A CITY vigil will be held on St George’s Plateau next Wednesday on the day that all documents related to the Hillsborough disaster are released.
People wanting to support the families of the 96 Liverpool FC fans who lost their lives at the Sheffield Wednesday ground are being invited to gather from 5pm on September 12, which is also the publication date of the Hillsborough Independent Panel's long-awaited report.
Liverpool Cathedral will host the full disclosure to bereaved families that morning.
The Hillsborough Independent Panel's aim has been to secure "maximum possible disclosure" of documents relating to the disaster and its aftermath. In line with that, next Wednesday's disclosure will be first to the Hillsborough families and then to the wider public. At the same time, the panel will publish its report explaining how the disclosed documents "add to public understanding". A live BBC TV feed will be broadcast this from the cathedral from around 12 noon.
The panel, chaired by Bishop of Liverpool James Jones, has accessed and analysed documents from over 80 organisations and running to over 400,000 pages.
'Traumatic'
The St George's Plateau vigil has been organised with the support of representatives of the Hillsborough family groups following meetings with Mayor Joe Anderson. In a statement, the council said the families welcomed the opportunity for they and the city to come together in memory of the 96 who lost their lives.
There will be a period of quiet reflection before the vigil commences. The formal proceedings will be led by Mayor Anderson from 6pm and there will be prayers from faith leaders, readings and a performance by a choir.
Mayor Anderson said: “This is a day the Hillsborough families and the city has waited 23 years for, and it is going to be an extremely emotional and traumatic occasion.
“The people of Liverpool need to show our full support to the families and let them know that we are with them at this very difficult time.
“All people have wanted was that the truth be known and for justice for the deceased. We hope the Panel’s findings will finally reveal what actually happened on that dreadful day.
He said that this would be "a sombre and respectful service which allows us to come together as we digest the contents of the report, and remind ourselves why we must never, ever forget those who died".
During the vigil, the names of all the 96 Liverpool FC fans that died will be read out and 96 candles will also be lit.
More details will be released nearer the time about the order of service. It is expected to finish at around 7pm.
Motorists are being advised that Lime Street and St John’s Lane will be closed from 4:30pm on 12 September and diversions will be in place. The Anglican Cathedral, meanwhile, will be largely closed off to members of the public throughout the day.
Words from the Bishop
The Bishop of Liverpool, The Rt Rev James Jones, chair of the Hillsborough Independent Panel, has written a prayer for September12.
Lord,
In Jesus you taught us to keep on praying
and urged us never to give up
in our search for justice.
Comfort the families and the friends
of the 96 who died
and all who feel their loss;
As they relive the trauma of the tragedy of Hillsborough
Hold them in the Love that holds their loved ones,
Still their minds to receive all that is disclosed,
And guide them in their journey of justice and truth
That peace might be our constant companion.
