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Thursday 21 Nov 2024

Memorial service marks 50th anniversary of Birmingham pub bombings

Region & Route:

North West & Central: Central

| North West & Central

A memorial service to mark the 50^th anniversary of the Birmingham pub bombings has been held at Birmingham New Street.

Organised by the Birmingham Irish Association, and held in front of the tree sculpture memorial, the annual service was attended by relatives of those killed and survivors of the pub bombings which took place on 21 November 1974.

They were joined by HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh, the Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands, the High Sheriff, the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, the Irish Ambassador to the UK, the West Midlands Mayor, and the leader of Birmingham City Council.

In total, 21 people died and 220 people were injured in the bombings which happened at the Mulberry Bush and the Tavern in the Town on New Street in the city.

The service included a one-minute silence and the laying of flowers, the reading of family names by former West Midlands Mayor Andy Street and Jess Phillips MP, as well as musical performances by the children from Bishop Challoner Catholic College and poetry from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

Maurice Malone, CEO of the Birmingham Irish Association, said “ Today marked the passing of 50 years since that terrible night in our city. We are always humbled by the courage and respect shown by those who lost their loved ones at the hands of the bombers in such horrific circumstances. The service also demonstrated the best of humanity and provides hope that the healing process will be carried on through subsequent generations.”   

Denise Wetton, director for Network Rail’s Central route, said “It was an honour for the station to host the memorial service to mark the 50th anniversary of the pub bombings.

“Birmingham New Street sits at the heart of the city and connects Birmingham communities. We are proud to be the home of the permanent memorial and today we united to remember those lost and everyone impacted by the events of 50 years ago.”

Passengers and visitors to Birmingham New Street can pay their respects at the permanent tree sculpture memorial situated by the station entrance from Smallbrook Queensway.