Viola Beach Tragedy: Warrington Unveils Tribute 10 Years After Fatal Canal Crash
A poignant new tribute has been unveiled in Warrington town centre to mark the 10-year anniversary of the tragic deaths of British indie-rock band Viola Beach and their manager. The promising young musicians and their dedicated manager lost their lives in a horrific accident when their car plunged into a canal in Stockholm, Sweden, on February 13th 2016.
The Fatal Accident in Stockholm
In the early hours of that fateful morning, the group's vehicle broke through the barriers of a bridge over a canal in Stockholm's Sodertalje district. The bridge had been opened to allow ships to pass through and was in the process of closing when the car drove through the barriers and crashed down into the water.
Inspector Martin Bergholm stated at the time, "For some reason, the car drove through the barriers and crashed down into the canal. Witnesses just saw a car beside them and kind of disappear." All four band members – singer Kris Leonard, guitarist River Reeves, bass player Tomas Lowe, and drummer Jack Dakin – along with their manager, Craig Tarry, who was in the car with them, perished in the accident.
A Decade of Remembrance: The New Tribute
On Friday 13th February, a new memorial was unveiled in Warrington's Old Market Square to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of their passing. The installation takes the form of a ‘V’ constructed from vibrant rainbow umbrellas, creating a bright and uplifting focal point in the town centre.
Ian Cox, centre director at Golden Square, explained the significance of the tribute. "Viola Beach will always be part of Warrington’s story. Ten years on, their music and their spirit still mean so much to so many people," he said. "We wanted to create something visible in the Old Market Square where the band played that feels thoughtful and hopeful, a simple tribute that honours Kris, River, Tomas, Jack and Craig, and gives people a moment to pause, reflect and remember."
He added, "The rainbow umbrellas felt like the right way to do that: bright, uplifting, impossible to miss and an obvious nod to their most iconic photo."
Heartfelt Tributes from Fans and Industry
In the aftermath of the tragedy, tributes poured in from devastated fans and music industry figures. Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens, who had played Viola Beach tracks on his show, tweeted, "So sorry to hear the news about Viola Beach and their manager. The saddest news. Thinking of all their families at this awful time."
Fans continue to express their grief and admiration on social media. One fan wrote on Facebook, "I remember hearing about the accident - absolutely heartbreaking. They were about to break through and do big things. I still listen to their album and remember them." Another commented, "this broke my heart when it happened, so much young talent just starting out, just getting the recognition they had worked hard for."
Legacy and Lasting Impact
The band, who described themselves as "beer-drinking pals who just happen to make music," were all from Warrington and had built a strong local following. Despite their untimely deaths, their legacy endures. They posthumously reached No 1 with their debut album, a testament to their talent and the impact of their music.
An industry source who witnessed their final performance at a music festival in Sweden noted that music industry figures in the audience were deeply impressed and excited by the group's potential.
In addition to the new umbrella tribute, the band and their manager are remembered through a commemorative bronze plaque at Parr Hall in Warrington. Jo Dakin, mother of drummer Jack Dakin, shared, "A physical memorial will inspire others to be brave enough to follow their dreams and escape the ordinary – just like the band of brothers did."
The tribute in Old Market Square serves as a lasting reminder of the young lives lost and the enduring spirit of Viola Beach, ensuring that their memory continues to inspire and resonate with the community and fans worldwide.
