Mourners have been gathering at St Mary’s Church in the Liverpool suburb of Woolton this morning, in preparation for the ceremony which will take place from 1PM.
Showbiz stars including Paul O’Grady, Jimmy Tarbuck and Christopher Biggins are all tipped to give readings, while Sir Cliff Richard is due to sing in Cilla’s honour.
The close friend of Black, who earned a knighthood for his services to music, will sing Faithful One at the opening of the ceremony.
Other readings will be made by her sons Robert and Ben, her showbiz pals, before hymns including All Things Bright and Beautiful.
Cilla’s own hit Anyone Who Had a Heart will be played during the communion, and the closing song will be Paul McCartney’s Long and Winding Road - a song Cilla also covered.
Close pal Christopher Biggins said: ‘I think she would love it. She’s up there with a glass of champagne and Bobby looking to see who’s coming.’
This afternoon guests could be seen arriving at the church, including Les Dennis, Carol Vordermanand Tom Jones, whilst a floral tribute spelling out her name could be seen in the hearse.
RIP Cilla, hope you get the send off you deserve!