Birmingham falls silent as city marks 50th anniversary of pub bombings

Birmingham city centre fell quiet today as crowds gathered to mark the 50th anniversary of the Birmingham pub bombings. A total of 21 people were killed, and almost 200 maimed and injured, when two IRA bombs exploded in the Mulberry Bush and Tavern in the Town pubs on November 21, 1974.

The real bombers have never been caught, only adding to the anguish of the surviving bereaved relatives. Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh attended the memorial event, bringing a message straight from King Charles to mark the bloodiest day in Birmingham's history.

He said: "My wife and I would like to take this opportunity to say that you and all affected in this dreadful attack remain very much in our thoughts." He added the importance of lasting peace and meaningful reconciliation and how that can help communities move forward.

READ MORE: 'We will die together' - Untold stories of the Birmingham pub bombings

Every year, families gather together outside a memorial at New Street station to mark what was the darkest day in Birmingham's history. Politicians, dignitaries and the senior royal were all in attendance on Thursday afternoon to remember those who lost their lives.

Hundreds of families, Brummies and travelling well-wishers gathered outside the victim memorial in the biting cold on Thursday afternoon. Crowds gathered at the tree sculpture memorial at New Street Station in the city and observed a one-minute silence at 2pm.

There were memorial events across Birmingham as the city came together to mark tragic events. As the event started, musicians from Bishop Challoner Catholic College performed specially commissioned pieces, warming up the stage as attendees took their seats.

The service began at 1.45pm, with attendees including Martin Fraser, the Irish ambassador, Birmingham Irish Association CEO Maurice Malone, council leader John Cotton, West Midlands mayor Richard Parker and most importantly, the families of those who died in the atrocity.

MP Jess Phillips was seen holding back tears as she read out the names of those who died with former West Midlands mayor Andy Street. Each solemn loss was marked with a single white rose, left at the tribute by members of the community or family members of the victims.

Birmingham pub bombings memorial in pictures as crowds gather for 50th anniversary

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The moving roll-call of victims finished with the the youngest victim, Neil 'Tommy' Marsh, who was just 16. Despite the freezing weather, Birmingham's spirit, unity and warmth shone through, with speakers highlighting the importance of keeping public memory alive of the devastation. Speakers told of the importance of educating and informing everyone, especially the younger generation on what took place.

The bombings were Britain's biggest mass murder at the time - and as yet, no one has been officially held accountable. Six innocent men were wrongfully imprisoned for over 16 years before their release in 1991, while the real perpetrators were never bought to justice.

Justice 4 the 21 continues to campaign for truth, justice and accountability and have made repeated calls for for a full public inquiry. BirminghamLive has stood with survivors on their fight for justice for decades. You can read more on their tireless work, here.

The Irish Ambassador also read a message from the Irish president, Michael D. Higgins, who spoke of his sadness at the "most appalling and evil act" and the strength and unity of the Irish who call Birmingham their home.

Emotions were high at the service, particularly during a moving speech from Paul Bridgewater, the son of Paul Anthony Davies. Mr Bridgewater's father was just 17 when he died in the bombings, and never met his father.

“My mum told me my dad was a kind and strong man" he said. "Losing my dad before I was born makes me reflect on the things I missed out on, but also the things he missed out on."

He added that his father never met his son, or his grandchildren. He added: "I never met my dad but I feel his fighting spirit lives on in me and how we are fighting for true justice for the 21."

Mr Bridgewater said: "I never met my dad but I feel this. His fighting spirit lives on in me." The push for peace, unity and the celebration of the strength of Brummies was the focus of this moving event.

Speaking to BirminghamLive before the memorial took place, campaigner Julie Hambleton - whose sister Maxine was killed in the blasts - said: "The Birmingham pub bombings remains the longest, unsolved mass murder in modern British history.

"A public inquiry could bring forward new information, which has been hidden from us, which could lead to further investigations, and maybe, a prosecution. That's what we continue to fight. We can't allow murderers to come to our towns and cities and kill with impunity, and then never feel the full force of the law. What kind of society are we leaving for the next generations if we allow that to happen?"