To mark the bombings of Birmingham pubs on 21st November 1974, a memorial service was held at Birmingham New Street station yesterday, Thursday, 21st November, to mark the 50th anniversary of the tragedy.

The bombing took place at Mulberry Bush and the Tavern in the Town in Birmingham’s New Street, close to New Street station, killing a total of 21 people and injuring 220 others.

The memorial service was held in front of the tree sculpture memorial outside Birmingham New Street station and was organised by the Birmingham Irish Association.

Among those at the service were relatives of people killed and survivors of the pub bombings, as well as Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh, the Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands, the High Sheriff, the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, the Irish Ambassador to the UK, the West Midlands Mayor, and the leader of Birmingham City Council.

During the service, a one-minute silence was observed and flowers were laid, while former West Midlands Mayor Andy Street and Jess Phillips MP recited the family names of the victims. Children from Bishop Challoner Catholic College gave a musical performance, and there was a poetry reading from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

The tree sculpture is a permanent memorial to the bombings and is situated by the station entrance from Smallbrook Queensway.

Passengers and visitors to Birmingham New Street are welcome to pay their respects at the memorial.

Many railway stations and depots have memorials to employees lost during the two World Wars, including Paddington,Newton Heath depot in Manchester, and at Crewe Works.

“Today marked the passing of 50 years since that terrible night in our city. We are always humbled by the courage and respect shown by those who lost their loved ones at the hands of the bombers in such horrific circumstances. The service also demonstrated the best of humanity and provides hope that the healing process will be carried on through subsequent generations.”

Maurice Malone, CEO of the Birmingham Irish Association