Prior to the memorial service - remembering the 96 fans who lost their lives in the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest - captain Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher were presented with commemorative coins bearing the names of all 96 victims.

Proceeds from the sale of the coins will go to the Hillsborough Family Support Group.

Although the crowd did not match the staggering number which turned out last year, the Kop was almost full for the one-hour service.

Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge performed one of the readings and 96 candles were lit and 96 red balloons released to remember each one of the victims.

However, the biggest reaction was generated by the address of Margaret Aspinall, chairman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group.

This year is particularly significant as it has seen work start by the Hillsborough Independent Panel, which will oversee the release of documents not previously made public.

Aspinall said she hoped this would help lift the "blanket" which she claimed had been "put over Hillsborough" in the wake of the tragedy.

"After 21 years the families deserve apologies from everybody. I have seen those families on their knees," she said, prompting one of several standing ovations.

"There was a blanket put over Hillsborough and that blanket has to be removed and we are determined to have it lifted."

Earlier Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has stressed the importance of the annual service for everyone at the club and in the wider community.

"Since I've been here it's always been very, very emotional," said the Spaniard, who attended his sixth service.

"All the players and all the staff are always there trying to support the families because it is a very important day for the club.

"The first time I went to the memorial service I was so impressed by what happens at this club. You can see the people and all the feelings.

"It's a poignant occasion to keep everyone remembering."

The Bishop of Liverpool and chairman of the Hillsborough Independent Panel, the Right Reverend James Jones, said he hoped the victims' families would finally be given closure on the event.

"What has struck me already in listening to the families and survivors is their need to simply have the story told fully," he told liverpoolfc.tv.

"What prevents anybody from being able to move on is when you feel the whole story has not been told.

"What I hope, through the maximum disclosure of these documents, is that the fullest story will be told and that will help everybody who grieves and who survived.

"When you know what has happened is in the public domain, and everybody knows what happened, that helps you to come to terms with such a terrible tragedy."

Burnley manager and former Forest defender Brian Laws said memories of the day are still vivid.

"It is as fresh in my mind today as it was then. I can recall everything - even more so. I think more about it," he said.

"Even though it was such a long time ago, people have never forgotten what happened and never will.''