Thousands expected in small Welsh village for rock icon's funeral

Wales Online

23-05-2025

Thousands expected in small Welsh village for rock icon's funeral
Road closures will be put in place and a large screen set up for attendees with mourners from around the world expected
Mike pictured last November, still making music
(Image: Jules Peters/PA Wire )
A village in Wales is making extensive preparations ahead of hosting the funeral of rock icon Mike Peters. Thousands of fans from across the globe are expected to travel to Denbighshire to pay their respects to The Alarm's legendary frontman.
A large turnout is anticipated for the service in Dyserth, scheduled for 3pm on Thursday, May 29. The details of the arrangements have been disclosed as the village's 2,300 residents prepare for the influx of visitors (see below).
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A road closure has been arranged after discussions between the Peters' family, Denbighshire Council and North Wales Police. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
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Large screens will be set up to broadcast the invitation-only service to fans gathered outside the small parish church of St Bridget and St Cwyfan.
Following the service, an evening of music at The Red, a cafe, bar and music venue on B5119 Waterfall Road, Dyserth, will celebrate Mike's life. Additional gathering spaces opposite The Red and areas around the entrance to Dyserth's renowned waterfall are being made available.
In 2019 Mike was awarded an MBE for voluntary services to cancer care in North Wales and abroad
(Image: Steve Parsons/PA Wire )
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Mike, who fought cancer for 30 years, lived in Dyserth. He died on April 29 at the age of 66, leaving behind his wife Jules and sons Dylan and Evan, reports North Wales Live.
Tributes have been flooding in for the beloved rock star, who co-founded the Love Hope Strength cancer charity.
Friends, family, as well as colleagues from the music industry, are expected to gather for his funeral service.
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On social media, Jules, Mike's wife expressed how "touched by the outpouring of love" she is and shared her sense of being "overwhelmed" by the sheer volume of people planning to travel from abroad for the funeral.
In an open invitation to the funeral, Jules said: "Whether you knew him as the incredible musician he was, called him a friend or neighbour, respected him for the support he gave for others affected by cancer, or just want to be part of what we think will be a memorable day in a special place, you are very welcome to join us.
"We are doing everything we can to provide a fitting celebration to someone who lit up the world whilst he was here.
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"All our family are so grateful to everyone in and around our village for the incredible support we've been given and for enabling us to recognise Mike's life in such an inclusive way, just as he would have wanted.
"As we have said before, it feels profoundly right that Mike's farewell will take place in Dyserth, the village where he was born and he proudly called home, and in sight of The Red, where he found so much happiness."
Details for Michael Leslie Peters' funeral
From 10am, Waterfall Road will be closed to enable fans to assemble outside the church. However, seating is limited within St Bridget and St Cwyfan, with access to the small church and its surroundings being by exclusive invite only.
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A large outdoor screen and sound system will be put in place in front of the church in the morning. Jules said this setup would allow fans to engage with the service as it happens and "join in with communal songs", with a service order and song lyrics distributed beforehand.
"Expect plenty of music!" she emphasised. "There will be ample space on the closed road for everyone to gather, reflect, and pay tribute."
Following the service, The Red will host an evening filled with music to honour Mike's life. Additional spaces for people to congregate opposite the venue and by the waterfall will be provided, to "ensure there is space for everyone".
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With a large turnout anticipated, Jules is advising visitors to make their way to the village by 2pm, if not earlier – she suggests grabbing a bite at local spots. Below are the parking details.
Parking and diversions
The B5119 Waterfall Road will shut from the A5151 to A547 for the whole stretch from 10am-6pm on Thursday, May 29; during this time, a detour using A5151 and A547 will operate, starting at Rhuddlan Golf Club roundabout.
Given the expected scarcity of parking in the village, attendees are recommended to park in one of the three temporary car parks: Bodrhyddan Hall, Pet Rescue fundraising campsite, or Rhuddlan Golf Club – or use public bus services.
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Bodrhyddan Hall, LL18 5SB
This will have 500 car parking spaces, open from 11am-9pm. The hall is 25 minutes walk from the church
Suggested £10 donation per car for the Love Hope Strength Foundation
The venue can be found here on Google Maps
Pet Rescue fundraising campsite, LL18 6BP
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This will have 100 car parking spaces, open from 12pm-8pm. The campsite is 10 minutes walk from the church
Suggested £10 donation per car for the Love Hope Strength Foundation
The venue can be found here on Google Maps
Rhuddlan Golf Club, LL18 6LB
The golf club's bottom car park will be available, with 60 parking spaces. This will be open from 11am-9pm
From here, it's 60 minutes walk to the church
The venue can be found here on Google Maps
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Mike and wife Jules Peters at last November's launch of their One in a Million campaign - this aimed to get quarter of a million people on the stem cell donor registry. Mike had just missed out on his own chance to get a stem cell transplant
(Image: Jules Peters/PA Wire )
Jules said: "Ensure you give yourselves plenty of time to park somewhere safe, or preferably to get the bus or walk to Dyserth. Hike for Mike!
"Mike loved nothing more than walking and talking, and would love the idea that people might walk from Prestatyn to Dyserth to pay their respects."
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Instead of additional flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Love Hope Strength Foundation. Donations can be made here: LHS USA or LHS UK or LHS Australia.