WARRINGTON residents and music lovers far and wide are being invited to help fund a hometown memorial to the members and manager of local band Viola Beach.
Kris Leonard, River Reeves, Tomas Lowe, Jack Dakin and Craig Tarry died in tragic circumstances in Stockholm last month when their car crashed in the early hours of Saturday February 13.
Following discussions with their families, Warrington Borough Council has pledged its support for a permanent memorial in the town centre and has established an online fundraising account.
Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Geoff Settle said: “Families and friends have sought comfort in the thousands of tributes that have poured in through the media, on social media sites and books of condolence. We hope that they can continue to seek solace through a permanent tribute to five young men who were set to take on the world.
“Warrington lost a talented young band on the verge of something special and a group of young people with their whole lives ahead of them. We remain deeply saddened and shocked at what happened and our thoughts are with families and friends in Warrington and beyond.”
Contributions to the Viola Beach memorial fund can be made securely online at warrington.gov.uk/violabeach from 8.30am
Books of condolence are available at the town hall and the council’s customer contact centre in Horsemarket Street for people wishing to express their sympathy.
The families have issued the following messages:
The Tarry family
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who is supporting Viola Beach and Craig. This was Craig’s passion in life, when he saw Viola Beach and recognised their talent he knew this was an opportunity to put Warrington on the Music Map, having seen what Oasis, and The Stone Roses did for Manchester. He wanted to make the people of Warrington proud. Therefore if people continue to support the lads, we can provide the town with the perfect memorial so that they’re never forgotten and make the lads proud.
Ben and Sharon Dunne
We will be working tirelessly on River’s and the boys’ behalf to raise funds so that initially a fitting memorial is put in place to mark Viola Beach’s musical impact on the town. The memorial would give everyone an opportunity to reflect on what might have been but also realise the potential we all have to make amazing things happen. Once the memorial has been achieved, it might be that their legacy lives on and future fundraising is focused on supporting young musicians across the town to make their own dreams a reality.
Ian Dakin
Jack loved to entertain people. I would simply like a memorial that inspires others, that any goal is possible if you believe in yourself and follow your dreams.
Jo Dakin
A physical memorial will inspire others to be brave enough to follow their dreams and escape the ordinary- just like the band of brothers did.
Lisa Leonard
Kristian wanted to be a star. He spent relentless hours writing his music. There was nowhere but my garage to practice. If anything please provide a room for these young people who love to play and practice what they love xx
The Lowe Family
It was their passion for music that bought Tomas, Kris, Jack, River and Craig together. Through the memorial fund, we would like to create a legacy that not only honours the memories of Viola Beach and Craig but will also help to inspire and nurture other local musicians. We hope that through the memorial fund we can help to enhance the lives of others through music and to enable other people to form bonds, friendships and a shared passion for music like the lads all had. We would like to thank everyone for the generous support that they have shown so far, and we hope that through their continued support we can achieve this.
Viola Beach pictured at Warrington Festival last summer – Picture Paul Jackson
