last Friday following a short illness.

Up to half a million people are expected to attend Saturday's funeral which will take place at Stormont in the east of the city. This was requested by the Best family after it became apparent that such a large number of people were likely to turn out on the streets to honour the star.

However, it is understood that around a maximum of 35,000 people will be allowed into the grounds of Stormont where the service is to take place because of health and safety concerns.

Hotels and B&B's across the city and further afield are said to have been booked out as people from across the world arrive in the city to attend the funeral.

Among those expected to attend are current Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, former team mates Bobby Charlton and Denis Law, as well as international colleagues Pat Jennings, Gerry Armstrong and Martin O'Neill.

Popular Belfast singers Brian Kennedy and Peter Corry are expected to sing at the ceremony which will be led by TV presenter and Manchester United supporter Eamon Holmes.

The funeral cortege will leave the Best family home in the Cregagh area of east Belfast at 10am on Saturday. It will then go along a three mile route through east Belfast to Stormont.

Following the ceremony it will then make its way to Roselawn Cemetary where Best will be laid to rest alongside his mother Anne.



George Best 1946 - 2005



(MB/SP)