An annual remembrance service will be held today in memory of the victims of the Glen Cinema Disaster in 1929.
On 31st December 1929, one of Paisley’s saddest chapters in the Town’s history took place in the Glen Cinema in Paisley.
During a matinee with nearly 1,000 children present, a canister of film started to smoulder. An assistant film operator spotted smoke coming from the container and when he tried to smother it, the container sprang open and smoke and fumes entered the auditorium.
In a panic to leave the cinema, 69 children died and 40 were injured after they were crushed attempting to leave an exit which has been padlocked, days later, the final death toll was 71.
It turned out there was no actual fire.
Paisley Development Trust, said: “We meet at the Cenotaph at 10.30am on the 31st December and support the very few survivors that are left during the short ceremony and afterwards join them in a cup of tea in Hamishes’ Hoose on the High Street.
“We would be delighted if you were able to attend.”
Main Photo: Remaining survivors (photographed in 2016) of the Glen Cinema Disaster in 1929. Photo Credit: Paisley Development Trust