Love for Wolverhampton's Liam Payne and strong feelings among fans as park bandstand becomes shrine on singer's birthday

The bandstand at West Park in Wolverhampton was a place on Friday for fans of Liam Payne to come and lay tributes to the singer on the day that would have seen him turn 32 and talk to other fans about their memories of him.

Flowers, pictures and written tributes were being laid on and tied to the bandstand in the centre of the park, joining other tributes which have continued to be left to Liam following his death after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires in Argentina in October last year.

It was also a place for fans to come together and support each other as the death of Liam Payne continues to be felt nearly a year later, with plenty of tears and hugs, but also smiles and laughter as they shared memories of the One Direction star and what he meant to them.

Among those sitting at the bandstand and remembering Liam was Hayley Smith from Telford, with the 25-year-old saying that it was a bittersweet occasion, but she had wanted to be there to make sure that no one else was alone.

She said: "It's the first time that we've celebrated Liam's birthday without him being here, so I wanted to be here and I came here specifically to make sure that no one showed up and felt they didn't have anyone to talk to, because I've done it and it's not a nice feeling.

"It's bittersweet to have to do it, but it's nice not to be alone and to be able to share memories of someone who meant so much to us and I'm adamant of making sure that no one ever forgets who he was.

"He was someone who did so much in his short life and will always live on forever in millions of people's hearts, so until there is something permanent put up for him, I want to make sure that this stays a place that people can come to and share their memories.

"He was someone who brightened the world, had the biggest heart and the biggest smile and I am very blessed that I can look back on him with such joy and even with the issues he faced later in life, he never gave up on his fans or his bandmates and he loved everyone around him no matter what."

Among those sharing stories with Hayley was Sarah McKenzie-McRobb from Manchester, with the 30-year-old saying that she had moved to the UK from Australia because of Liam Payne and said it meant so much to be there to celebrate his life.

She said: "It means so much to be here and it's really special to be able to come from across the world, having moved here a few months ago as I work in the music industry, and it means so much to come here and make sure he's not being forgotten.

"I discovered him a lot later in life than some people and it meant just so much to me after his death as it completely changed my life, moving across the world and living my dreams here because of it.

"It just feels special to be able to come here as I never thought I would be here, but it's just a nice way to be close to him."

Abbie Hemmings had laid some flowers and also put up a card and the 21-year-old from Bushbury said it was both a happy day and a sad day.

She said: "Obviously, he should be here with us doing his little birthday post as he's done every year, but Liam is someone that meant a lot to me.

"He helped me through a lot of tough times, as I'm been following him since his One Direction days with my big sister and he's always someone who brought a smile to my face with his videos

"It's nice to see everyone coming together to celebrate him and I don't think he realised how loved he actually was until all of this, which is a shame as it took this for everyone to actually show it, but he is someone that will always means something to me."