US: Beatles fans gathered yesterday in Liverpool and New York for a series of events to mark the 25th anniversary of John Lennon's death. More than 1,000 tributes to the music legend were attached to white balloons and released in his home city of Liverpool.
The messages, which included e-mails from across the globe, were written by anyone who wanted to pay homage. As night fell Lennon's image was projected on to a large tunnel ventilation shaft at the city's docks.
A civic service was held at Liverpool Parish Church featuring speakers including Bill Harry, founder of the Mersey Beat newspaper which covered Liverpool's swinging music scene during the 1960s. Current pupils from Lennon's former schools - Dovedale Juniors and Calderstones School - laid flowers and there was also a solo rendition of the Lennon song Beautiful Boy and choral versions of All You Need Is Love, In My Life and Happy Christmas (War Is Over).
Earlier in the day a short service was held at John Lennon's statue in Mathew Street in Liverpool - the home of the world famous Cavern Club where the Beatles played.
Lennon fans Anna Javier and husband Jean travelled from Madrid for the event. She said: "We are huge fans of the Beatles and just wanted to be here in Liverpool to remember him."
Lennon was shot dead outside his New York apartment block, the Dakota Building, by Mark Chapman. He had earlier signed a copy of his Double Fantasy album for Chapman, who waited for him to return home before shooting him four times.
In America, fans brought flowers, candles and their own bittersweet memories as they held their own tribute in New York.
Fans were holding a moment of silence at 10.50pm - the time he was shot - and again at 11.15pm - the time he is believed to have died.
Despite protests, city officials planned to close Central Park at 1am, as they have for several years.