Manchester Arena Attack Anniversary: How you can take part in commemorative events

The one-year anniversary of the Manchester Arena terror attack is to be marked by a series of special remembrance events in the city.

Next Tuesday, 22 May, marks exactly one year since the tragic attack at the Ariana Grande concert, which claimed the lives of 22 people and left many more seriously injured.

Over the coming days, Manchester will be remembering those affected and the remarkable spirit of solidarity shown by the city in the aftermath of the attack through a number of special events.

Below is a list of the commemorative events and information on how you can get involved:

Remembering Together: National Service of Commemoration, Manchester Cathedral, Tuesday 22 May, 2-3pm

This service will be attended by the families who lost loved ones, people who were badly injured in the attack, first responders, civic leaders and national figures.

Although admission to the service is by invitation only, members of the public can watch a live screening in nearby Cathedral Gardens.

National one-minute silence: Tuesday 22 May, 2.30pm

A national one-minute silence is being incorporated into the cathedral service with people encouraged to observe it, wherever they are.

Like last year, a silence will also be held before the start of the Great Manchester Run on 20 May.

Manchester Together – With One Voice: Albert Square, Tuesday 22 May, 7-9pm

Thousands of voices from an array of local choirs will come together in harmony in Albert Square, the scene of last year’s emotional vigil, on Tuesday evening, culminating in a mass communal singalong from 8.30-9pm.

Songs will include:

• Elbow – One Day Like This
• Oasis – Don’t Look Back in Anger
• Take That – Never Forget
• Ariana Grande – One Last Time

The event starts at 7pm although people are advised to arrive earlier to ensure they can get in.

The singalong will also be broadcast on BBC Radio Manchester, Key 103 and various stations elsewhere for those who are unable to attend.

Trees of Hope trail: Saturday 19 May to Sunday 27 May

A trail of 28 beautiful trees, along a route from Victoria Station to St Ann’s Square, is intended as the focus for people wishing to share messages of tribute, solidarity and love.

Messages can be left using specially-designed cardboard tags which will be kept, alongside tributes left last year, in an archive of the city’s response to the attack.

Any other floral tributes left in public places will be carefully collected at the end of each day and taken to Wythenshawe Park, where they will remain on display until they are recycled.

There Is A Light: Tuesday 22 May to Saturday 26 May

Poignant lines from songs chosen by the public will be projected onto St Ann’s Church and other parts of St Ann’s Square from dusk until daylight.

10.31pm, Tuesday 22 May 

Bells will ring out at 10.31pm from the Town Hall, St Ann’s Church and St Mary’s RC Church (the Hidden Gem) on Tuesday to mark exactly a year since the moment the attack took place.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “None of us will ever forget the shocking events of 22 May 2017.

“The first anniversary of the attack is bound to be an emotional time and it has a different personal meaning for everyone affected by it. That is something which is reflected in the range of commemorative events.

“We will never forget the 22 people, including children, who lost their lives and many others who were badly hurt or traumatised. They remain in the forefront of our thoughts and at the heart of the anniversary programme.”

Leese is also keen to stress the importance of remembering the way Manchester and beyond came together in light of the attack and is inviting people to join together once again as the city marks one year on.

More information on the full commemorative programme can be found on the Manchester City Council website.