Stars pay tribute to Jonah Lomu ahead of Eden Park memorial

Thousands are expected to turn out for the public memorial service for Jonah Lomu. Photo / Dave Rogers/Allsport

• Watch the memorial service live at nzherald.co.nz
• Coverage begins from 11am and the service starts at 1pm
• Listen to live coverage at NewstalkZB from 12pm #legendoflomu
• READ MORE: Lomu farewell: 'Nadene's let nation in'

Some of the people participating in today's public memorial for All Black legend Jonah Lomu have started to share messages of pride and anticipation on social media.

Singer Lizzie Marvelly tweeted this morning that it was "always an honour" to sing Whakaaria Mai.

"I feel humbled to have been asked to sing it today for Jonah Lomu," she wrote of the Maori hymn.

It is always an honour to sing Whakaaria Mai. I feel humbled to have been asked to sing it today for Jonah Lomu.

— Lizzie Marvelly (@LizzieMarvelly) November 29, 2015

Broadcaster John Campbell, who will emcee the event, posted a reminder about the memorial to his 130,000 followers on Twitter yesterday afternoon.

He wrote: "A reminder (if needed) that @JONAHTALILOMU's public service is at Eden Park tomorrow (Monday) starting at 1.00. All so welcome. Do come."

A reminder (if needed) that @JONAHTALILOMU's public service is at Eden Park tomorrow (Monday) starting at 1.00. All so welcome. Do come.

— John Campbell (@JohnJCampbell) November 29, 2015

Thousands are expected at Eden Park to pay tribute to Lomu, and people are being encouraged to arrive early and be seated by 12.45pm.

The service is open to all members of the public.

Remembering Jonah will be the third public service to honour the former All Black and rugby superstar, who died aged 40 this month.

The service will feature videos, speakers and music - including performances from Adeaze and Ardijah - that reflect Lomu's life.

Yesterday Adeaze posted a message on their Facebook page encouraging people to come along and celebrate Lomu's life.

"We will be joining Lizzie Marvelly & Ardijah to perform and pay tribute to Jonah," they said.

"Come & Let us Celebrate together JONAH the Rugby Legend, An Ambassador, Friend, Brother, Uncle, Son, Husband & Father."

Adeaze also sang at the Aho Faka Famili (Day of the Family) commemoration on Saturday at the Manukau Events Centre.

The memorial event gave Pasifika communities a chance to acknowledge Lomu according to their traditions.

"Yesterday we were honoured to sing for Jonah Tali Lomu at the 'Aho Faka Family' at Vodafone Events Arena in Manukau," Adeaze wrote on Facebook.

"An Intimate Time for Family & Friends to pay their Respects to a WONDERFUL & GREAT man."

Last Sunday, the Lotofale'ia Tongan Methodist Church in Mangere remembered Lomu.

World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset has travelled to New Zealand for today's service, and is expected at Eden Park along with representatives from other international rugby unions, present and former All Blacks and others from the local sporting community.

After the ceremony, Lomu's casket will be taken from Eden Park to his home in Epsom, via Balmoral Rd, before a private funeral tomorrow.

Those attending are advised to use public transport as parking is limited. See bus and train timetables at: www.at.govt.nz

Pay your respects

What: Remembering Jonah - public memorial for Jonah Lomu

Where: Eden Park

When: 1pm-2.30pm, guests need to arrive and be seated by 12.45pm

How to get there: Parking is minimal around the stadium, so public transport is advised.