Last farewell and celebration of popular Wolverhampton performer is planned

The funeral of Matt Hawkins - known as the Divine Miss M - will take place at Gornal Crematorium after his death from cancer before Christmas.

Matt was a regular at the Giffard Arms in Wolverhampton city centre where he compered the monthly 80s night and had long been a popular character at venues across the West Midlands. He was also a popular face at the city's Pride festival where he appeared in June.

In Birmingham's Hurst Street area, pictures have been posted of the Divine Miss M by friend and fellow performer Chris 'Twiggy' Twig - the two worked together at Missing Bar in the Birmingham's Gay Village as well as others.

The funeral will be held at Gornal Wood Crematorium on Wednesday January 22 at 2.50pm, with a white horse drawn carriage carrying him through the gates. It will also be live streamed.

A post on Facebook inviting people to attend says: "The dress code for the funeral is bright, cheerful and fabulous. 

"Come as if you were attending Miss M's last performance - her favourite colour was purple."

The wake is being held at The Giffard Arms in Victoria Street and people from all over the West Midlands are expected to attend.

Owner Wendy Shone said: "It will be a colourful occasion befitting his personality and there will be hundreds there."

"There will be videos of him performing and tributes from friends and fellow entertainers.

"Things are still numb for all of us, especially his partner David who has confirmed all the funeral arrangements - now it is just a wait for what will be a celebration of his life."

A fund raiser for Cancer Research at the pub is planned in March.