Two years on: Manchester remembers the victims of the Arena Attack
- Commemorations this year were more private
- Manchester still remembered the victims
- Church bells to ring to commemorate the time of the attack across the city
It has now been two years since 22 people died and many more were seriously injured in a terrorist bombing following an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena.
Last year, memorial services were quite prominent in the city and featured ‘trees of hope’ for people to write messages on.
This year, official ceremonies were kept private to just the affected families in St Ann’s church.
There were a number of unofficial commemorations however, including hanging messages from trees like last year’s trees of hope.
The cathedral was open all day for the general public to mark the occasion and light candles for the victims of the attack.
At 10.31pm, the exact time of the attack, bells will be rung across the city including at St Ann’s church and the town hall.
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester will never forget the terrible events of 22 May 2017 nor the remarkable display of unity and love which followed.”
In consultation with families, a site has now been earmarked for the 22 May memorial – on land between Hunt’s Bank and Deansgate, close to the Arena and Cathedral and near the River Irwell.