Fans gather in London, Glasgow, and beyond to honour the memory of the beloved pop star following his tragic death in Argentina

Tearful fans of Liam Payne united in grief at a vigil held in London’s Hyde Park on Sunday, paying tribute to the former One Direction star who died at the age of 31. Hundreds gathered around the park’s Peter Pan statue, forming a poignant scene of mourning as they consoled one another, sharing stories, tears, and messages of love.

The vigil in Hyde Park was part of a series of memorials taking place globally, including gatherings in Glasgow, Paris, and cities like New York and Madrid. Fans in these locations displayed their sorrow and solidarity through flowers, balloons, and heartfelt notes dedicated to the pop icon.

Among those who attended the London vigil was Lauren, a 26-year-old from Kent. She expressed the solace she found in being surrounded by fellow fans, saying, “It’s comforting being with other people… because these people get it. Back at home, you’re just kind of on your own, and it’s quite tough; you’re stuck in your own thoughts.” Lauren added that the impact of Payne’s passing felt more profound than the loss of Tom Parker from The Wanted, stating she had been “prepared for it” due to Parker’s brain tumour diagnosis.

The atmosphere was heavy with emotion as fans exchanged hugs and shared their favourite memories of Payne, who tragically died from multiple injuries after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday. His untimely death sent shockwaves through the fan community, with many struggling to process the loss.

Tess Hayden, a 24-year-old fan from the United States, cut short her holiday in Dublin to attend the vigil in London after hearing the devastating news. “My older brother and I had been planning a trip to Dublin for a while, but when I woke up and heard the news, I thought, ‘Okay, I’ll just go a day earlier and try to figure it out.’” She described her feelings as “very surreal… sad, devastating, and shocking,” emphasising the significant role Payne and One Direction played in her childhood.

At the vigil, fans showcased their Liam Payne friendship bracelets, a symbol of their shared experiences and memories. Many wrote messages on cards, expressing their love and admiration for the singer, as well as their sorrow over his passing.

In Glasgow, fans also gathered at George Square to honour Payne’s memory, creating an emotional display with flowers and balloons. Pictures shared on social media showed groups of fans huddled together, their faces a mix of sorrow and solidarity as they mourned the loss of a beloved figure in pop music.

As the vigils unfolded, the collective grief highlighted the profound connection that fans feel towards their idols, particularly in times of tragedy. Liam Payne’s contributions to music, especially as part of One Direction, resonated with millions around the world, making his loss a deeply felt one.

The vigils are a testament to the impact of Liam Payne’s life and music, as fans continue to come together to celebrate his legacy. In their mourning, they find strength in one another, proving that while Payne may be gone, the bonds he created through his music remain unbreakable.

As tributes pour in from fans around the world, the message is clear: Liam Payne will be remembered not just for his music, but for the joy and community he fostered among his fans.