Liam Payne fans to remember One Direction star in Cambridge

Payne died aged 31 last week

Flowers, cards and photos are laid in tribute to Liam Payne
Author: Dan Mason and Hannah Roberts, PAPublished 27th Oct 2024

Liam Payne fans are due to turn out in Cambridge today to remember a "loved idol".

The former One Direction singer died aged 31 after falling from the third-floor balcony of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina last week.

A memorial is due to take place on Jesus Green in the city this afternoon, with fans encouraged to take pictures, letters and cards.

Autumn Long, who's followed Payne since 2011, has helped set up the event:

"As a fan, it's so important to me that his life was celebrated and he is always remembered for what he did for all of us," she said.

"We are hoping to raise awareness of mental health and show he was so loved; it's important to remember Liam not only for his talent in music, but his kindness and generosity he showed to the world."

Autumn, who's organising the event alongside a friend, has followed the One Direction singers since the band split.

She believes Payne in particular has played a key part in her life.

"He was such a loved idol to our generation and he had such a big impact on our lives, and some of our friends wouldn't have even met without him," Autumn added.

"I think the main reason Liam was loved by many was for his dedication, appreciation and love he had for the fans; One Direction is a safe space for young people and their music has helped so many of us fans get through hard times."

One Direction returns to UK charts

In light of Payne's death, all five of One Direction's studio albums have returned to the UK top 40.

This includes the band's 2013 album Midnight Memories, containing hits such as Best Song Ever and Story Of My Life, which has reached number 13 on the UK album charts this week.

After the band announced their indefinite hiatus in 2016, the members went on to create their own music and Payne released his debut solo album, LP1, in 2019.

His song, Strip That Down with Quavo has re-entered the singles chart at 41 with his Rita Ora collaboration, For You, landing at number 43 this week.

The memorial on Jesus Green takes place at 1.30pm.

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