A memorial service to remember the 71 young lives lost in the Glen Cinema disaster will take place on Hogmanay.
On December 31, 1929, 71 children died and more than 30 were injured in a horror crush due to panic caused by smoke coming from a smouldering film reel at the Glen Cinema in Paisley.
From Hogmanay 2009, Paisley Buddies have been coming together at the Cenotaph in remembrance of the Children of the Glen.
However, since 2021, the service has been taken at the memorial statue in Dunn Square – poignantly, just 100 yards from the scene of one of the most heartbreaking incidents in the history of the town.
This year’s service, which is open to everyone, will be led by local person, Tony Lawler.
The commemoration statue named Rattle/Little Mother, is based on a 1920s children’s toy, was created by Rachel Lowther and Kerry Stewart and commissioned as part of the marking of the 90th anniversary of the tragedy.
Tony told the Paisley Daily Express: “We have been coming together as a community for 15 years to remember the children of the Glen and this is the fourth year the service will be held at the dedicated memorial in Dunn Square.
“It is important we continue to remember the 71 kids who died on that tragic day. It’s an opportunity for us, as individuals, and as a community, to offer our condolences to their families and loved ones.
“It is also an opportunity to show our continued support to the survivors and their families.”
The commemoration service this year takes place between 10.30am and 10.45am in Dunn Square. Paisley poet Fred McNeill will recite his poem ‘Children of The Glen’.
Paisley singers and songwriters, Carol Laula and Tom Urie, will sing their song, ‘Hush Now, Happy New Year’ – a track they were commissioned to write as part of the 90th anniversary.
A wreath will also be laid in memory of the children who will never be forgotten.
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