Birmingham Pub Bombings: Convoy happening 46 years on

21 people were killed when two blasts went off on 21st November 1974

Author: Megan JonesPublished 21st Nov 2020

A convoy's happening across Birmingham today, to remember the 21 people killed in the Birmingham pub bombings.

Two devastating blasts ripped apart the Mulberry Bush and Tavern in the Town pubs in the city centre on the night of November 21st.

The first bomb went off in the Mulberry Bush at 8:17pm.

It became the deadliest terror attack on UK mainland until the London July 7/7 bombings.

The 'Birmingham Six' served 16 years before their convictions were overturned in one of Britain's worst miscarriages of justice.

Nobody has ever been brought to justice for the attacks.

Earlier this week, a man was arrested by police in connection with the pub bombings, then released.

After years of campaigning by families, fresh inquests were ordered in 2016 and they took place in 2019.

The inquest jury found, a botched IRA warning call led to the deaths of the 21 people unlawfully killed in the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings.

Last month, it was announced Home Secretary agreed to look into the case for a public inquiry.

Priti Patel also wanted to meet with the families, which the 'Justice For the 21' group hoped would happen before the 46th anniversary today (21 November).

Today, on the 46th anniversary, families and supporters are taking part in a convoy across the city.

Here's the route:

  • 11:00am: Start gathering at Holford Way, B6 7AX.
  • 12:00pm: Set off on convoy to join Holford Drive.
  • Left onto A453 Aldridge Road, A34 Birchfield Road and High Street.
  • Right onto A4540 New John Street West and continue until Spring Hill.
  • Onto Dudley and connect with the 11A Outer Circle route
  • The convoy will follow the 11A route to Vicarage Road, Kings Heath
  • Right turn just after the Red Lion Pub on to Howard Road, Howard Road East, Wheelers Lane to Swan Corner/Brook Lane picking up the 11A route once again.
  • Continue until Bromford where the convoy picks up the Tyburn Road.
  • Leave Tyburn Road at Salford Circus, joining the A5127 Lichfield Road
  • Join the A38 just after pump island, under the tunnels and off at Bromsgrove Street (B5 6NU)
  • Continue to Lloyd House

Tonight, a few families will meet at St Phillips Cathedral and at the Tree Memorial outside New Street.

The vigil and ceremony won't be as big as usual, because of the pandemic.

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