10,000 capacity limit for all-ticket Hillsborough memorial service

THE 21st Hillsborough anniversary service will be an all-ticket 10,000 capacity event, it was announced today.Organisers have made the move in response to the massive crowds that flocked to last year's symbolic 20th anniversary.Nearly 30,000 people packed into the ground for an emotional service in April remembering those killed in the 1989 disaster.Now, next month's anniversary at 2.45pm, on April 15, will be limited to 10,000 people, and for the first time, those attending will have to order free tickets.They will be available at outlets within the city over the coming weeks.The Hillsborough Family Support Group said the decision was taken for safety reasons.Last year, crowds funnelled into all sides of the stadium, as organisers were taken aback by the show of support.This time, only the Kop will be used and the club has obtained a safety certificate which has been agreed with the police and city council.Margaret Aspinall, chairwoman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, told the ECHO: 'Safety is paramount.'Last year, we were shocked by the number of people who came. People were taken by surprise.'It was a worry to see people trying to get upstairs with prams.'The last thing we would want was to have an accident.

Source: Liverpool_Echo