'She was just Gaynor from up the road' - villagers ready for emotional Bonnie Tyler goodbye

A sign welcoming visitors to Mumbles reads "You're the total eclipse of our hearts Bonnie", referencing the singer's 1982 hit There aren't many villages where you can walk into a jewellers, a hardware shop, or a cafe, and hear stories about one of the world's biggest music icons. But in Mumbles, Swansea, Bonnie Tyler was never treated like a superstar. To many local people, she was Gaynor Sullivan, or "Gaynor who lived up the road". The Total Eclipse of the Heart singer,who died in July aged 75, would often be seen doing her shopping or having a drink with friends. On Wednesday it seemed only fitting that the iconic songcould be heard playing throughout the villageas the biggest partial solar eclipse in nearly three decades took place, with Spotify streams of it almost doubling. As locals prepare to say goodbye to Tyler, who split her time between the Mumbles and a home in Portugal, it's ordinary moments that people seem to remember most. On Saturday, hundreds of peopleare expected to line the streetsof Newton Road to pay their respects, as Tyler's coffin makes its way through the village to her home on Mumbles Road. A service will then be held in St Mary's Church in Swansea city centre on Monday, for family and invited guests, before the cortege makes its way to her birthplace of Skewen, Neath Port Talbot. Jane Price, who owns The Lovespoon Gallery in Mumbles, remembers seeing the singer out shopping "It was always so nice to have Bonnie Tyler as part of the village, I would often see her shopping," said shop owner Jane Price. "You'd see her beautiful house coming into Mumbles, and she will be greatly missed. "It made you proud to know that Bonnie was part of the village and part of Swansea. It's so sad that she's not with us any more but her memory will definitely live on here." Price, who runs The Lovespoon Gallery, expects local people to come out in force on Saturday, adding: "I imagine the streets will be lined and we'll give her the send off she deserves." Chris Francis (left) and Alfie Williams (right) frequently saw Tyler at their store For staff at Cash Hardware on Newton Road, Tyler was also a familiar face. "She was always happy, bubbly and chatty to everyone," said store supervisor Alfie Williams. "I was quite starstruck. A few times we'd talk about who was the most famous people we'd served in the shop and she'd always be at the top of the list. "It's also interesting when you drive past her house on Mumbles Road, you'd say 'oh look it's Gaynor's house'." Store owner Chris Francis said that was simply how people knew her, adding: "Gaynor we used to call her, because she was quite well-known to us. "She was always very pleasant, just like a normal customer going about their business. "We'd deliver to her house if needed. She was just a nice person." Heidi Walton remembers seeing Bonnie Tyler out socially "A very long time ago I went out with the other mums from school in Mumbles. We used to go to PA's Wine Bar, and she'd quite often be in there having a couple of drinks later in the evening," said Heidi Walton. "But she was just part of the gang. "She just blended in, she was a character. "You'd hear her before you'd see her, and everyone was very fond of her here in Mumbles." Walton, who runs a jewellery shop, added: "It's very sad, and everyone here has been affected." It's how the singer is described time and time again - as someone who was down-to-earth rather than a global superstar. The community council has organised a book of memories The singer's death has prompted an outpouring of condolences, with the community council organising a book of memories at the Ostreme centre. It has quickly filled up with stories, many from people saying they met her at the local Marks & Spencer store, and she was always happy to stop and chat. One entry tells of a woman from France who was feeling "homesick" while living in Mumbles. It says she met Bonnie, who was "extremely kind" and she helped lift her spirits. Family friend Julie Read, who calls her Gaynor rather than Bonnie Tyler, remembers a much more personal side. She stayed at the singer's villa in Portugal for their honeymoon, adding: "She was the kindest person you'll ever meet. "We spent many Christmas days over her house, and one of my favourite photos is of my daughter playing the piano there and Gaynor standing beside her. "When my daughter was four years old, she sang at her house at Christmas time and Gaynor was holding the mic for her. "It's just a very sad time." Family friend Julie Read remembers a much more personal side to the singer On Sunday, the village will remember Tyler's life with a special event added on to this year'sRetro Week,externalmusic event. A tribute to her was originally cancelled after the news of her death, but it was later reinstated after the organiser was contacted by attendees asking whether there will be a chance to remember her. There is due to be singers performing some of her songs, a chance to hear from members of her team, and people sharing stories about her life and career. On Saturday, hundreds of people are expected to line the streets of Newton Road to pay their respects Organiser Paul Whittaker said: "She was just Gaynor from up the road. "I think that's what endeared her to people. "She was down-to-earth, there were no airs and graces. "She wasn't surrounded by a team of people protecting her, she was just herself." Paul Whittaker says one of the things that made Tyler so popular was that she was "down-to-earth" The event will also give fans a chance to meet and share their own memories. But perhaps the most poignant moment will be when the cortege passes through the streets on Saturday. Whittaker said the music at the week-long festival will stop during this time. Then later, at the family's request, Tyler's hit It's a heartache, and her version of Simply the Best will be played across the bay. For a singer who sang all across the world, it will be an intimate farewell in the place she called home. Residents' 'absolute fear' as massive fire destroyed their homes Man, 102, dies after alleged pub assault Taron Egerton says he is estranged from his dad after 'pushing ejector seat' Watch our pick of standout clips from across the BBC Nigel Farage returns as MP, winning Clacton by-election that major parties boycotted Farage's by-election victory won't stop questions about finances Firefighters tackle blazes in West Midlands for second day as crews say 'progress being made' 'Survival has become the priority': Afghan women speak to BBC after five years of Taliban rule Wildlife suffering in heatwaves, say experts I got an £89 refund – how to cancel and avoid unwanted subscriptions Weekly quiz: What was used to smuggle Donald Trump off Air Force One? You got hold of eclipse glasses just in time - here's what to do with them now Couple tie the knot on 'magical' solar eclipse day The Papers: 'Houses burn and train derails on hottest day' and 'Britain on fire' Why heatwaves hit women harder Future Earth newsletter: Keep up with the latest climate news with Justin Rowlatt Philomena Cunk examines life and existence Listen back to Salonen orchestras playing 20th-century classics In 1940s Australia, a young orphan is brought to a remote orphanage How a murder case has been fuelling a culture war Engine parts smashed Ryanair window that man's head was sucked out of, report says NHS service admits data breach due to pager use 'Houses burn and train derails on hottest day' and 'Britain on fire' Farage's by-election victory won't stop questions about finances New Zealand break with OFC to withdraw Infantino support You got hold of eclipse glasses just in time - here's what to do with them now 'She was just Gaynor from up the road' - villagers ready for emotional Bonnie Tyler goodbye 'Two out of four, baby' - Hunt wins 200m as she eyes historic quadruple I got an £89 refund – how to cancel and avoid unwanted subscriptions Son of 102-year-old says father died after being 'pushed off stage' Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.Read about our approach to external linking.