Hundreds gather as Leeds and Sheffield stage vigils for Orlando victims

Hundreds gathered in Leeds last night for an impromptu vigil to mourn the victims of the Orlando nightclub massacre.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Jun 2016, 09:32 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 18:58 BST
Picture from the Twitter feed of @yorkshireprobs of Monday night's vigil in LeedsPicture from the Twitter feed of @yorkshireprobs of Monday night's vigil in Leeds
Picture from the Twitter feed of @yorkshireprobs of Monday night's vigil in Leeds

Lower Briggate was closed at around 11pm as people held hands and listened to speeches, in an event organised by members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

A minute’s silence will be held in the city at noon today, with civic leaders gathering at Victoria Gardens near Leeds Art Gallery to pay their respects.

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Another vigil was held in Sheffield, where hundreds of people gathered in the city centre.

Sheffielders sang songs and lit candles to in memory victims and to show support for those injured in the attack.

There were also speeches from members of the LGBT community.

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A minute’s silence will be held in Leeds today, from noon.

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Crowds gather for the Sheffield vigilCrowds gather for the Sheffield vigil
Crowds gather for the Sheffield vigil

Lord Mayor of Leeds Councillor Gerry Harper said: “The people of Leeds are invited to join the council and many others as we pay our respects on Tuesday. Leeds has a strong LBG&T community and we will share their mourning as we remember those who perished in Orlando, those who were hurt and their loved ones.”

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council said: “We will hold a ceremony at Victoria Gardens on Tuesday to allow people to express their sorrow for those affected and to display solidarity with the LGB&T community in the city and across the world.

Related topics:SheffieldLeedsOrlando