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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Lily Waddell

Grenfell: 72 beams of light illuminate night sky above tower in moving tribute

Grenfell Tower was illuminated with 72 beams of light in a poignant tribute on Tuesday.

It marked the fifth anniversary of the tragedy after 72 people were killed in the tower block fire in North Kensington, west London in June 2017.

Amazing photographs captured the moment the beams of light brightened up the London skyline.

Grenfell United tweeted: “72 beams of light reminding those in power we’re here to stay. 18,000 people walked with us in solidarity this evening. Thank you for coming. #UnitedForGrenfell #ForeverInOurHearts.”

Tuesday night the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined bereaved families and survivors for a multi-faith service at the base of Grenfell Tower to remember the 72 people who died there five years ago.

Prince William and Kate Middleton were among a crowd of hundreds of people gathering to pay their respects to the 72 victims of the inferno on June 14 in 2017.

A 72-second silence was observed at the base of the tower by attendees including the duke and duchess - broken by a round of applause.

Kate laid down a wreath with white flowers as William looked on just behind her, before both bowed their heads and stood for a moment of quiet reflection.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan laid the next wreath, before also bowing his head in remembrance..

At the ceremony Grenfell survivors and bereaved relatives released 18 green balloons from the base of the west London tower to represent each child who died there five years ago. The name of each child was read out as each balloon was released at the anniversary service.

There were also choir performances, prayers, readings and the unveiling of a white heart sculpture made of hands.

The service was live-streamed on screens positioned in the surrounding area so the wider community and public could watch.

Eight-year-old Ayeesha, who survived the fire, recited a poem she wrote called Never Forget.

She said: “We will stay strong, we will rise up as a community, we will fight for justice together, we will always remember our friends and our neighbours, we will always remember our home.

“We can’t change the past but we can change the future. Never forget.”

Many have been paying their respects at the foot of the tower. Musician Stormzy was among those who was seen there.

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