Tickets for Irwin memorial service snapped up
Friday, 15 Sep 2006 07:57
The public memorial service for Steve Irwin is being held on Wednesday
Fans of "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin have snapped up hundreds of free tickets to attend a public memorial service for the conservationist in just 15 minutes.
Large numbers of dedicated followers camped out overnight in a bid to try and secure the 3,000 free tickets, which were made available in Australia this morning following the announcement of Steve Irwin's widow that the public memorial service would be held at the family's Australia Zoo next Wednesday.
Terri Irwin has asked those who attend her husband's memorial service, to be held in the 5,500-seater "Crocoseum" at the Queensland zoo, to make a donation to his wildlife charity.
Fans of Irwin, who was killed earlier this month after he was struck in the heart by the barb of a stingray, queued for hours at Australia Zoo and ticket outlets in Brisbane and the northern Queensland town of Maroochydore in order to try and secure a place at the memorial service for the popular TV wildlife expert.
Beauty therapist Melissa Power, 34, who made it to the front of the queue in Brisbane said that her wait of more than 25 hours to secure tickets to the service had been "worth it without question".
"I haven't slept and am so over-emotional - I'm looking so forward to it," said Ms Power, in comments reported by the Melbourne Herald Sun newspaper.
Speaking of Irwin, she added: "I am a huge fan. I have grown to appreciate and love the conservation side of him."
Those unable to secure tickets to attend the service will be able to watch the memorial event on big screens set up in Brisbane and the nearby Sunshine Coast, while the service will also be broadcast live throughout Australia as well as the United States and Asia.