Feltham rocks for first UK Freddie Mercury memorial » Local Government » 24dash.com

To mark his passing 18 years on, former Feltham resident and one of the world’s greatest musical icons, Freddie Mercury, will be commemorated with the UK’s first permanent memorial at The Centre, Feltham.

The London Borough of Hounslow, in partnership with The Centre, will honour the late Queen front-man by installing a granite ‘Hollywood-style’ star in his memory at the Centre.

The event will begin at 11am with Queen Tribute band, ‘Mercury’, playing live for the crowds.

At 12pm, Freddie’s closest friends and family, and Queen Band member, Brian May, will unveil the memorial in The Centre’s main piazza, where it will become a permanent fixture.

The star moved to Gladstone Avenue in Feltham in 1964 with his family, aged 17. He also studied at Isleworth Polytechnic (now West Thames College) and later Ealing Art College before moving to Kensington where he met the other members of Queen, which went on to become one of the biggest rock bands of all time.

Cllr Paul Jabbal, chairman of the local committee that arranged for the memorial, said: “I am delighted that at last we are honouring Freddie Mercury's memory and his achievements with a permanent memorial. As well as celebrating his life and success, it can serve as a reminder that if you work hard you can succeed in whatever you do.

“I'm looking forward to welcoming his family, friends and some band members to Feltham to show how proud we are to be associated with such a legendary artist.”

Lorraine Prideaux, Centre Manager at The Centre, Feltham added: “We are thrilled that the Council approached us to be part of this event and become the permanent location of this amazing tribute. I’m certain that the memorial will continue to draw crowds year on year as fans celebrate the life of a true rock icon and will instil a real sense of pride amongst local people.”