George Michael fans have finally been able to pay their respects at the first public memorial for the late singer, held more than four months after the his death.

The Service of Thanksgiving in Bushey, Hertfordshire, where Michael grew up, was attended by hundreds of fans who travelled from across the world.

The 53-year-old died of natural causes at his home in Goring-on-Thames last December.

Held at St James The Apostle church, the public memorial featured some of his best known hits including Jesus to a Child and the Wham! hit Wake Me Up Before You Go Go.

It was followed by a wake at the Three Crowns pub, where the band was formed.

George Michael Appreciation Group founder Tracey Wills, who organised the event, said she has always been a fan of Michael’s work: “[So] I decided that I was going to do something for him because he has done so much for everyone else”.

“The turnout was incredible. I can’t believe it. People have come from Spain and Malta,” she said.

“George left such a mark on a lot people and I felt like we needed to do something for him. The fans needed somewhere to grieve.

“I put this together for George, for the fans. I wish his family were here to be able to see this.”

A copy of the Order of Service, as George Michael fans paid their respects to the star at the first public memorial.

A fan from Switzerland, Fabi Gomez, 46, and her wife Swana Kappler, told The Sun that Michael had been “the third party in their 20-year-long relationship”.

“At our wedding in 2007, one of our friends came dressed as George Michael as a drag king and our friend performed Fast Love,” she was quoted as saying.

“We were very disappointed that there was no public funeral, so we just needed to come and put a flower where he lived.

“It was a really lovely service and it was so nice at the end when they played Wake Me Up Before You Go Go and everyone was clapping.

“It was more a celebration of his life, which I think he would have wanted.”

– With AAP.