A MEMORIAL service will take place in Forbury Gardens to remember the victims who lost their lives in the terror attack.

On Sunday, June 20, the public will be invited to remember James Furlong, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and David Wails at a Memorial Service.

The memorial service will take place at 4pm, one year on to the day of the Reading attacks.

Family and friends of James, Joe and David, those injured and witnesses are invited to remember the occasion.

READ MORE: Remembering the victims of Forbury Gardens horror attack as killer is sentenced

Members of the emergency services who bravely responded on the day and cared for those who were injured, representatives of Reading's many diverse communities and voluntary sector partners will also be in attendance.

Reading Chronicle:

The victims left to right: Joseph Ritchie Bennet, James Furlong and David Wails

Reading Borough Council confirmed the plans today (Monday, June 7) where Cllr David Stevens, Mayor of Reading will lead the service.

Councillor Jason Brock, Reading Borough Council Leader, said:  “One year on, Reading will come together as a community on Sunday June 20th and, in solidarity with their families and friends, remember James, Joe and David.

“In the days which followed the horrific events of last year, Reading saw an outpouring of grief and sadness which united the local community, with support from people around the country and across the world.

“I remain extremely proud of the united and determined way in which Reading responded at the time. I am also certain it will respond in the same way one year on, whether people are attending the Memorial Service or choosing to quietly pay their respects at home.

“Our thoughts will always be with those who lost loved ones and with those injured.”

Plans for the day will include tributes to the victims and readings, followed by the laying of floral tributes at the Forbury Bandstand. 

The public are invited to join the Memorial Service online via the live stream on the Council's Facebook page from 4pm www.facebook.com/Readingcouncil.

The service is also open to the public, however, places are limited due to ongoing COVID restrictions on large gatherings in public spaces.

RBC is respectfully requesting that anyone who wishes to attend reserves a place online at https://whatsonreading.com/reading-together

The Council’s flag will fly at half-mast on 20th June and in tribute, the Maiwand Lion in Forbury Gardens will be lit from dusk throughout the night.

Three white beams of light will shine up into the sky, a commemorative symbol which will be visible for miles around.

The pathway leading to the Maiwand Lion will feature 365 lights – one to mark every day since the tragic evening one year ago.

The gardens will be open from 6am until noon on Sunday 20th June for the public to lay flowers down. The gardens will close at noon to allow for preparations for the Memorial Service and open to the public again Monday morning 21st June.