Thousands expected to attend candle lit vigil in Trafalgar Square
Up to 10,000 people are expected to take part in a silent candle-lit vigil against Hate-Crime this evening in Trafalgar Square.
The event, organised by the facebook group 17-24-30, is being held to commemorate the homophobic murder of Ian Baynham.
Organiser Mark Healey told Pinknews.co.uk:
“We have been inundated with support from people all around the world. This is the first ever international day of remembrance for the victims of hate crime.”
There will also be vigils this evening in Brighton and San Francisco.
A number of high profile speakers will speak at the vigil, which has received support from Stuart Milk, nephew of prominent gay rights campainger Harvey Milk who was murdered in a homophobic attack.
“After the two minutes silence there will be a roll call of all the victims of homphobic hate crime from the last 10 years,” Healey told Pinknews.co.uk.
“We are asking everyone to come straight to Trafalgar Square for the Vigil, please do not bring banners and placards – we want to see a sea of candles and faces.
“We have been in contact with some of Ian’s friends, to start establishing what needs they have, what ideas they would like us to include.
“Unfortunately it may be a long time before Ian’s body is released, the family have indicated that they would like a private service, with ideas for an event for Ian to be staged at a later date.
“Friends and members of the family are planning to attend the Vigil, as well friends and families of other victims of Hate-crime.”
The event, which is being organised by volunteers, is seeking donations to assist with running costs. If you would like to donate via paypal visit https://tr.im/172430 or alternatively you can pay directly to the 17-24-30 groups donation account, sort code 40-03-22, account number 41446843.
