Liverpool to mark Hillsborough disaster 26th anniversary with minute's silence

Bells across the city will be rang 96 times to remember the victims of the tragedy.

Hillsborough 25th Anniversary Service at Anfield Stadium. 96 in football scarves on the pitch during the service at Anfield. Pic Andrew Teebay.

Liverpool will fall silent for a minute to mark the 26th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

A minute’s silence will be observed at 3.06pm on Wednesday, April 15 – the exact time the semi-final was stopped in 1989 – to remember the 96 Liverpool fans who died in the disaster.

Liverpool council said flags on civic buildings would be flown at half-mast and bells across the city, including at the Town Hall and Municipal Building, would be rung 96 times.

The Lime Street media wall will display an image of those who lost their lives in a visual tribute to the 96.

Public transport has also been encouraged to come to a halt for one minute at 3.06pm.

Portraits of the 96 Liverpool fans who lost their lives at Hillsborough

Hillsborough Disaster

The 1989 Hillsborough tragedy claimed the lives of 96 Liverpool FC fans. Since that day families and survivors have fought to discover the truth about what happened that day. September 12, 2012, was a momentous day as the findings of the Hillsborough Independent Panel were published. Three months later the accidental death verdicts were quashed at the High Court paving the way for fresh inquests, being held in Warrington.

Story and photos from Liverpool Echo

At 3.06pm the Mersey Ferry will sound its horn and the barriers will be lowered at the Mersey tunnels for a minute.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “We will never forget those who died at Hillsborough, and this is a day for us to unite as a city and remember each one and also their families and friends left behind.

“I urge everyone in Liverpool, and across the region, to observe the minute’s silence, as a mark of respect for the 96 who lost their lives.”

Lord Mayor Cllr Erica Kemp said: “Hillsborough was a tragedy which must never be forgotten and it is appropriate that the city marks the anniversary in this way. I would encourage everybody to join in the minute’s silence.”

A memorial service organised by the Hillsborough Family Support Group will be held at Anfield 2.45pm on Wednesday.

The service, for which all tickets have now been allocated, will finish at 3.45pm with the singing of You’ll Never Walk Alone.