Grenfell anniversary marked by emotional vigils and poignant embrace with firefighters

The anniversary of the Grenfell Tower disaster was marked with protests up and down the country, with firefighters forming a guard of honour at one survivors’ march in London

Silent protests marked the sixth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower disaster (

Image: ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Silent vigils have been held across the UK to mark the anniversary of the Grenfell Tower disaster.

A huge fire broke out at the tower block on Latimer Road in North Kensington on 14 June 2017, claiming the lives of 72 people.

Inspections later found that unsafe cladding on the exterior of the building had contributed to the spread of the blaze.

Dozens of victims’ families are still demanding answers from the authorities – while some survivors are even still living in temporary accommodation more than six years on.

A silent march was held in Central London on Wednesday by hundreds of campaigners, with many wearing green to show their continued unity.

Firefighters formed a guard of honour for demonstrators in London (

Image:

ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

The demonstration began at Notting Hill Methodist church, before banners reading ‘Justice for Grenfell’ and ‘United for Grenfell’ were unfurled on the street.

An especially poignant moment then came on Ladbroke Grove, where firefighters in uniform were embraced by marchers after they formed a guard of honour to allow them through.

A balloon ceremony and dove release then took place at the site of the tower as families, survivors and loved ones looked on.

Many are still demanding answers from the authorities more than half-a-decade on (

Image:

ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Yvette Williams, who lives in nearby West Kensington and helped found the Justice4Grenfell group, told the Evening Standard: “Seventy-two lives we can never get back. How can we ever give up fighting for justice?”

“Today’s anniversary feels significant, it marks 72 months since the fire. Seventy-two months ago, 72 people died, a month for every life lost,” said Natasha Elcock — survivor, bereaved and chair of Grenfell United.

“We won’t stop fighting until justice is served.”

A total of 72 people lost their lives in the fire on 14 June 2017 (

Image:

ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Campaign group Grenfell United meanwhile wrote on Twitter: “72 months since 72 people died.

“A month for every life lost. Six years, and not a single person has been held to account.”

Other protests were also held in towns and cities across the country, and one demonstration in Edinburgh saw people stand in silence as they held aloft photographs of the victims of the tragedy.

Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham also appeared at a protest event on Wednesday, pledging support for the Grenfell campaign for justice and accountability.

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