'We all love and miss him' - Tributes to Liam Payne as fans travel to Wolverhampton to mark second anniversary of his death

Fans travelled from across the world to Wolverhampton to pay an emotional tribute to Liam Payne on the second anniversary of his death, as calls were made for a permanent memorial to the singer in his home city.

The former One Direction star, who grew up in Wolverhampton, died on October 16, 2024, aged 31, after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Two years on, fans gathered at the bandstand in West Park to remember the singer, with some travelling hundreds and even thousands of miles to pay their respects.

Among those making the journey were fans from Essex, Hull and even Washington DC, as supporters came together to share memories and celebrate his life.

Flowers, heartfelt messages, soft toys and banners were laid around the bandstand, which has become a focal point for tributes to the Wolverhampton star since his death.

A special memorial plaque was also placed at the site, bearing the words: "In Loving Memory of Liam Payne, 29-08-1993 - 16/10/2024, Loved beyond words. Missed beyond measure. Remembered for a lifetime. Never forgotten."

A small red letterbox bearing the words 'letters for the Payne family' had also been hung at the bandstand, giving fans the opportunity to leave personal messages.

Among those paying their respects was Brandy, who had travelled all the way from Washington DC to be part of the gathering.

She said she had been heartbroken to miss the first anniversary commemorations last year, but was grateful to finally have the chance to visit Wolverhampton and remember Liam alongside fellow fans.

"I wanted to come here and be with all these lovely people," she said.

"Obviously the circumstances around us being here is something no one would ever have wanted. It is so sad.

"I loved Liam and I still do. The music is a huge part of my life and I can't believe it has been two years since he left us.

"We all love and miss him more than words could say, and not a day goes by where he isn't thought of, remembered and loved."

The gathering brought together fans united by their love for the singer, whose rise to fame began when he appeared on The X Factor in 2010 before becoming one fifth of One Direction.

The group went on to become one of the biggest boybands in the world, with Payne later enjoying a solo career following the band's hiatus.

For many of those visiting West Park, the anniversary was an opportunity not only to reflect on his death, but also to remember the music and memories he left behind.

Karen Canton was among those sharing a heartfelt tribute to the singer.

"His voice, his smile and the memories he gave us will never be forgotten," she said. "Liam is loved, missed and remembered every single day."

Meanwhile, those behind the '#justiceforLiamPayne2024' and 'True Justice LP' Facebook groups have called for a permanent memorial in Wolverhampton where fans can come together to remember the singer.

Currently, the bandstand at West Park is made available for tributes for just three weeks, meaning organisers have to repeatedly set up and remove the flowers, messages and other items left in his memory.

With fans travelling from as far away as Essex to organise the tributes around Liam's birthday on August 29 and the anniversary of his death on October 16, the arrangements mean organisers have to set up and pack away the memorials four times over the course of just three months.

Those involved are now hoping a permanent space can be established in the city, allowing supporters to pay their respects throughout the year without the need to repeatedly dismantle the tributes.

The bandstand was also the scene of an outpouring of grief in the days following Payne's death in 2024 and again on the first anniversary in 2025, when fans gathered to leave flowers, photographs and messages in memory of one of Wolverhampton's most famous sons.