Local comedian’s life to be honoured in Rochdale and Salford
The town of Rochdale will have the chance to pay its respects next week to the comedian Jimmy Cricket, who died on August 3 aged 80 after a short illness, his family have confirmed.
Known for his clean humour and trademark catchphrase, “And there’s more”, the Northern Ireland‑born entertainer lived in Rochdale and supported a number of local charities and causes during his life. The family have organised a period for the public to visit his body as it lies in state, followed by a vigil and funeral service at Salford Cathedral.
Arrangements and charitable requests
Details released by the family state that the body will lie in state at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Rochdale, on Thursday 20 August from 3pm to 5pm for anyone wishing to pay their respects. A vigil mass for the reception of the body will be held at 7pm that evening at Salford Cathedral, with the funeral taking place at 1.30pm on Friday 21 August at the cathedral.
In keeping with the entertainer’s personality and stage persona, mourners have been encouraged to wear bow ties — one of several items, alongside his Wellington boots, associated with his public image. The family have requested no flowers but asked that donations be made via Jimmy’s MuchLoved page. All contributions will go to two charities that were close to his heart: Francis House Children’s Hospice and Mary’s Meals.
“He spent his last few days surrounded by his family, love, laughter and songs... ‘Forever our clown, he was cracking jokes to the wonderful NHS staff and to us all, right until the end.’”
The words above were shared on Jimmy’s Facebook page by his family as they paid tribute to his life, his devotion to his wife May — to whom he was married for 52 years — and his pride in his role as a father and grandfather. The family described him as “a force for joy” and said he brought “so much laughter and happiness to countless audiences” during his long career.
What this means for Rochdale
Jimmy Cricket achieved national recognition in the 1970s and later generations will recognise him from television and radio appearances, but his ties to Rochdale were a constant. For many residents he will be remembered not just as an entertainer, but as a neighbour and supporter of community causes. The public lying in state at St Patrick’s offers those who knew him locally — and those who simply admired his work — an opportunity to pay their respects in person.
- Public viewing: St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Rochdale — Thursday 20 August, 3pm–5pm
- Vigil mass: Salford Cathedral — Thursday 20 August, 7pm
- Funeral: Salford Cathedral — Friday 21 August, 1.30pm
- Charitable giving: Donations via Jimmy’s MuchLoved page to Francis House and Mary’s Meals; family request no flowers
| Date | Event | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 August | Public lying in state | St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Rochdale | 15:00–17:00 |
| 20 August | Vigil mass (reception of the body) | Salford Cathedral | 19:00 |
| 21 August | Funeral | Salford Cathedral | 13:30 |
The family’s statement recalled his final days: they said he was surrounded by family, and continued to bring laughter and lightness to those around him. They celebrated his role as “a devoted husband to May for 52 years, a wonderful dad to his four children and very silly grandad indeed to his four grandchildren”.
For many in Rochdale this will be a moment to mark the passing of a familiar local figure who carried his northern roots onto stages across the country. The arrangements give residents a clear chance to celebrate his life locally before the service at Salford Cathedral.
Further information on donation arrangements can be found via Jimmy’s MuchLoved page, as requested by the family.
