Manchester marks eighth anniversary of Arena attack
The City's paying tribute to victims of 2017 terror attack with services and moments of silence
Manchester is marking the eighth anniversary of the Manchester Arena terror attack today, which claimed 22 lives and injured many others in one of the darkest moments in the city’s history.
The commemorations will centre around the Glade of Light Memorial, located near Manchester Cathedral, which serves as a permanent tribute to the victims of the 2017 attack.
Today, residents and visitors will be invited to reflect, remember, and pay their respects.
City leaders, including Lord Mayor of Manchester Cllr Carmine Grimshaw, Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig, and Council Chief Executive Tom Stannard, will lay floral tributes on behalf of the city at the memorial.
Services at Manchester Cathedral will provide further opportunities for reflection.
The names of those who lost their lives will be read aloud during the following services:
9am (Morning Prayers)
1.10pm (Holy Communion)
5.30pm (Choral Evensong)
The cathedral will be open throughout the day for those who wish to light a candle or pray.
Two one-minute silences will take place at Manchester Victoria Station during the day – at 12 noon and 22.31pm, the exact anniversary of the attack.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:
“The 22 May 2017 attack was one of the darkest days in Manchester’s history but its aftermath also showed the city’s remarkable solidarity and Mancunians’ refusal to give in to those who would seek to divide us.
“We will never forget those who were lost that day, their loved ones, those who were injured and everyone who was affected. We remember them throughout the year but each anniversary is especially poignant.”