Warrington will fall silent on Wednesday (March 20) to remember the victims of an IRA bomb attack that devastated the town in 1993.
March 20 marks 26 years since two bombs hidden in litter bins detonated on Bridge Street, killing three-year-old Johnathan Ball and Tim Parry, 12.
It was one of the darkest days in the town’s history and more than 50 shoppers were left injured, some seriously, by shrapnel and other flying debris in the bombing.
A commemoration service – organised by the Peace Foundation which was set up by Tim's parents Colin and Wendy Parry - will be held on Bridge Street and will be attended by the Mayor of Warrington, families of victims of the attack and faith leaders.
A minute’s silence will be observed at 12.27pm, the time of the bombing.
Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Karen Mundry, said: “We will never forget that dark day 26 years ago, and the huge impact it had on everyone in our borough, and beyond.
1993 Warrington bombing
“Out of the terrible tragedy came a commitment from everyone to work together towards peace.
"The annual commemorations are about remembering the victims of the bombing, honouring the bravery of families and reaffirming our commitment – and our sense of hope for the future – that what happened in 1993 never happens again."
