Manchester Cladiators campaign group holding vigil for Grenfell Tower fifth anniversary in the city centre

The group says it is an opportunity to reflect on the 72 lives lost in the tower fire and the justice survivors and the bereaved have still not been given five years on.
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Manchester will come together for a vigil to remember the lives lost in Grenfell Tower on the fifth anniversary of the lethal blaze.

The Manchester Cladiators, which represents residents caught up in the cladding and building safety scandals, is organising the event in St Peter’s Square this evening (Tuesday 14 June).

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It will be a sombre occasion thinking about the 72 people who were killed and the fact that justice and accountability for what happened has still yet to occur despite an inquiry which has been running for several years and has uncovered widespread failings.

The Cladiators will be joined by local politicians and anyone who wishes to pay their respects is welcome.

What is the Grenfell anniversary vigil being held in Manchester?

Manchester Cladiators are hosting the vigil in St Peter’s Square outside Manchester Central Library between 6.30pm and 7pm.

The event will focus on the 72 lives lost in the dreadful blaze in 2017 and the ongoing fight for justice survivors and those who were bereaved face.

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Participants are being encouraged to wear something green and to hold copies of green hearts with the word Grenfell on them to show support for the tower community.

The names of some of the victims are seen on a railing near to the site of Grenfell Tower.The names of some of the victims are seen on a railing near to the site of Grenfell Tower.
The names of some of the victims are seen on a railing near to the site of Grenfell Tower.

Politicians from across Greater Manchester are expected to attend the vigil along with key members of the Cladiators campaign and representatives of faith organisations and the fire service.

A silent walk is being held in London to mark the fifth anniversary and the Cladiators encouraged residents involved in the campaign to attend that, but wanted to do something in Manchester as well for people unable to travel down to the capital to mark the milestone.

What has been said about the vigil?

Giles Grover from the Manchester Cladiators said: “This vigil is to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Grenfell and show our support for the Grenfell community and the bereaved and survivors.

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“Seventy-two people lost their lives and they still haven’t had justice yet. The Grenfell community has always supported us and said our fight is their fight, and we have supported them as much as we can.

“We want to be there for them given the tragic events, which were entirely preventable.

“Grenfell was when people realised the state of residential buildings and how they had been built with unsafe materials because of the failure to regulate properly.

“Today, though, is about standing together in their fight for justice. Whatever we are going through isn’t great but isn’t anything in comparison to people who have lost their lives or their loved ones and still haven’t had that justice which is long overdue.”