The family of Ray Boddington have revealed touching funeral plans that will invite fans to get involved.
Street performer Ray, 77, beloved for performing with the Piccadilly Rats, died in hospital on April 17 after being struck by a tram near to the Arndale Centre.
Just friends and family will be attending the church ceremony, taking place at Agecroft Cemetery on May 16.
However, there are plans in place for a short celebration in Piccadilly Gardens before the ceremony so Ray's fans and others who cannot make it can say goodbye.
The funeral hearse will park up in the spot where Ray used to perform with people welcomed to say goodbye.
Daniel Boddington, son of the Piccadilly Rats star, today released a video containing clips of Ray and added he wanted to thank the people of Manchester for all the help they given to the family.
The video contains footage of Ray playing harmonica in Northern Quarter pub The Millstone and pictures of him dancing on Market Street.
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Daniel told the M.E.N: "I had it done [the video] to thank everyone for their support and their love thats helped us over these last few weeks.
"It is a thank you from our family to the people of Manchester, Salford and this country, for the love."
Tributes flooded in from Piccadilly Rats after following the tragic news of Ray's death.
Georgia Azam wrote on Facebook: "Much love ray you are a true legacy you have touched the life's an soles of many people you stay strong."
Lee Ferguson said: "Love to all Rays family right now.
"Wishing them all the strength in the world.
"Ray you are legend in Manchester."
An online crowdfunding page has also been created by a family friend to raise funds towards Ray's funeral.
Musician Ray, a retired hairdresser, has previously appeared on the X Factor, and also turned up on daytime courtroom series Judge Rinder.
The Piccadilly Rats lineup includes founders Gaz Stanley as well as the late Ray Boddington - plus an array of friends they've met along the way, including Tommy Trouble, drummer Alan Jones, and teenage bassist Robert Branch.
They have performed at Parklife and Kendal Calling, as well as hundreds of times in Manchester city centre.
An investigation into the circumstances behind the tram collision is underway.
To make a donation to the funeral costs visit gofundme.com.
