Survivors of the London nail bombings in 1999 still grapple with the haunting memories of the tragic events a quarter-century later. On April 30th, 1999, at 6:37 pm, a bomb ripped through the Admiral Duncan pub on Soho’s Old Compton Street, resulting in the loss of three lives and injuring over 70 individuals.
Among those who perished were John Light, Nick Moore, and Andrea Dykes, who was pregnant at the time. The perpetrator, David Copeland, carried out a series of attacks targeting London’s minority communities, including Black, Bangladeshi, and LGBT communities. Copeland’s spree culminated in the Soho bombing, the deadliest of the three assaults.
Reflecting on the tragic day, survivors and community members shared their experiences with MyLondon. Westminster City councillor Patrick Lilley, who ran a gay nightclub in Brixton at the time, vividly recalls the sense of dread upon hearing the news. Lilley, deeply affected by the attack, was driven to advocate fiercely for LGBTQ+ rights, eventually pursuing a career in politics. 
Another survivor, Mark Tullett, recounts the harrowing moments following the explosion and its lasting impact on his life. Tullett, who was present in the pub with his partner Tony, continues to grapple with the trauma, exhibiting heightened vigilance in public spaces and preferring not to dwell on the memories.
Mark Healey, founder of the anti-hate crime charity 17-24-30 National Hate Crime Awareness Week, underscores the importance of commemorating the anniversary as a show of solidarity and resilience. Healey emphasizes the need to transform tragedy into a catalyst for community empowerment and cohesion.
Despite the anguish inflicted by Copeland’s heinous acts, the community remains steadfast in its resolve to confront hate and build a stronger, more inclusive society.
