Birmingham remembers Pub Bombings victims on 42nd anniversary, with events across the city

Birmingham Pub Bombing campaigners say they feel 'held to ransom' in their struggle to secure legal funding for upcoming inquests into how their loved ones died on this night in 1974.

Speaking ahead of today's 42nd anniversary, lead campaigner for Justice for the 21, Julie Hambleton, said that without legal representation at the first hearing next week, it will be impossible for families to take part.

They been battling with the Government for months to secure a funding package similar to that given to the Hillsborough Campaign, but have had their requests turned down.

Julie Hambleton, along with other family members, last night attended a preview reading of a play based on the life of a man for years they believed had killed one of their loved ones, 18-year-old Maxine Hambleton.

Paddy Hill was one of the Birmingham 6 wrongly convicted in 1974 for the explosions which tore through two city centre pubs. Now a campaigner against miscarriages of justice, he has once again been in the city to renew his support in the continued fight for justice by those searching for the truth. Chris Halpin reports.

• Watch: Pub bombings survivor relives miracle escape from Tavern blast

Twenty one people murdered in the Birmingham Pub Bombings were remembered in an emotional service tonight, 42 years on from the unsolved attack. A candlelit vigil was held outside St Phillips Cathedral to honour the 21 people who lost their lives.

They've become the first to be posthumously awarded the Freedom of the City, something their families say means so much, as they continue their long battle for justice. Chris Halpin reports.

The Library of Birmingham has been lit up this evening to honour the 21 people who died in the 1974 Birmingham Pub Bombings.

It's 42 years since the atrocity and events have been held across the city in commemoration.

It was also announced today those who lost their lives will be posthumously awarded the Freedom of the City.

Next week fresh inquests will resume for those who died.

Twenty one people were killed and 182 were injured when blasts ripped through the Tavern in the Town and Mulberry Bush pubs on November 21st 1974, those who lost their lives were:

• Michael William Beasley
• Lynn Jane Bennett
• Stanley Bodman
• James Caddick
• Thomas Chaytor
• James Craig
• Paul Davies
• Jane Davis
• Charles Grey
• Maxine Hambleton
• Anne Hayes
• John Clifford Jones
• Neil Marsh
• Marilyn Nash
• Pamela Palmer
• Desmond Reilly
• Eugene Reilly
• Maureen Roberts
• John Rowlands
• Trevor Thrupp
• Stephen Whalley