Services mark 50th anniversary of the Birmingham pub bombings
image credit: Birmingham Irish Association and Chris Egan: www.birish.org.uk
source: 4WardEverUK | originally published: 15 November 2024
Memorial services were planned and held to mark the 50th anniversary of the Birmingham pub bombings, in which 21 people died.
The bombs were detonated in the Mulberry Bush and the Tavern in the Town on New Street on the evening of 21 November 1974. An inquest in 2019 heard 220 people were injured in the attacks, but the perpetrators have never faced justice.
The main memorial service was held next to New Street at on 21 November, with a later service at St Phillip's Cathedral, Birmingham.
What happened during the memorial services?
Those attending the first service gathered at the tree sculpture memorial to the victims just outside New Street Station.
Pupils from Bishop Challoner Catholic College performed a song that they had prepared for the proceedings.
The Birmingham Irish Association also invited everyone to pause for a minute at 2pm to remember the dead.
The later service at the cathedral was open to all and featured prayers and hymns, led by the Bishop and Archbishop of Birmingham.
It was also streamed online, and on a screen outside.
The ceremonies were also attended by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Edinburgh, and attendee’s heard a message from the King.
On the 21 November 1974, 21 people lost their lives in the city and 182 were injured. Countless others suffered and communities, lives and friendships were destroyed due to this horrific incident and its long reaching affects.
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