City vigil to remember the Hillsborough 96 (From Wirral Globe)

City vigil to remember the Hillsborough 96

1:22pm Monday 3rd September 2012 in News By Craig Manning

A VIGIL will be held outside St George’s Hall next week on the long awaited day of the release of the Hillsborough files.

A week on Wednesday, September 12, the Hillsborough Independent Panel publishes its report into the tragedy that took the lives of 96 football fans.

Those who lost their lives in the disaster will be remembered on the same day..

Organised by mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Joe Anderson, it will take place on St George’s Plateau in the city. It will be a chance for people to support the Hillsborough families and pay tribute to those who died at the Sheffield stadium during the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest on April 15, 1989. Twelve were from Wirral.

People can gather from 5pm on the day that all documents related to the disaster are released and the Hillsborough Independent Panel publishes its report.

During the vigil, the names of all Liverpool FC fans who died that day will be read out and 96 candles will also be lit.

There will be a period of quiet reflection before the vigil commences. Formal proceedings will be led by Mayor Anderson from 6pm and there will be prayers from faith leaders, readings and a performance by a choir.

The vigil has been organised with the support of representatives of the Hillsborough family groups following meetings with Mayor Anderson.

He said: “This is a day the Hillsborough families and the city has waited 23 years for, and it is going to be an extremely emotional and traumatic occasion.

“The people of Liverpool need to show our full support to the families and let them know that we are with them at this very difficult time.

“All people have wanted was that the truth be known and for justice for the deceased. We hope the Panel’s findings will finally reveal what actually happened on that dreadful day.

“The whole city has been affected for 23 years by this disaster. Everyone in Liverpool knows someone who was touched by the tragedy.

"People will want to not only remember the 96 who lost their lives but also, having waited so long, to share their sadness together as a city and support each other through this emotional time.

“It will be a sombre and respectful service which allows us to come together as we digest the contents of the report, and remind ourselves why we must never, ever forget those who died.

“It also gives us the opportunity to pay tribute to the Hillsborough families who have worked so hard to get answers and have been relentless in their pursuit of the truth.

“This will be a moving event which is a fitting way to mark a momentous and significant milestone, and anyone who wants to come along and be part of it is welcome.”

More details will be released nearer the time about the order of service. It is expected to finish at around 7pm.

Motorists are being advised that Lime Street and St John’s Lane will be closed from 4.30pm on September 12 and diversions will be in place.