Stephen Hawking's funeral at Cambridge church today; thousands expected

Thousands of people are expected to arrive in Cambridge for the funeral of British physicist Stephen Hawking on Saturday at 14:00 according to a BBC report.

Cambridge University is working with the police to supervise the area around Great St Mary's Church where the service is scheduled to take place, Xinhua news agency reported.

Around 500 friends and family are expected at the private ceremony. There will be no public access to the church because the funeral has been designated as a private service for family, friends and colleagues.

It is not known how big the crowds will be, but given Hawking's worldwide fame, sources in Cambridge are predicting large numbers.

"The funeral service will be attended by his family, invited friends and colleagues," the university said in a statement.