Watch the memorial
concert and hear reaction

Eleven Royal Marines murdered by the
IRA in Deal 20 years ago were remembered on Sunday at a concert on
the bandstand built in their memory.

After the barracks closed in 1996 the Royal Marines Band from
Portsmouth promised to return every year for a performance on
Walmer Green.

Thousands of people watched the musicians perform and many
tributes were made to those who died in the explosion at the School
of Music.

Lt Col Nick Grace, principal director of music Royal Marines,
Portsmouth, said: "It is fantastic to see so many people. It just
goes to show, and brings home to us all, the feelings of the town
of Deal and east Kent for the Royal Marines and the Royal Marines
band service."

Bandstand trust chairman John Perkins described the explosion on
September 22, 1989 as a mindless act of terrorism and said the 11
men who died must never be forgotten.

The bandstand was rededicated as part of the programme of music
and the Rev Frank Kent, who led the prayers, also spoke about how
important it was to remember the musicans who died at the hands of
terrorists.

He read the names of the 11 men and wreaths were laid at the
bandstand by their relatives.

Brig Paul Denning, deputy Commandant General of the Royal
Marines, also laid flowers. He said: "It is right to remember
people in a celebratory way. Today we have done them proud."

The Band of Royal Marines from Collingwood also took part in the
day, by marching from the former barracks to the bandstand to take
part in the concert. Crowds lining the streets greeted them with
cheers and applause.

• For a full report and eight pages of pictures, pick up a copy of this week's East Kent Mercury, out on Thursday.

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