A huge security operation is underway as Manchester Arena reopens for the first time since a terrorist attack killed 22 people in May.
Tonight a special benefit concert titled We Are Manchester will raise money for survivors and victims of the atrocity.
The event – headlined by Noel Gallagher – has opened with a passionate speech from the city’s mayor Andy Burnham who told the 14,000 strong crowd he felt ‘sick to the pit of his stomach’ as he heard the news.
Salman Abedi detonated a homemade nail bomb inside Manchester Arena’s foyer on May 22 as an Ariana Grande concert ended.
Manchester Arena reopens tonight for the first time in four months for a special benefit concert in aid of the 22 people killed in a terrorist attack
Charlotte Campbell and Paul Hodgson, the mother and stepfather of Manchester bombing victim Olivia Campbell-Hardy, arriving at the Manchester Arena this evening for the the We Are Manchester benefit show
This afternoon people have been arriving as armed police and security guards have been drafted in to cover the entrances and exits
Those attending will be subjected to searches and will not be able to bring backpacks or bags larger than 35cm x 40cm or 19cm
There is a large police presence around the train station entrance to the arena as thousands descend on the city for the benefit concert
Headlining: Noel Gallagher, pictured left and right outside the stadium yesterday will be headlining this evening’s gig
The blast killed 22 people – including an eight-year-old girl.
Tonight special security measures are in place with restrictions on the size of bags that can be brought inside the venue.
Those attending were subjected to searches and were not be able to bring backpacks or bags larger than 35cm x 40cm or 19cm.
The mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham opened tonight’s event by calling for unity.
‘We are Manchester, a city united, nothing will ever change us and nothing will ever divide us,’ he told the packed out arena.
The devastated parents of victim Olivia Campbell, who was killed in the attack, earlier this week they had been unable to get tickets to the sold-out event.
Appearing on Good Morning Britain, Charlotte Campbell said: ‘Unfortunately we won’t be going, only because we couldn’t get any tickets but we would have been there if we could have got tickets. The tickets were completely sold out.’
However this afternoon they arrived at the venue, ahead of the official opening at 5pm. It is understood organisers reached out to the couple and offered them tickets following the shocking interview.
The picture shows the decorated entrance, pictured, before tonight’s We Are Manchester benefit show
Preparations: Police dogs were used to search the venue as Noel Gallagher’s soundcheck took place
The general manager of the Manchester Arena has promised a night of emotion, respectful remembrance and fun as the venue opens for the first time since the bomb attack
A picture of the area at Manchester Arena where the bomb that killed dozens was detonated was released earlier this week in a bid to help survivors cope with its reopening.
The picture, posted on Thursday, showed the repair work underway inside the City Room before Saturday’s benefit show.
The image was released in conjunction with the Arena by a charity working to provide support to the families of the 22 people killed in the attack and all those affected.
This evening Noel Gallagher and among others are hoping to raise money for survivors and victims’ families this evening with a one-off event.
The general manager of the Manchester Arena has promised a night of emotion, respectful remembrance and fun as the venue opens for the first time since the bomb attack.
A full house of 14,000 is expected on Saturday night for the We Are Manchester benefit show.
James Allen said memories of the night 22 lives were cut short would never fade, but hailed the venue’s emergence from the atrocity as an vital milestone for Manchester’s continuing recovery.
He revealed the Arena’s management has worked closely with police and expert counsellors to liaise with the families of those who lost their lives to plan the evening’s structure and tone.
‘The last three and a bit months have been huge,’ said Mr Allen. ‘We have gone through a number of processes. Not only the grieving process, but also starting to then look at the recovery process.
‘One area was getting the building fixed, the areas outside the Arena, the City Room area.
This image shows the scenes of devastation inside the Arena following the attack in May
‘The second part was recovering in terms of the trauma and the third was looking at our security posture – and also doing something great to open up
the building. Those are the things we have been looking at. It has taken a lot of time and a lot of effort.
‘It’s been tricky and we have also taken into consideration what the wider families – and Manchester as a whole – wants to see.’
He said the Arena has taken key advice from Greater Manchester Police family liaison officers and the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace ahead of the reopening.
‘They have been advising us on every step,’ he said. Mr Allen revealed the inside of the Arena hasn’t changed at all.
‘Anybody who has been to shows here before can expect exactly the same great atmosphere, great entertainment and a fantastic night,’ he said.
‘But we have put in additional security measures and protocols outside the building that we would like people to follow, mainly to speed their process up.’
As a result, people attending are being asked to arrive early.
No large bags or backpacks – larger than 35cm by 40cm by 19cm – will be allowed in. People are also being advised to have their tickets ready for inspection.
Screening processes to ensure no metal objects are being carried will also be in operation.
Mr Allen said: ‘We are asking people to have a look at our website and our Twitter feeds to ensure that everyone knows how to get here. It will be a slower process than normal. What we are trying to do is to make that process as quick as possible.’
Police are pictured outside the Manchester Arena the day after the atrocity
Doors open at 5pm and Clint Boon’s DJ set will start at 6.30pm. ‘We want people to come and join in with Clint,’ said Mr Allen. ‘I’m sure he will put on a great show.
‘And then there’s probably the poignant moment. Tony Walsh is going to read his poem which he did on the steps of the town hall. I think that will be a very emotional moment – and then the music will begin. Yes we know Noel
Gallagher and his band are coming, The Blossoms, The Courteeners, Pixie Lott and Rick Astley. All of those guys are coming down.
‘But these sorts of events suddenly bring a few surprises out of thewoodwork, although they never tell me! What I do know is that at these types of events, people suddenly arrive on stage. I think it’s going to be emotive for everyone.
‘I think people have bought tickets for a number of reasons. One they were fans of the bands, two they wanted to be here on the opening night and three, they want closure – and that goes for my team too.
‘A lot of them who are going to be working on Saturday night were here on May 22 and a lot of them are very keen, even though it has been difficult, to be back and doing what they enjoy doing.’
Mr Allen praised the support the Arena and its staff has received ahead of the reopening.
‘From day one, the support from all the emergency services, the city council as a whole, everyone, it’s been phenomenal. People have been very supportive of us as a building and very keen to assist us to getting back open.
‘People see Manchester as a cultural entity. We feel part of the community.
‘Manchester has got used to us and everyone is keen for us to get back as quickly as possible, while remembering properly the issues that have gone on in the past.’
‘As soon as we can we want to be back to what we do best. There have been some great nights in this building and we want that to continue.’