The city of Liverpool marked the 24th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster by unveiling two town centre memorials in honour of the 96 fans who died.
A special clock has been installed in the Town Hall and a memorial monument was officially unveiled at Old Haymarket opposite the World Museum on Sunday afternoon.
Families of the victims and members of the public were invited to meet up for two special ceremonies dedicated to the 96.
Lord Mayor of Liverpool Sharon Sullivan and Mayor Joe Anderson led proceedings with a private ceremony held at noon at the Town Hall where the clock was unveiled, along with the lighting of candles and prayers.
The 1780-dated piece was made by renowned clock maker John Clifton and has been moved from the Liverpool Museum. The hands on the 8ft clock have been stopped at 3.06pm; the time that the 1989 FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest was abandoned.
An Old Haymarket dedication ceremony then gave families and members of the public the chance to see the new Hillsborough monument for the first time. The bronze structure, which is 7ft tall, features the words ‘Hillsborough Disaster – we will remember them’, along with the names of all 96 Liverpool FC supporters who died in the worst tragedy British football has ever seen.
The Hillsborough Justice Campaign commissioned artist Tom Murphy to create the monument, which it is formally donating to the city.
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “We will never forget those who lost their lives at Hillsborough, or the impact the disaster has had on their bereaved families. The anger, pain and sorrow they have felt for the past 24 years is shared by everyone in Liverpool, and by thousands of others across Merseyside, across the country and around the world.
“That’s why it’s important the city has these permanent memorials, as a symbol of our solidarity and support for the families of the 96 and as a permanent reminder of the long and difficult fight for truth and justice. They will also serve as a powerful symbol of what has been a momentous year for the city, with the publication of the Hillsborough Independent Panel’s report.”
Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Sharon Sullivan, said: “This will be an emotional day for Liverpool which will see our city establishing a lasting tribute to those who died at Hillsborough. These memorials will serve as a reminder of the events of that terrible day, and ensure no one ever forgets the sadness and suffering it has caused in the years since.
“I speak on behalf of the city in saying to the families of the 96 that we stand united behind them, that we commend their bravery and that we will continue to support them in their fight for justice.”