Grenfell and No 10 to be lit up in green to mark fire anniversary

● Show of solidarity one year on after blaze in high-rise flats claimed 72 lives

Grenfell Tower and surrounding blocks will light up in green to mark a year since the moment the devastating fire took hold, claiming 72 lives.

Today marks 12 months since a small kitchen fire in the west London high-rise turned into the most deadly domestic blaze since the Second World War.

Twelve blocks are expected to turn green in a show of solidarity across the west London skyline, while Downing Street is also to be illuminated.

The 13 buildings will be lit up from 00:54am - the time the fire is thought to have started - until 5am.

For the following four evenings they will be illuminated from 8pm until midnight.

On the eve of the anniversary, members of the grieving north Kensington community gathered for a 24-hour vigil to reflect on those who died.

During the private vigil at St Clement’s church, the names of the victims were being read out at 1:30am.

Some 71 people, including a stillborn baby, died in the 14 June fire, and another resident died the following January.

The inquiry has paused for a week to allow people time to reflect on the anniversary, and on Thursday a series of events will be held in the north Kensington community.

From 11am, there will be a service of remembrance at St Helen’s church organised by campaign group Relative Justice Humanity for Grenfell.

Clarrie Mendy, who lost two family members in the fire and organised the event, said the names of the 72 victims would be read out, while 73 doves will be released outside the church.

She said: “It’s a service of healing, community, inclusivity and solidarity, to know we are not alone.

“We’ll be releasing 73 white doves. Why 73 instead of 72? One for the unknown. If there were more than 72, we will put one for the unknown.”

They will be giving out 400 white roses which people will able to carry on their way to the tower afterwards.

In addition, a moment of silence will be observed at midday by survivors and bereaved gathered close to the tower’s base and nationally.

A community mosaic is to be unveiled, while wreaths will be laid and candles lit.

The tower is now completely covered by white sheeting, with banners featuring the green Grenfell heart and the words “Grenfell forever in our hearts” emblazoned across the four highest floors.

In the afternoon, the community is expected to congregate at the nearby “Wall of Truth” ahead of a silent march which will set off around 7pm.