PEOPLE are set to gather to pay tribute to Elle Edwards on what would have been her 28th birthday.

Elle was fatally shot in the head by Connor Chapman while she was standing in the smoking area of the Lighthouse Pub in Wallasey on Christmas Eve in 2022.

The 26-year-old beautician was out celebrating the festivities with her sister and friends before Chapman, of Houghton Road, Woodchurch, opened fire with a Skorpian sub-machine gun just after 11.50pm.

Elle, who was caught in the crossfire, was shot dead while five other men were injured.

In July 2023, Chapman was jailed for 48 years for the murder of Elle, 22 years for the attempted murders of Kieran Salkeld and Jake Duffy, seven years for wounding, 18 months for assault, 15 years for possession of a firearm and three years for stolen property.

To mark her 28th birthday, Elle’s family and friends will be releasing balloons today (Friday, May 10) at 7pm at Elle’s memorial bench in New Brighton Promenade which is situated at the bottom of Tower Grounds Park.

Elle’s father, Tim Edwards, shared details of the event alongside a picture of Elle on his social media with the caption “my beautiful girl”.

In a birthday message posted today, he said: “Birthday girl, my best mate, my soul mate and the best drinking partner I ever had. Love you my queen.”