Bernie Nolan Funeral: Hundreds Pay Respects Jul 17th 2013, 17:01
By Becky Johnson, North of England Correspondent
More than a thousand people lined the streets of Blackpool to pay their final respects to Bernie Nolan.
The singer and actress died earlier this month at the age of 52 after a long battle with cancer.
Crowds gathered outside Blackpool's Grand Theatre where a ceremony to celebrate her life was held and broadcast over loudspeakers for mourners and fans.
The former lead singer of The Nolans shot to fame with her sisters in the 1970s, and went on to achieve global success with hits including "I'm In The Mood For Dancing".
Bernie's sister Maureen read a letter Bernie had written for the ceremony prior to her death.
Bernie during her cancer battle in 2010 "Don't be crying too much for me. Obviously I'd like a bit. I think I'm worth a little crying, but not too much," Bernie wrote in the letter.
"No-one has had a better life than me really. Fifty years of singing, some of the best ever shows ... what an amazing time I've had.
"Do not mourn my passing, please. Celebrate ... my wonderful life."
Mourners listened as Bernie's 14-year-old daughter Erin read a poem, and as Linda Nolan paid a tearful tribute to her sister.
Among the guests from the world of showbiz were EastEnders star Shane Richie, singer Joe Longthorne and comic duo Cannon and Ball.
The Nolan sisters (Bernie: top right) Bernie was given the all clear for breast cancer in 2010 but last year discovered it had spread to her brain, lungs, liver and bones.
She passed away in July with her husband, Steve Doneathy, and family by her side.
The Nolans sold millions of records around the world and enjoyed success with songs such as "Don't Make Waves", "Attention To Me" and "Gotta Pull Myself Together".
They were huge in Japan, where they are said to have sold more records than the Beatles, and also supported Frank Sinatra.
Bernie quit the group in 1994 and made a name as an actress appearing in Brookside and The Bill.
After the service the family invited her friends to join them at Carleton crematorium.
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