Emotions ran high as thousands of people turned out to mark 20 years since 11 Royal Marines musicians died after an IRA bomb exploded at their barracks.

Crowds yesterday attended a memorial concert beneath bright skies in remembrance of the men who were killed in the massacre at Deal barracks in Kent on September 22, 1989.

Families and friends of the victims joined survivors and former colleagues of those who died to mark the two decades that have passed since the atrocity.

Ten men died instantly when a 15lb bomb placed in the recreational centre changing room at the barracks' School of Music detonated. An 11th bandsman died a month later from his injuries.

More than 20 others were injured in the blast, which flattened a three-storey accommodation block next to the centre and caused widespread damage to nearby civilian homes.

There was widespread condemnation for the attack on “soft targets”, as the musicians were a ceremonial military band whose victims ranged in age from 21 to 34. No-one has been convicted for the bombing.

The concert was held at a memorial bandstand erected in 1993 on Walmer Green, close to the barracks, and features the names of those who died on 11 sides of the 12-sided structure.

The concert opened with the National Anthem in front of thousands who gathered on the green in front of the bandstand.

Public condemnation following the attack led to around £1.2m being donated and divided up between the victims' families.

A week after the bombing, in a poignant show of support, members of the Royal Marines School of Music marched through Deal and maintained gaps in their ranks to represent the positions of those killed or injured.

Every year Royal Marines from the School of Music, now based in Portsmouth, perform in the town in remembrance of the fallen musicians and to thank the community for its support.

Major John Perkins, director of music at Deal barracks at the time of the bombing and now chairman of the Deal Memorial Bandstand Trust, said the musicians were soft targets. He said: “The 20th anniversary is one of those key points in history where everyone remembers where they were when this atrocity happened, and 20 years is an appropriate time to reflect on what happened and remember the 11 musicians that were killed.

“The people of Deal and the whole country were horrified by the attack on a music school. Never before had anyone really predicted that a music school would be a legitimate target and so everybody was absolutely horrified by what happened.”

Former Royal Marine musician Jay O'Neill (57) was one of the survivors and he recalled the terrible events in the aftermath of the bombing, which he first thought was a gas explosion.

Hastings-born Mr O'Neill, who was leader of the orchestra and now lives in France, said: “I can recall just being lifted up and floating in mid-air. There was a huge whistling sound where my ears had popped.

“The first thing I thought was that it was a gas explosion. I didn't know it was a bomb. It was a massive explosion which lifted the roof and blew the walls out.”

Speaking of the poignancy of yesterday’s concert, Mr O'Neill, who played the clarinet and violin, said: “This is brilliant. I know it is 20 years on and the band come here every year, but this is a very special occasion.

“To see the support from not only the people of Deal but from the people who have travelled hundreds of miles is just fantastic.

“At the end of the day, how many people have worked for a company which has now disbanded. I can say I was in the Royal Marines and it is still going.”

The Collingwood band marched from Canada Road past the South Barracks where the bombing happened.

A moment's silence was observed outside the former barracks, which is now a housing development, before they marched to the bandstand for its rededication.

Many of the crowd were moved to tears when each of the 11 names of the dead Royal Marines was read out and their pictures beamed on giant screens.

The Last Post was sounded and a minute's silence took place before wreaths were laid in front of the bandstand.