London, March 19 (IANS): Singer George Michael's funeral will be held at a 30-seat chapel at Highgate West Cemetery in North London to minimise risk of being mobbed by fans.

According to The Sun on Sunday, the singer's family want details of the 'small, private gathering' to be kept secret in order to avoid mobs of fans on the day, reports dailymail.co.uk.

The funeral is expected to take place close to Mother's Day on March 26.

"The funeral is going to be a very small, private gathering. The chapel only seats 30 so, apart from family, there won't be many others there," said a source.

The source added: "The details are a closely-guarded secret. Most guests will be told what's going on a few hours beforehand. The idea is to avoid them being mobbed by fans trying to get a glimpse of their idol's farewell."

Michael was found dead at age 53 at his home in Oxfordshire, England, on Christmas Day last year.

Michael will reportedly be laid to rest alongside his mother Lesley Angold.

Angold, a professional dancer, passed away aged 60 in 1997 following a battle with cancer.