Report on the Birmingham Pub Bombings 50th Memorial Service 2024

Birmingham Irish • November 22, 2024

This year marks 50 years since Birmingham and her people were targeted in the terrible events of the Birmingham Pub Bombings that took place  on the 21st November 1974.

On that evening 21 people lost their lives in our great city and 182 were injured. Countless others suffered and communities, lives and friendships were destroyed due to this horrific incident and its long reaching affects. 


The memorial service took place on Thursday 21st November outside Birmingham New Street station next to the Birmingham Pub Bombings memorial trees.

2024 Birmingham Pub Bombings Memorial

The memorial service included …

  • Professor Gavin Schaffer - Narrating the event 
  • Prayers by Anglican Bishop & Catholic Archbishop
  • Speech from Denise Wetton – Network Rail 
  • One minute silence to remember those who lost their lives 
  • Royal Birmingham Conservatoire – Performing NIMROD 
  • Remembering the 21 – Flower laying ceremony 
  • Reflections by the Lord Mayor 
  • His excellency Mr Martin Fraser - Ambassador of Ireland to the UK
  • Paul Bridgewater - Son of Paul Anthony Davies
  • A Poem ‘Our 21 Loved Ones’ – Joe Cook 

We also had the honour of welcoming Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Edinburgh to the service. The attendee’s heard a message from the King, and at the end there was an opportunity for Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Edinburgh to meet performers.


For more information and imagery of the memorial please keep an eye on our social media pages:

Facebook – Birmingham Irish Association 

Twitter ('X') - @brumirish

Instagram - @birminghamirish

Birmingham pub bombings city Memorial
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