Footballing legends are set to play in Bury in a special match marking the 10th anniversary of the death of a late soldier who was murdered in London.

Fusilier Lee Rigby, aged 25, from Crumpsall, was killed in a horrific attack on May 22, 2013 near the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich.

A decade on from his passing, Gigg Lane will be hosting a Lee Rigby Memorial Cup match between a North West "superstars" team and a Rangers select side.

Bury Times: Lee RigbyLee Rigby (Image: Newsquest)

Liam Howarth, who is heavily involved with the Lee Rigby Foundation, said he wanted to “come up with something big” this year to celebrate Lee’s life.  

Read more: 2022 Lee Rigby charity event at Two Tubs, Bury

He said: “We're having a host of famous football legends and speakers and are hoping for thousands to come.  

“It is going to be great for the foundation, the town and Gigg Lane.”  

Lee's mum Lyn Rigby said: “I'm excited, it’s a local match and we're happy that we can mark Lee’s 10th anniversary this way, it's something to look forward to.  

Bury Times: Gigg Lane Gigg Lane (Image: Public)

“It will be sad, as it always is around that time of year but it is something to celebrate in memory of lees life.” 

After Liam approached Lyn with the idea, she wasn’t sure if it would all "come off" but was all for "giving it a go".  

She added: “I just want to thank everyone for working so hard and I hope we get a great turnout to carry Lee’s legacy on and continue to help others with the foundation.”  

Read more: Ex-soldier chases thief who took Lee Rigby Foundation charity box from Bury pub

Kick-off will be at 3pm and the match will take place on Saturday, June 24.

Tickets for the player's lounge, pre-kick-off, are £50 and will allow fans in from 12pm.

This includes a meet with the players and main stand premium seating.  

Tickets to the match are £15 per adult, children £6 and family tickets £35.   

The Two Tubs pub is expected to welcome football fans before the match and plans are underway for a military band to lead a procession from the town centre to Gigg Lane.

Landlord Stewart "Spenny" Spensley says he wants the occasion to be a great day for all involved.  

He said: “It’s all close to my heart.  

“I served with Lee and we want to make all the Rangers fans welcome so let's make it a great day for all involved  

Bury Times: Stewart Spensley outside The Two TubsStewart Spensley outside The Two Tubs (Image: Newsquest)

“It has been a lot of hard work over a long period of time but it is going to be a great day for a great cause and we hope to raise quite a bit of money too. 

“If anyone wants to assist or help get in touch with me at The Two Tubs.” 

Read more: 'Times are hard': Veterans set up Bury walking group to help connect community

Having been in the works since summer, Liam said he has been waiting to tell people and although initially nervous, he is happy to see everything start coming together.  

Bury Times: Liam Howarth and Stewart SpensleyLiam Howarth and Stewart Spensley (Image: Public)

He said: “We would love to fill Gigg Lane to its full capacity but anything raised is good in my eyes.  

“Lee was our friend so this is close to our hearts.”  

Speaking about the match, a Bury FC spokesperson said: "We jumped at the chance to work alongside the Lee Rigby Foundation and Liam when the chance arose.

"We are currently working with the police and the council to ensure the large number of Rangers fans travelling down have a great experience visiting Bury.

"Everyone connected with Bury FC is extremely excited to be hosting the event this year.

"The town of Bury has a longstanding connection with Rangers so we anticipate this event being a huge success and with the imminent return of Bury FC at Gigg Lane we are sure the town will come out and support this event in memory of Hero Lee Rigby."
 

Gary Nicholl, who has helped organise the Rangers side of the fundraiser, named several footballers taking part, adding that more will be released as time goes on. 

Rangers legends Mark Hateley and Trevor Steven will be joined by Marco Negri, Jimmy Nicholl, Alex Rae, Marvin Andrews and Michael Mols. 

There will also be a question and answer session in the evening with Hateley, Steven and Jimmy Nicholl, hosted by presenter David Tanner 

Tickets are now on sale for the match here and more information will be released closer to the date.

If you have a story tweet @BuryTimes or @Heywoodharriet_ or email Harriet.Heywood@newsquest.co.uk.