VIOLA Beach tragically died in a shocking crash in Sweden eight years ago today, Tuesday.

Almost a decade on, the beloved band – taken far too young – remain in the hearts of the town via a plaque at Parr Hall.

Band members Kris Leonard, Tomas Lowe, River Reeves and Jack Dakin, as well as manager Craig Tarry, died following a car crash in Sweden while on their way home from the band’s first international gig in February 2016.

The tragedy sent shockwaves across the town and the music industry.

The plaque, cast in bronze, will immortalise the band members forever, with Jo Dakin, mother of Jack, saying: “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.”

Warrington Guardian:

In a post on Facebook, Pyramid and Parr Hall marked the anniversary, saying: “It's now eight years since we lost Viola Beach and it doesn't get any easier.

“We would like to pay our respects to the families of Kris Leonard, Jack Dakin, River Reeves, Tomas Lowe and their devoted manager Craig Tarry on this difficult day.

“A permanent memorial to the 'Boys That Sing' can be found here at Parr Hall for anyone who would like to take a moment to remember the Warrington band.

“We truly believe they were destined for great things before it was cruelly snatched away from them following the tragedy in Sweden.”

Following their death, a memorial fund was set up – raising more than £30,000 in memory of the young band and their dedicated manager.

Their deaths sparked a charity push across the town as friends, family, fans and complete strangers vowed to make sure the five friends are never forgotten.

From charity cycles to grueling marathons, the town turned out in force raising thousands of pounds in the process.

Former Mayor of Warrington Cllr Faisal Rashid praised the heartfelt efforts of the town where the band met.

He said: “I am very pleased to see how the whole community has come together to show their support for the band and their families.

“It will be a nice tribute to this talented group to have some form of memorial in the town.

“It is very sad what has happened but as a community, we will always remember them.”