Barbados will stage a full state funeral for Sir Garfield Sobers a week from Wednesday, the day after what would have been his 90th birthday, with thousands expected to line the streets and fill cricket’s “Mecca” — Kensington Oval — as the nation honours its most celebrated cricketer and national hero.

Details of the national homegoing celebration were delivered during a press conference by the core planning committee, outlining an extensive series of commemorative activities, military honours and public tributes designed to allow citizens across the country and throughout the international diaspora to celebrate Sir Garry who died at his home on Friday.

Setting a solemn yet celebratory tone for the national tribute, Senator Lisa Cummins emphasised the deep emotional resonance of the occasion for the entire country and the global sporting community.