Chilli-eating contests and pork pie wreaths: the eccentric new funeral trends
The classic hymns Amazing Grace, written by the reformed 18th century slave trader John Newton, and All Things Bright and Beautiful are the only other religious songs in the top 10.
Other non-religious songs that prove popular include AC/DC's Highway to Hell and Meatloaf's Bat Out of Hell.
Elsewhere, more than a third of under-35s now say they would like a 'themed' element included in their own funeral, more than twice the figure for the total population – at 15 per cent.
It now costs an average of £9,797 to send a loved one off, up from £9,658 in 2023, according to the report.
Mark Screeton, chief executive of SunLife, said: 'According to our report, more than half of us would like our own funeral to have a 'personal' element, including bright clothing instead of black, or a theme reflecting our likes and interests.
'But when it comes to it, most people don't tell their loved ones of these wishes. In fact, 18 per cent of funeral organisers have absolutely no idea about any of their loved ones' preferences – not even whether they wanted a burial or a cremation.'
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