Terror attack memorial service takes place in Forbury Gardens
One year on from the murder of three men in the centre of Reading the town paid its respects in a dignified ceremony
Last updated 20th Jun 2021
Two hundred and fifty people have gathered in Reading's Forbury Gardens one year on from the terror attack to remember the victims.
Friends and family paid tributes to James Furlong, David Wails, and Joe Ritchie-Bennett, while pupils from the Holt School in Wokingham where James was a teacher performed songs and readings.
The service was introduced by the Mayor of Reading David Stevens.
Friends and family of the three victims paid tributes to them - amongst them Gary Furlong the brother of James.
The service featured songs, readings and music from the Reading-based Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra
The audience was made up of friends, family and friends of the victims along with first responders from Thames Valley Police and South central Ambulance service.
After a minute's silence single yellow roses were laid at the bandstand - the families hugged after laying theirs.
Reading MP's Alok Sharma and Matt Rodda were amongst the civic leaders present and they took a moment afterwards to catch up.
The gardens remained closed on Sunday night with 365 lights placed around the spot where the three men died and three beams of shine shone into the air as a final memorial to mark the year terror and tragedy came to Reading.