FRIENDS touched by a talented musician who died in a tragic balcony accident had to stand outside the church – as countless people filled the building to celebrate his life and his family issued a touching tribute. 

St Mary's Church on Walney was packed to capacity for the funeral of Dean Zaccarini yesterday afternoon. 

The 29-year-old, who was guitarist and front man with Barrow band Sancho, died as a result of a tragic accident in Manchester earlier this month. 

He was son to Paul and Kerry, brother to Ryan and Aaron, and friend to many. 

Following a request for people to attend in casual dress if desired, many came dressed in band shirts.

Songs played during the service included numbers from Mr Zaccarini's favourite artists, such as Oasis, The Stone Roses, Led Zeppelin, Matt Corby and Jimi Hendrix. 

In a nod to his love of music, Mr Zaccarini's acoustic guitar was taken into the church, before his coffin, draped in a Manchester United Football Club flag, was carried inside. 

After the service, his cousin Jason Zaccarini said: "Dean's family were overwhelmed by the unbelievable turn out for Dean; it showed how much he is loved by his family and friends, and what a well known, popular local lad he was.

Dean would have been proud and thrilled to have seen the show of love and support for him, culminating in the live music performances by his friends to celebrate his life and his huge talent, at the Nines in Barrow, a venue he loved having played there many times.

"Dean's family thank everyone for the love and support that they have had."

The passing of the BAE Systems employee prompted an outpouring of tributes from the Furness music community and those that knew him.

Days after his death, a tribute night was organised and took place in The Drawing Room, Barrow, on March 12, when a DJ played a variety of Mr Zaccarini's favourite songs. 

In a poignant moment that evening, a video of Mr Zaccarini performing a version of Jake Bugg's Lightning Bolt was played on the big screen – prompting a chorus of chants of "Deano, Deano". 

Following the event, the Drawing Room donated £500 to the Special Care Baby Unit at Furness General Hospital, a cause requested by the Zaccarini family. 

In another tribute, Barrow radio station Cando FM dedicated one of its Indie Sessions to Mr Zaccarini, by playing tracks from Sancho's EP, as well as some of the songs that he loved. 

The organisers of the outdoor Barrow music festival Croft Rock have made a lasting tribute, by re-naming their main stage, The Zaccarini Stage. 

An evening of music was to take place in The Nines, Barrow, on Wednesday night – a venue which Mr Zaccarini graced numerous times.