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North Wales Chronicle
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Bird lands on Mike Peters's guitar during his funeral
The bird, identified as a Dipper - a short-tailed, stout bird, made its appearance when James Chippendale, co-founder of the Love Hope Strength Foundation, was paying tribute to his friend during the service at held on Thursday, May 29 at the Parish Church of St Bridget and St Cwyfan in Dyserth. Mike's wife Jules and Love Hope Strength both shared a reflective post on social media which said: "At Mike Peters' funeral James Chippendale, Mike and Jules' great friend and co-founder of the Love Hope Strength Foundation, spoke about the hope Mike gave people. Just at that point in the service a dipper bird flew into the church and perched on a guitar near James. That particular guitar was one of Mike's favourites. "It's been suggested that a bird flying into a church during a funeral service is 'a positive omen, a sign of the departed soul's journey to peace'. Rather wonderfully, some of those watching the bird suggested it seemed to be dancing when Dafydd Iwan sang 'Yma o Hyd'. "In addition, when Jules and family were at Mike's grave, a robin appeared. In Celtic Mythology, 'birds are considered intermediaries between the earthly and spiritual worlds. The robin, in particular, was believed to carry messages from deceased loved ones, bridging the gap between life and death'. "Whether you believe in the symbolism of birds at funerals or not, given Mike's love of nature and the outdoors this was a beautiful addition to a memorable day. "The day had been planned carefully, but this dipper bird has captivated the imaginations of many, showing that sometimes it's the things over which we have no control that have the power to make a moment in time feel even more special." Thousands turned out for The Alarm frontman's funeral on Thursday and more than 100,000 people have watched the celebration of Mike's life on YouTube. Many fans took to Facebook to share their thoughts on the bird, with many saying they hoped it had brought the family comfort. RELATED STORIES: One person said: "There was a big gasp in the crowd outside when the bird flew in and settled there - a wonderful moment." Another person wrote: "I totally believe in nature, especially birds, bridging the gap between loved ones. I hope it has bought comfort." David Weeks said: "The day before, a bunch of us did the waterfall hike and there was a dipper bird that just sat there while we were in the bridge. I was expecting it to fly away when we got closer but he didn't." Another said: "I noticed immediately while watching on YouTube - it was a sign, it had meaning, it had a purpose." The talented and beloved frontman of The Alarm died aged 66 from blood cancer on April 29. Mike, along with James, co-founded the Love Hope Strength Foundation, which raises funds and awareness for cancer centres around the world through music-related events and promotions and registers donors for the International Bone Marrow Registry. James said: "Mike didn't just sing strength, he built a movement around it. He instilled it in the boys, he lived it."

Rhyl Journal
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Bird lands on Mike Peters's guitar during his funeral
The bird, identified as a Dipper - a short-tailed, stout bird, made its appearance when James Chippendale, co-founder of the Love Hope Strength Foundation, was paying tribute to his friend during the service at held on Thursday, May 29 at the Parish Church of St Bridget and St Cwyfan in Dyserth. Mike's wife Jules and Love Hope Strength both shared a reflective post on social media which said: "At Mike Peters' funeral James Chippendale, Mike and Jules' great friend and co-founder of the Love Hope Strength Foundation, spoke about the hope Mike gave people. Just at that point in the service a dipper bird flew into the church and perched on a guitar near James. That particular guitar was one of Mike's favourites. "It's been suggested that a bird flying into a church during a funeral service is 'a positive omen, a sign of the departed soul's journey to peace'. Rather wonderfully, some of those watching the bird suggested it seemed to be dancing when Dafydd Iwan sang 'Yma o Hyd'. "In addition, when Jules and family were at Mike's grave, a robin appeared. In Celtic Mythology, 'birds are considered intermediaries between the earthly and spiritual worlds. The robin, in particular, was believed to carry messages from deceased loved ones, bridging the gap between life and death'. "Whether you believe in the symbolism of birds at funerals or not, given Mike's love of nature and the outdoors this was a beautiful addition to a memorable day. "The day had been planned carefully, but this dipper bird has captivated the imaginations of many, showing that sometimes it's the things over which we have no control that have the power to make a moment in time feel even more special." Thousands turned out for The Alarm frontman's funeral on Thursday and more than 100,000 people have watched the celebration of Mike's life on YouTube. Many fans took to Facebook to share their thoughts on the bird, with many saying they hoped it had brought the family comfort. RELATED STORIES: One person said: "There was a big gasp in the crowd outside when the bird flew in and settled there - a wonderful moment." Another person wrote: "I totally believe in nature, especially birds, bridging the gap between loved ones. I hope it has bought comfort." David Weeks said: "The day before, a bunch of us did the waterfall hike and there was a dipper bird that just sat there while we were in the bridge. I was expecting it to fly away when we got closer but he didn't." Another said: "I noticed immediately while watching on YouTube - it was a sign, it had meaning, it had a purpose." The talented and beloved frontman of The Alarm died aged 66 from blood cancer on April 29. Mike, along with James, co-founded the Love Hope Strength Foundation, which raises funds and awareness for cancer centres around the world through music-related events and promotions and registers donors for the International Bone Marrow Registry. James said: "Mike didn't just sing strength, he built a movement around it. He instilled it in the boys, he lived it."


North Wales Live
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Thousands to gather to celebrate life of The Alarm's Mike Peters
Thousands are expected to descend on Dyserth today (Thursday) for the funeral of much-loved The Alarm frontman - Mike Peters. Family, friends, music and entertainment industry associates and fans will gather, to say a fond farewell and pay tribute to Mike. The legendary musician and cancer campaigner, from Prestatyn, passed away on April 29 after a brave 30-year battle with cancer, with tributes pouring in after to remember Mike and his fantastic impact on all that knew and met him. The service will take place at the Parish Church of St Bridget and St Cwyfan, Waterfall Road, Dyserth and will feature 24 speakers and musicians. They will be offering heartfelt reflections, readings, and performances to honour Mike's remarkable journey — from rock star to cancer warrior and founder of the Love Hope Strength Foundation. You can read about Mike's incredible legacy here. Outside the church, a big screen will be erected for those gathered there, so they can part of the celebration. Around 150 invited guests, many of whom have travelled from the United States, will attend the service along with Mike's widow Jules, 58 and their sons Dylan, 21, and Evan, 18. We will bring you all the latest pictures and updates from today's celebration as we get the, via the live blog below. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you. If you have some information you can contact us by following our Twitter feed @northwaleslive - the official North Wales Live account - real news in real time. Or like - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the North Wales Live. Don't forget you can also keep up to date with the latest via the free North Wales Live app. Download it for Apple devices here and Android devices here. 11:37Steve Bagnall Waterfall Road blocked off for mourmers ahead if funeral service Waterfall Road has been blocked off for mourmers as people gather for the funeral of Mike Peters, which is set to start at 3pm. 'His voice may be still, but his message and music will never fade' In an emotional statement, Jules Peters spoke of the Mike's wonderful belief in people and their power to make a difference: Mike lived as he sang – with passion, courage, and an unshakeable belief in the power of people to make a difference. His voice may be still, but his message and music will never fade. Mike was so grateful for the love so many people showed him in his lifetime, and we are so grateful for the outpouring of love our family has received in the past few weeks since he died. Mike's music will keep us strong, and the community he built for all of us will sustain us. Today is a sad day, but it's also a celebration of his life and the legacy he created. Mike is very much here in spirit. People gathering before TV screen outside church People are already gathering before a TV screen outisde in Dyserth which will televise the funeral service of Mike Peters: 11:17Steve Bagnall Preparations underway before the service Preparations are underway on the streets of Dyserth, before family, friends and guests arrive for the service: Funeral to take place this afternoon The funeral of Mike Peters is set to take place at 3pm today at St Bridget Church in Dyserth, with 150 invited guests. A TV screen will also be erected outside for people gathered there to follow the service:


Wales Online
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Incredible legacy of music icon Mike Peters to be celebrated in 'funeral like no other'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The funeral of much-loved The Alarm frontman, Mike Peters MBE, will take place today (Thursday). Family, friends, music and entertainment industry associates and fans will gather in Dyserth, to say a fond farewell and pay tribute to Mike. The legendary musician and cancer campaigner, from Prestatyn, passed away on April 29 after a brave 30-year battle with cancer. The service will take place at the Parish Church of St Bridget and St Cwyfan, Waterfall Road, Dyserth and will feature 24 speakers and musicians, offering heartfelt reflections, readings, and performances to honour Mike's remarkable journey — from rock star to cancer warrior and founder of the Love Hope Strength Foundation. A big screen will be erected outside the church to allow those gathered outside to be part of the celebration. Around 150 invited guests, many of whom have travelled from the United States, will attend the service along with Mike's widow Jules, 58 and their sons Dylan, 21, and Evan, 18. Dyan and Evan will carry a casket containing their father's ashes to the church. Following an opening prayer, the congregation will sing Stand by Me accompanied by Dylan and Evan on the guitar. Then Welsh TV presenter and opera singer, Rhys Meirion, who himself is being treated for cancer, will perform Anfonaf Angel. Mike's youngest son Evan will perform 'Wonderwall', a song they frequently played together. Long-time friend and collaborator Billy Duffy of The Cult and Coloursound will perform a rendition of 'Fade In Fade Out Fade Away', a tribute that echoes the brotherly bond the two shared. Mike was a proud Welshman and political activist, and to acknowledge this, Rhun ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru, will speak in remembrance of Mike's contributions to Welsh culture and identity. Celebrated Welsh singer and campaigner Dafydd Iwan will perform the stirring anthem 'Yma o Hyd', a song synonymous with resilience and national pride — qualities embodied by Mike throughout his life. 'Mike lived as he sang — with passion, courage, and an unshakeable belief in the power of people to make a difference,' said Jules Peters. 'His voice may be still, but his message and music will never fade. 'Mike was so grateful for the love so many people showed him in his lifetime, and we are so grateful for the outpouring of love our family has received in the past few weeks since he died. 'Mike's music will keep us strong, and the community he built for all of us will sustain us. Today is a sad day, but it's also a celebration of his life and the legacy he created. Mike is very much here in spirit.' (Image: Ashley Crowden/FAW) Rev. Gregor Lachlann-Waddell, the vicar at the Parish Church of St Bridget and St Cwyfan, added: 'Every funeral is unique and special, and this will be one like no other. It is an honour and a privilege to lead the service here in Dyserth, the village Mike loved so much. 'The celebration we have carefully curated befits a man whose life was marked by music, resilience, and unwavering hope. While staying true to his Welsh roots, Mike found global fame, and the people who have come to celebrate his life today, many travelling thousands of miles, are reflective of the remarkable life he carved for himself and his family.' Fans are encouraged to share their tributes online and support the continuing work of Love Hope Strength, the charity Mike co-founded to raise awareness and save lives through music. The service will be streamed on The Alarm YouTube channel. Anyone wishing to donate to the Love Hope Strength Foundation can do so via this link Love Hope Strength Foundation - JustGiving Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you


North Wales Live
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Incredible legacy of music icon Mike Peters to be celebrated in 'funeral like no other'
The funeral of much-loved The Alarm frontman, Mike Peters MBE, will take place today (Thursday). Family, friends, music and entertainment industry associates and fans will gather in Dyserth, to say a fond farewell and pay tribute to Mike. The legendary musician and cancer campaigner, from Prestatyn, passed away on April 29 after a brave 30-year battle with cancer. The service will take place at the Parish Church of St Bridget and St Cwyfan, Waterfall Road, Dyserth and will feature 24 speakers and musicians, offering heartfelt reflections, readings, and performances to honour Mike's remarkable journey — from rock star to cancer warrior and founder of the Love Hope Strength Foundation. A big screen will be erected outside the church to allow those gathered outside to be part of the celebration. Around 150 invited guests, many of whom have travelled from the United States, will attend the service along with Mike's widow Jules, 58 and their sons Dylan, 21, and Evan, 18. Dyan and Evan will carry a casket containing their father's ashes to the church. Following an opening prayer, the congregation will sing Stand by Me accompanied by Dylan and Evan on the guitar. Then Welsh TV presenter and opera singer, Rhys Meirion, who himself is being treated for cancer, will perform Anfonaf Angel. Mike's youngest son Evan will perform 'Wonderwall', a song they frequently played together. Long-time friend and collaborator Billy Duffy of The Cult and Coloursound will perform a rendition of 'Fade In Fade Out Fade Away', a tribute that echoes the brotherly bond the two shared. Mike was a proud Welshman and political activist, and to acknowledge this, Rhun ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru, will speak in remembrance of Mike's contributions to Welsh culture and identity. Celebrated Welsh singer and campaigner Dafydd Iwan will perform the stirring anthem 'Yma o Hyd', a song synonymous with resilience and national pride — qualities embodied by Mike throughout his life. 'Mike lived as he sang — with passion, courage, and an unshakeable belief in the power of people to make a difference,' said Jules Peters. 'His voice may be still, but his message and music will never fade. 'Mike was so grateful for the love so many people showed him in his lifetime, and we are so grateful for the outpouring of love our family has received in the past few weeks since he died. 'Mike's music will keep us strong, and the community he built for all of us will sustain us. Today is a sad day, but it's also a celebration of his life and the legacy he created. Mike is very much here in spirit.' Rev. Gregor Lachlann-Waddell, the vicar at the Parish Church of St Bridget and St Cwyfan, added: 'Every funeral is unique and special, and this will be one like no other. It is an honour and a privilege to lead the service here in Dyserth, the village Mike loved so much. 'The celebration we have carefully curated befits a man whose life was marked by music, resilience, and unwavering hope. While staying true to his Welsh roots, Mike found global fame, and the people who have come to celebrate his life today, many travelling thousands of miles, are reflective of the remarkable life he carved for himself and his family.' Fans are encouraged to share their tributes online and support the continuing work of Love Hope Strength, the charity Mike co-founded to raise awareness and save lives through music. The service will be streamed on The Alarm YouTube channel. Anyone wishing to donate to the Love Hope Strength Foundation can do so via this link Love Hope Strength Foundation - JustGiving