From the time I was three or four my earliest memories are of the Beatles

Fan Larry Martin

The fans were there on Saturday to remember Lennon more than two decades after he was gunned down by a fan Mark David Chapman outside his Central Park West home.

This year's vigil was all the more poignant coming just over a week after the death of fellow former Beatle George Harrison from cancer.

Fan Larry Martin said: "It's a weird thing. It's been your whole life, the Beatles."

The professional guitarist added: "I had older brothers, so from the time I was three or four my earliest memories are of the Beatles."

Mr Martin said he had decided to attend this year following Harrison's death.

Childhood memories

Geno Barron, who goes to Strawberry Fields each year for the anniversary brought his daughters, Brooke and Carly along this time.

Fans were visibly moved by the vigil

"The first song I ever remember hearing is 'I Want to Hold Your Hand," Mr Barron said.

"Since I've was 13 they've been my group."

Al Wunsch went to Strawberry Fields to mourn and remember the special relationship between the Beatles and its audience.

"They had a confidence in themselves and you had a confidence in them."

A vigil was held on Tuesday at Strawberry Fields to remember Harrison.

He died on 29 November after battling against cancer.