A candlelit vigil will be held tonight for Sam Hallam, the man serving life imprisonment for a murder he claims he did not commit.

Sam Hallam is in prison for the 2004 murder of trainee chef Essayas Kassahun, but the Court of Appeal begins hearing new evidence about his case tomorrow.

An eve of appeal vigil for Sam will be held tonight in the grounds of St John’s Church, Pitfield Street from 7.30 pm till 9.30 pm.

Local clergy will deliver a dedication and hundreds of yellow balloons will be released into the night sky symbolising Sam’s hopes for freedom and exoneration.

Entertainment will be provided by local Irish traditional musicians.