Final Hillsborough service held at Anfield for 96 victims of the 1989 tragedy

A MEMORIAL service at Anfield for the 96 victims of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster was held for the final time on Friday.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 15: Liverpool fans sing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' alongside the 'Eternal Ring' during a memorial service to mark the 27th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, at Anfield stadium on April 15, 2016 in Liverpool, England. Thousands of fans, friends and relatives took part in the final Anfield memorial service for the 96 victims of the Hillsborough disaster. Earlier this year relatives of the victims agreed that this year's service would be the last. Bells across the City of Liverpool rang out during a one minute silence in memory of the 96 Liverpool supporters who lost their lives during a crush at an FA Cup semi-final match against Nottingham Forest at the Hillsborough football ground in Sheffield, South Yorkshire in 1989. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

A MEMORIAL service at Anfield for the 96 victims of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster was held for the final time on Friday.

The event has been held annually at Liverpool’s stadium since the tragedy in Sheffield on April 15, 1989. The names of the 96 victims were read out, and a minute’s silence followed across Liverpool at 3:06 pm, the exact time that the human crush occurred at Hillsborough Stadium 27 years ago.

Liverpool’s anthem, “You’ll never walk alone,” was sung to finish the service.

Tributes for the 96 people who died in the Hillsborough tragedy.

Former Liverpool footballer and manager Kenny Dalglish, the manager of Liverpool at the time of the Hillsborough disaster attends the memorial service at Anfield.

Reverend Kelvin Bolton opened the service with a short speech, saying that this 27th anniversary was “yet another milestone in your (the families) long journey.”

A number of current and former Liverpool players were in attendance, including Jamie Carragher and Kenny Dalglish. Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp also attended the service.

A minute’s silence was also held before Liverpool’s Europa League match against Borussia Dortmund on Thursday.

“I want the families to know that we offer our thoughts and prayers,” Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson said.

People leave tributes outside Anfield stadium before a memorial service to mark the 27th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

“Although it’s the final Hillsborough memorial, it doesn’t mean it is the last time this city will remember the 96. They will never be forgotten.”

In January, the relatives of the victims decided that this year’s memorial would be the last, stating they had “unanimously agreed” to stop the services.

Liverpool's German manager Jurgen Klopp (R) arrives with his players to attend the memorial service at Anfield.

The Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and Town Hall’s bells tolled 96 times, flags at civic buildings were flown at half-staff, and other events were also being held across the city.

A jury looking into how the fans died has started considering conclusions this month. Anderson told the crowd that the city “stands with them” as they await the verdict.

Originally published as Final Hillsborough service held at Anfield for 96 victims of the 1989 tragedy