Memorial and silent walk mark five years since the Grenfell Tower fire in west London
North Kensington community members unite to remember those lost
Last updated 14th Jun 2022
A memorial and silent walk are among the events taking place today, 14 June, in memory of the 72 people who were killed in the Grenfell Tower fire five years ago.
Today marks the fifth anniversary of the tragedy that occurred in west London's North Kensington back in June 2017.
The community, survivors, and bereaved family and friends are uniting to remember those who lost their lives in the blaze.
London mayor Sadiq Khan says there are “lessons that haven’t been learnt”.
'Silent walk for Grenfell fifth anniversary'
The Grenfell Tower community are coming together this evening to take part in a silent walk to mark the fifth anniversary of the fire that claimed the lives of 72 people on 14 June 2017.
The silent walk is in memory of those who died and to mourn the losses that "remain heavy in our hearts", five years on from the deadliest domestic blaze since the Second World War.
Firefighters from across the country will form a guard of honour as members of the community take part in the walk that will start from the base of the tower.
Community members will gather at the Notting Hill Methodist Church at 6pm, the walk will begin at 6:30pm.
Many of those taking part will wear something Green to pay respects to those loss and come together to ‘fight for justice’.
‘Memorial events in memory of those lost’
Alongside the silent walk, a series of memorial events will be held to mark the tower block blaze in west London five years ago.
A memorial service was held at Westminster Abbey this morning.
At 2pm this afternoon, a 72-second silence will be observed at Westfield shopping centre, after which the names of the 72 victims will be read out over the public address system.
Later in the afternoon, cording around the tower in North Kensington will be removed so survivors, the bereaved and community groups can gather at its base for a multifaith service and lay flowers and wreaths before the evening walk.
Members of the Grenfell Next of Kin group, which represents those bereaved by the tragedy, said they do not want their loved ones' deaths to have been in vain.
One bereaved relative said the "catastrophe is never ending for us", adding: "They lost their lives so others could live in safety, we don't want them to just say 'Never forget' - we want it cemented in some way."
Grenfell Anniversary Westminster Abbey service
Among those speaking at the Westminster service will be former broadcaster Jon Snow and Imran Khan QC, who is one of the lawyers representing those directly affected by the tragedy at the public inquiry.
Mr Snow said: "I am honoured to be invited to speak at this vastly important remembrance from which we all have so much to learn."
Natasha Elcock, chairwoman of campaign group Grenfell United, said: "This week will be a difficult week for everyone affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.
"For many of us the events five years ago are still so raw in our minds and our losses remain heavy in our hearts.
"The worst domestic blaze in living memory"
Pete Wolfenden, a firefighter who responded to the blaze, said: "It's been five years since the Grenfell Tower fire and the thoughts and wishes go out from all London firefighters and fire control staff personnel to the survivors and friends and family of those who lost their lives in this appalling incident, the worst domestic blaze in living memory.
"We also remember the brave and courageous members of all the emergency services who attended on the night and subsequent days, some of whom still suffer ill-health and bear the mental scars of attending that traumatic incident."
Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said: "Firefighters and the Grenfell community have a bond that was forged in tragedy, and the Fire Brigades Union stands in solidarity with all bereaved, survivors and residents.
"Today, on the fifth anniversary of the fire, it is a time for reflection, and to remember all those who lost their lives, and the loved ones they left behind, their legacy lives on in the fight for justice.
"The community inspire us all with their relentless fight for justice and we continue to stand in solidarity with them every step of the way."
“Social inequality and injustice in our country”
A spokeswoman for campaign group Justice 4 Grenfell said: "Today we stand with the Grenfell bereaved, survivors and community, forever in our hearts.
"The Grenfell Tower fire has become a symbol of the social inequality and injustice that exists in our country.
"Seventy-two people lost their lives, many people lost their homes, possessions, families and loved ones.
"The first duty of any government is to protect the lives of its citizens, from the right to life and including the duty to provide adequate housing, these duties are enshrined in law and are where the Government has and continues to fail."