Bells rang out all over Manchester at 10.31pm to mark the exact moment 22 lives were snuffed out by a callous act or terror in the Arena bombing one year ago.
The memorial chimes capped off a day of solemn remembrance and defiant, hopeful commemoration to show a city united in its grief and its determination to not let the victims be forgotten.
Tens of thousands joined in song to remember the victims of the Manchester Arena attack soon before the bells sounded, and in the afternoon Manchester came to a standstill for minute’s silence a year after the tragedy.
Bells rang out all over Manchester at 10.31pm to mark the exact moment 22 lives were snuffed out by a callous act or terror in the Arena bombing one year ago
As the sun went down, people from all over Manchester packed St Anne’s Square for a candlelit vigil
They placed candles in the shape of the number 22, for the number of victims killed in the bombing
Candles with the name of each victim burned in their memory at the foot of a huge floral tribute
Words were projected on to the side of St Anne’s Church, chosen by families of the victims
Mourners console each other as they attend vigils around Manchester to remember the murdered concertgoers
Emotional minute silence at 10.31pm, exactly a year since the Manchester Attack that shocked Britain
Mancunians packed Albert Square for a concert led by 3,000 choir singers to pay tribute to the people, many of whom were children, killed in explosions at an Ariana Grande show last May.
The Manchester Together With One Voice event included songs like Ariana Grande’s One Last Time, One Day Like This by Elbow, Don’t Look Back In Anger by Oasis and Never Forget by Take That.
For more than two hours the massive crowd sang in unison as numerous choir groups from around the Manchester region pushed a defiant spirit in the face of unspeakable violence.
They included the Manchester Survivors Choir, made up of concertgoers injured in the blast, who sang the haunting Andra Day song Rise Up.
More than 3,000 choirs voices led tens of thousands in song to remember the victims of the Manchester Arena attack
The city’s citizens packed Albert Square for a concert to pay tribute to the 22 people, many of whom were children, killed in explosions at an Ariana Grande show last May
The concert was hours after the city came to a standstill for minute’s silence a year after the tragedy
The Manchester Together With One Voice event included songs like Ariana Grande’s One Last Time
One Day Like This by Elbow, Don’t Look Back In Anger by Oasis and Never Forget by Take That were also sung
The Parrs Wood High School’s Harmony Group, which viral last year when it played at the One Love Benefit Gig, also performed with Symphony by Clean Bandit.
Choirs of children from Hazel Grove High School, Levenshulme High School, Newman College, Ringway Choir, St Catherine’s RC School, The Keys Federation, Trinity C of E High School and Wardle Voices sung as well.
Coronation Street actress Jennie McAlpine, hosting the concert, explained the purpose of the concert was not just to to remember the lives lost, but to show strength and unity.
‘We’re here to remember and our thoughts and our love are with the people who lost their lives a year ago this evening and their families,’ she said.
The Manchester Survivors Choir sings Rise Up during the concert, along with numerous other groups
The Manchester Survivors Choir was made up of concertgoers injured in the blast ad held candles as they sung
Audience members embrace each other as they watch the choirs perform in Albert Square
For more than two hours the massive crowd sang in unison as numerous choir groups from around the Manchester region
They pushed a defiant spirit in the face of unspeakable violence that was handed out by terrorists a year ago
The concert began at 7pm with video messages, poetry readings, and addresses by city leaders before a choir of schoolchildren began with This Is Why We Sing
A group of girls belt out lyrics along with the choir playing in front of them at the concert
A woman consoles a mourner in Albert Square , during the ‘Manchester Together – With One Voice’ event
A small child is hoisted on a man’s shoulders so they can see the performers as they sing on Tuesday night
‘But we’re also here because Manchester does this best: We stand together, we be strong and the one thing we do brilliantly above all else is music.’
The concert began at 7pm with video messages, poetry readings, and addresses by city leaders before a choir of schoolchildren began with This Is Why We Sing.
Bells across Manchester will ring out at exactly 10.31pm to mark the moment when the bombs exploded at the arena last year.
The concert displayed this message urging people to never forget the 22 people killed in the bombings
The crowd joined in as the young singers sang in remembrance of the Manchester Arena victims
A choir of mostly children took part in the concert that will include 3,000 more like them
More than 3,000 choir singers will perform in the concert at Albert Square in a tribute to the Manchester bombing victims
A singer leads a choir in song during the concert to remember the victims, where 3,000 will perform
A school choir sings Don’t Look Back In Anger by Oasis, as on of the final four songs of the concert
The crowd reacts to the well-known Oasis song that symbolised the city’s perseverance after the attack
Earlier, the Duke of Cambridge and Prime Minister Theresa May today paid tribute to the victims of the Manchester Arena attack as the city came to a standstill for minute’s silence one year later.
The pair wrote poignant tributes on hexagonal cards and tied them to a ‘tree of hope’ mourning the 22 people, many of whom were children, killed in explosions at an Ariana Grande concert.
‘To all those affected you will never be forgotten,’ Prince William’s note read.
‘And to the people of Manchester my admiration for your display of strength, decency and community in the face of this unparalleled tragedy.’
Prince William wrote a poignant tribute on a hexagonal card and tied it to a ‘tree of hope’ to mourn the victims of the Manchester Arena attack as the city came to a standstill for minute’s silence one year later
‘To all those affected you will never be forgotten,’ Prince William’s note read. ‘And to the people of Manchester my admiration for your display of strength, decency and community in the face of this unparalleled tragedy’
Prince William solemnly carries the small card to the tree, one of 28 Japanese maple trees planted in a trail from Manchester Victoria station to St Ann’s Square on which well-wishers can attach notes until May 28
Ms May wrote: ‘Today we hold in our hearts the memory of those who were lost on the 22nd May 2017, their families, friends and those whose lives were irrevocably changed.
‘May the kindness and fortitude we witnessed that night triumph and the great spirit of Manchester never be vanquished.’ Earlier the other party leaders also penned their own messages.
The tree, near Manchester Cathedral, was one of 28 Japanese maple trees planted in a trail from Manchester Victoria station to St Ann’s Square on which well-wishers can attach notes until May 28.
Manchester City Council said every message would be kept in an archive of the city’s response to the attack.
He was joined by Prime Minister Theresa May in writing the moving notes and attaching them to the tree near Manchester Cathedral. Other party leaders also wrote their own
Ms May wrote: ‘Today we hold in our hearts the memory of those who were lost on the 22nd May 2017, their families, friends and those whose lives were irrevocably changed
‘May the kindness and fortitude we witnessed that night triumph and the great spirit of Manchester never be vanquished,’ her message continued
The pair’s messaged tied to the tree side-by-side in remembrance of those killed in May last year
Prince William earlier on Tuesday read from 1 Corinthians 13 during a service at the cathedral to remember those killed and hundreds more injured in the terrorist attack that shocked Britain.
‘Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails,’ the reading included.
The Duke was joined by Ms May as well as first responders to the horrifying scene on May 22 last year, and civic leaders and other national figures.
Hundreds of those injured in the explosion, and the families of those killed, attended the moving remembrance service.
Prince William earlier on Tuesday read from 1 Corinthians 13 during a service at Manchester Cathedral to remember those killed and hundreds more injured in the terrorist attack that shocked Britain
Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu greets the Duke of Cambridge in Manchester today
William will meet some of the bereaved families privately following the multi-faith service
Prince William read from 1 Corinthians 13 this afternoon, including the line: ‘Love never fails’
William’s wife Kate did not attend because she is still on maternity leave after giving birth
The invitation-only service, held between 2pm and 3pm, incorporated a national silence at 2.30pm, which was also marked at UK Government buildings.
There were emotional scenes in Cathedral Gardens as thousands stood for the silence, with many in tears – and buses were said to have pulled over for the minute.
Many of the hundreds who had gathered to watch found it difficult to bear as the photographs of those who died in the arena attack were displayed on a huge screen.
More than a thousand people had waited in the bright sunshine in Cathedral Gardens for the service to begin just 100 yards away.
Manchester bombing survivor slams Kerslake Report
A Manchester bomb survivor who was paralysed in the attack says the report into the response of emergency services was ‘not what happened that night’.
Martin Hibbert said he was ‘angry’ and ‘dumbfounded’ by the Kerslake Report and hit out at Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
‘Andy Burnham sat in my house and promised me the truth and I trusted him,’ he told Channel 4 News on Tuesday night.
‘I was promised the truth in the Kerslake Report. And to read that, it was hard because you’re think are the thoughts that I’ve got, are the visions that I’ve got, am I making them up?
‘Are they make believe because this didn’t happen. It’s like this stuff that I’m reading it’s a different episode. It’s not what happened that night.
Manchester bomb survivor Martin Hibbert, who was paralysed in the attack, says the report into the response of emergency services was ‘not what happened that night’
‘I’ve been very vocal about what happened. I’ve not gone into detail about what happened because I was promised by Lord Kerslake and Andy Burnham who sat in my house and promised me the truth and I trusted him with the work that he did with Hillsborough.
‘I did have reservations, but he came to my house and promised me that the truth would come out.
‘So when I got that report a couple of days before you guys got it, I was dumbfounded.
The Kerslake Report, commissioned by the Greater Manchester Mayor, evaluated the emergency response during the attack.
But Mr Hibbert said there were still serious questions about what happened that night – the immediate response and the way the authorities responded.
‘You see it all over the country. You see it with Grenfell. People are being let down. We haven’t got the right equipment. People didn’t know what to do,’ he said.
‘My life was saved by a first aider and a security guard. It wasn’t a policeman, it wasn’t a fireman or a paramedic.
‘The paramedic that looked after me in the ambulance who I’ve just recently met – I owe my life to. Now I know three paramedics came into the foyer but there was critical equipment that wasn’t there.
‘The first aiders were using first aid pouches with plasters and scissors they would normally use for teenagers because they’re wearing the wrong shoes or they’re dehydrated.’
Mayor Burnham promised ‘the truth will come out’ and that other situations he experienced where families were left searching for answers ‘won’t happen here’
‘My daughter had a blanket put over her suggesting she had died. Now if it wasn’t for me seeing her breathing and being able to stay alive myself and awake, she wouldn’t be here.
‘It’s disrespectful and you can see I get angry about it, my daughter and myself could have died. I’m not having just for somebody to say sorry or it won’t happen again because it will.’
Mayor Burnham promised ‘the truth will come out’ and that other situations he experienced where families were left searching for answers ‘won’t happen here’.
‘The Kerslake Report has given us some of the truth, but it couldn’t give us all of the truth because the inquest has to be respected,’ he told Channel 4.
‘So when the inquest happens and that will obviously be difficult for the families, that will give further answers that perhaps couldn’t be provided by Lord Kerslake. He was limited by what he could or couldn’t do.
Talking about the night of the attack he said: ‘Difficult judgments were made in that moment.’
‘The police were first there and we all felt at that moment in time that this possibly was a Paris style attack and I think that that lasted for a couple of hours, that fear that we were dealing with, not one bomber but a multiple marauding attack.
‘I understand fully how Martin feels and I’m pretty certain the inquest will give him more of the answers that he’s searching for.’
And, when the screen lit up and music began, most held it together as they watched the service open and sang along with the hymns. Most struggled to keep themselves from sobbing through the choir’s performance of Somewhere Over A Rainbow.
But, when the names and photos of the deceased came up on the screen, many of those near the front of the sea of people held their heads in their hands.
Some held each each other as they cried – small pockets of people clearly identifying with specific names on the giant display. The emotional scenes outside the cathedral continued as everyone stood for the one minute silence.
Groups of people hugged each other throughout the crowd while others stared quietly at the screen or the floor. As applause marked the end of the silence, somebody let a single bee balloon loose into the sky.
People hug as they observe the minute’s silence at Cathedral Gardens in Manchester today
People pay their respects and comfort each other at St Anne’s Square in Manchester as part of attack commemorations
There were emotional scenes in Manchester’s Cathedral Gardens today, with many in tears
A man wipes tears away (left) as a man puts his arm around a woman (right) during the service
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon and Sir Vince Cable, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, attended the service.
William will meet some of the bereaved families privately following the multi-faith service.
Outside the cathedral following the service, Mr Corbyn, Ms Sturgeon and Mr Cable wrote messages on one of the many Trees of Hope dotted around the city centre.
Mr Corbyn wrote: ‘In memory of all the beautiful lives lost. The city will always be together in strength.’ Ms Sturgeon wrote: ‘Always in our hearts and never forgotten.’
Mr Cable wrote: ‘The victims of the Arena terrorist bombing will not be forgotten. With my deepest sympathy.’
The service was also screened elsewhere for members of the public at York Minster, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and Glasgow Cathedral.
An emotional crowd gather to watch the Manchester attack anniversary service today
People pay emotional tributes to the 22 victims killed in the Manchester Arena attack today
A woman wears a T-shirt saying ‘treat people with kindness’ as the victims are remembered
William’s wife Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, did not attend because she is still on maternity leave after having the couple’s third child, Prince Louis, on April 23.
The Dean of Manchester, Rogers Govender, said today: ‘In this service we come together as people of different faiths and none, as we remember with love before God those whose lives were lost, and those whose lives have been changed forever and have to live with the terrible memories of that day 12 months ago.
‘There is a land of the living and a land of the dead, and the bridge between them is love: The only survival, the only meaning.’
The Manchester Cathedral Choir, conducted by Christopher Stokes, was joined by the congregation singing the hymn Amazing Grace following the Dean’s remarks.
George Herbert, a student at Chetham’s School of Music, and Remsha Asif, a pupil at Whalley Range High School for Girls, read a poem entitled For Lost Friends.
And the Lord Lieutenant of Manchester Warren Smith read from Matthew: ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest.
A cadet salutes as people observe the one minute’s silence at Cathedral Gardens today
Thousands of people stood for the minute’s silence in Manchester today, with many in tears
People reflect as they observe the one minute’s silence in Manchester this afternoon
‘Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’
There were also readings from Hindu Nidhi Sinha, Muslim Imam Irfan Chishti, and Sikh Sukhbir Singh – followed by a rendition of the hymn Be Still, My Soul.
The next reading, delivered by Rabbi Warren Elf, was adapted from the Yizkor memorial prayer, which is said for the deceased in the Jewish faith.
Mother’s grief a year after her daughter, 14, was killed
Nell Jones, 14,was one of 22 concertgoers killed in the Manchester Arena attack a year ago on Tuesday by several bombs set by terrorists.
Sometimes when Jayne Jones is cooking dinner, tears will start streaming down her face because there’s a missing place at the table.
Her daughter Nell was one of 22 concertgoers killed in the Manchester Arena attack a year ago on Tuesday by several bombs set by terrorists.
The last time she saw the 14-year-old was in the car park of her school as she ran off to get read to go to the show with her friend Freya.
A year on, the heartbroken mother admitted she and her family would never get over her death and would have to learn to live with the grief.
‘The smallest little thing will come into your mind and all of a sudden you’re upset. You just can’t get your head around the fact that she’s not here,’ she told the Manchester Evening News.
‘Cooking a meal at night, you’ve got one less place at the table. You can be stood there cooking with tears pouring down your face because she’s not there.’
Writing Christmas cards was also difficult because after 14 years she couldn’t bear to not include her name on any of them.
Ms Jones tried to stop herself from turning Nell’s bedroom into a shrine,but couldn’t bear to clean the makeup smudges off her mirror.
She wouldn’t throw out any of her things, like her bubble bath, and even bought Harry Potter themed makeup brushes and put them on her dressing table – like she was going to walk through the door.
Ms Jones said she put up a front all day so others wouldn’t see the pain she was holding inside, but it all came out when she was alone.
‘Sometimes you can cry all day. You look forward going to bed at night so you can have a few hours and it’s not there. But then you wake up again the next morning and the pain is there again,’ she said.
The last time her mother saw Nell (pictured with her brothers) was in the car park of her school as she ran off to get read to go to the show with her friend Freya
The Halle Youth Choir, conducted by Stuart Overington, then sang a rendition of Somewhere Over The Rainbow.
The Dean then said: ‘Everyone was loved so very dearly by people who are here today as well as by those who are not.
‘They will live on through those who love them … Those lost and their loved ones will forever be in the hearts of the people of Manchester.’
Manchester symphony Halle Orchestra played Elegie by Tchaikovsky as images of the dead were displayed on screens.
Prime Minister Theresa May (left) shakes hands with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as she at the Manchester Arena remembrance service at Manchester Cathedral today
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon arrives at Manchester Cathedral this afternoon for the service
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn arrives at the memorial service in Manchester this afternoon
The 22 lit candles on the altar represent the 22 who died and were made using the wax from the thousands of candles left in St Ann’s Square in memory.
The Dean then introduced a minute’s silence, marked across the country and at UK government buildings, including the House of Commons.
Kevin Malone, of Greater Manchester Humanists, read The Trees by poet Philip Larkin. It was followed by a prayer read by the Bishop of Salford, Rt Rev John Arnold.
The Bishop of Manchester the Rt Rev David Walker gave a lengthy address remembering the victims and those injured in the blast.
He finished: ‘This cathedral is here, Manchester is here and you who were hurt or bereaved 12 months ago today are forever part of Manchester and forever part of us.’
It was followed by an anthem by Manchester Cathedral Choir.
MPs observed a minute’s silence in the Commons chamber today to mark one year since the bombing. Dozens of MPs were in the Commons to pay their respects.
Guests take their seats ahead of the service to remember the Manchester Arena attack victims
A member of the clergy lights candles for the victims during the Manchester Cathedral service
Members of the public watch the service on a screen outside Manchester Cathedral today
Speaking in the Commons, shadow home secretary Diane Abbott said: ‘On this side of the House we also want to honour the anniversary of the Manchester atrocity. We share his appreciation for the leadership of mayor Andy Burnham, we share his appreciation of the work of the police, the security services, fire services, NHS and other public sector actors.
‘But above all we want to honour the people of Manchester who didn’t allow this bombing to tear them apart and who showed outstanding love, solidarity and strength.’
Security minister Ben Wallace, speaking afterwards, said: ‘I want to just take this opportunity to place on record my appreciation to Andy Burnham, the mayor of Manchester, the leader of the council as well, and Chief Constable Ian Hopkins for the fantastic and amazing work they have done over the last 12 months in helping heal Manchester and bringing that community together.
‘I cannot say, having visited the investigation on many occasions, how much regard I have for the police and the intelligence services doing the job of still pursuing leads and still working to keep people safe.
‘I believe we have the best police and intelligence services in the world and that is why Manchester is back on its feet alongside a great community, who is determined to make sure that the spirit of Manchester lives on.
‘While I’m not there with them today, many of us are, I know, in spirit, and we stand ready to continue to help that great city.’
The Dean pointed to a single candle beside the 22 burning for the victims.
He said: ‘This single lit candle represents all who remain: bereaved families and friends, those who were physically or psychologically injured and their families and friends, first-responders, volunteers, and all those who have assisted or supported the community in their recovery.
‘When you despair, when you are in the deepest darkness, remember this light and know that it is with you always and will guide each one of us home.’
Michelle Milner, deputy director of nursing at Royal Manchester Children’s hospital, read For Peace by John O’Donohue.
Crowds gather to watch the outside broadcast of the Manchester Arena remembrance service
Crowds gather to watch the service on a big screen outside in nearby Cathedral Gardens
Crowds remember victims of the terror attack which saw 22 people killed in May last year
It was followed by a prayer by Nigel Ashworth, rector of St Ann’s Church and the hymn I Watch The Sunrise.
The Archbishop of York John Sentamu delivered the final blessing of the service before the congregation stood to sing the national anthem.
The Duke of Cambridge nodded to party leaders before leaving the service.
Attack survivor Robby Potter was hit by shrapnel as he stood in the foyer of the arena as he waited for daughter Tegan.
Speaking after the service, Mr Potter told Sky News: ‘It brought a lot of memories back, but it was somewhere we had to come to support the families who have lost people.
‘We were very lucky, we know how lucky we are. It’s a case of standing strong. The country stood strong, especially Manchester.’
Tegan said: ‘It was good, but I felt dead sorry for those who lost people, and just how lucky I am that my dad’s still here.’
Earlier today, survivors and relatives of the bombing victims revealed how they have rebuilt their lives a year on from the atrocity that killed 22 people.
Paul Hodgson, the stepfather of 15-year-old victim Olivia Campbell-Hardy, told of how it will be ‘difficult’ when he visits the venue of the terror attack tonight.
But he said: ‘We’re going to get through it with friends and family, the 22 families together. We remember all of them, and we’re going to make them people proud.’
Mr Hodgson, 48, also told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: ‘With Manchester, you kick one of us, you kick all of us, and we’ll all get up, and we’ll all start fighting again.’
Olivia’s mother Charlotte Hodgson, who married Mr Hodgson in November, fulfilling her girl’s wish, added: ‘It is hard today. We’ll be remembering her happily.
‘She was 15, she was a happy child and we’ll be spending it with family and friends, and trying to enjoy the day. We’ll be filling it full of music and laughter.’
Also on the programme, Martin Hibbert, who was the closest person to survive the bomb, said: ‘There is lots to look forward to, I’m feeling a lot better now.
A man consoles a woman as they stand by tributes at St Anne’s Square in Manchester today
Cross faith group #TurnToLove walk outside Manchester Cathedral this afternoon
The victims were (top row left to right) Elaine McIver, 43, Saffie-Rose Roussos, 8, Sorrell Leczkowski, 14, Eilidh MacLeod, 14, (second row left to right) Nell Jones, 14, Olivia Campbell-Hardy, 15, Megan Hurley, 15, Georgina Callander, 18, (third row left to right), Chloe Rutherford, 17, Liam Curry, 19, Courtney Boyle, 19, and Philip Tron, 32, (fourth row left to right) John Atkinson, 26, Martyn Hett, 29, Kelly Brewster, 32, Angelika Klis, 39, (fifth row left to right) Marcin Klis, 42, Michelle Kiss, 45, Alison Howe, 45, and Lisa Lees, 43 (fifth row left to right) Wendy Fawell, 50 and Jane Tweddle, 51
‘I did the Manchester 10K at the weekend, which was amazing, pretty much 12 months to the day I was told I was never going to walk again.
‘The aim now for me is to hopefully walk again in the future and in the middle of all that I’m going to be writing a book as well. So there’s lots to look forward to.’
He added: ‘They chose the wrong city when they wanted to divide it. Because everyone knows Mancunians, and people from the North West, when tragedy hits, we all come together.
‘We came together and we certainly won’t be defeated by terrorism. They want us to stop living life and we’re proof that we don’t and we carry on as we would do normally.’
Mrs Hodgson added that they have had to move since the attack, due to the overwhelming number of people stopping them when they are out in public.
She said: ‘We have had to move. Manchester will always be our home, will always be in our hearts. But we can’t live a life here anymore, we can’t just walk down the street, we can’t go shopping anymore without people stopping us constantly.
Attack survivor Martin Hibbert (left) and Charlotte and Paul Hodgson (centre and right), the parents of victim Olivia Campbell-Hardy, appeared on ITV’s Good Morning Britain today
Olivia Campbell-Hardy (left) will be remembered today as a ‘happy child’, according to her mother Charlotte Hodgson (pictured right, with her now-husband Paul at a tribute last May)
‘And we need to move on. We’ll never ever forget what happened that day, we’ll never forget Olivia, but we’ve got to live our lives as well. So we had to move on.’
Pop star Ariana Grande was performing at Manchester Arena at the time of the bombing
Pop star Ariana Grande, 24, who was performing at Manchester Arena at the time of the bombing, said her thoughts remain with all those affected.
She shared a touching message as the families of victims and survivors prepared to mark the anniversary, writing: ‘Thinking of you all today and every day.
‘I love you with all of me and am sending you all of the light and warmth I have to offer on this challenging day.’
Heartfelt messages of support have been left throughout Manchester city centre as people gather one year on to remember all those affected by the suicide bombing.
Well-wishers have been laying floral bouquets and cards in St Ann’s Square, which became a focal point for mourners last years following the atrocity.
Thousands of messages of support on cardboard tags have been attached by members of the public to 28 Japanese maple trees which form the Trees of Hope trail from the square to Victoria rail and tram station.
Young people, wearing Ariana Grande tops,look at messages and flowers left in Manchester today, ahead of the service of commemoration at Manchester Cathedral
Beth Clarke hangs a string of some of the 27,000+ handmade hearts that have been donated to her #aheart4mcr Twitter campaign on the morning of the first anniversary of the terror attack
Among the notes were messages which read: ‘Thinking of you all, stay strong xxx’, ‘Manchester we stand together. Forever in our hearts’, and: ‘As a clever bishop said ‘there is power in love”.
Another message read: ‘RIP to all you beautiful angels who have all gained their wings in such a horrific vile way. Manchester will not cower away to you monsters. Spread love. Stacie xx’
A host of floral tributes were also laid at the memorial site at Manchester Victoria with bouquets from football clubs Oldham Athletic and Rochdale AFC.
Passengers have been invited to write their thoughts and memories on Stronger Together posters at the station.
Grande shared a touching message as the families of victims and survivors prepared to mark the anniversary, writing: ‘Thinking of you all today and every day’
A police officer stops to read some of the hand-written messages left on one of the ‘Trees of Hope’ placed throughout Manchester this morning
More than 7,000 handmade stitched hearts are also dotted around the city centre with people encouraged to smile on the day and take them as they pass as part of social media campaign #aheart4mcr.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said it was a day to ‘come together’, tweeting: ‘Today … we remember each of the 22 people whose lives were taken & we re-commit to supporting their families & all affected.’
Tonight, more than 3,000 singers from local choirs will join forces and share the spirit of solidarity at the Manchester Together – With One Voice event in the city’s Albert Square from 7.30pm to 9pm.
Among those performing are the Manchester Survivors Choir, a group made up of people who were at the arena on the night of the fateful concert, and Parrs Wood High School’s Harmony Group, whose post-attack tribute went viral last year.
Emergency service workers are pictured helping survivors of the attack in May last year
Police deal with the explosion at Manchester Arena during an Ariana Grande gig last May
Family praises ‘pocket rocket in skyscraper heels’ who died in Manchester blast
Kelly Brewster, 32
A family has paid tribute to their ‘pocket rocket in skyscraper heels’ who died in the Manchester Arena terror attack, saying ‘she will forever be in our hearts and thoughts’.
Insurance company worker Kelly Brewster, from Sheffield, was one of the 22 people killed in the bombing and was hailed a hero after her family said she died shielding her sister Claire Booth and niece Hollie, 11.
Ms Booth and Hollie were seriously injured in the blast and spent weeks in hospital.
In a tribute issued ahead of the service to commemorate the first anniversary of the tragedy, her family said: ‘One year on from losing Kelly and she’s still in our thoughts every single day. Everyone who knew her misses her so much.’
The statement said: ‘At just under 5ft tall, Kelly might have been small but her personality, attitude and passion for life – and boy bands! – were anything but that.
‘Her work colleagues at Aviva called her a pocket rocket in skyscraper heels and we couldn’t agree more. She was a total firecracker, really independent and opinionated.’
Miss Brewster’s family recalled how, on the day of the attack, she and her partner Ian Winslow had put a deposit down on a new house.
They said: ‘On the day of the attack and if she was still with us now they would have been living in that house, possibly married and maybe with a baby on the way.
‘She was so excited to continue her life with Ian and his daughter Phoebe, to start a family together and they had been trying for a baby which we were all so happy about.’
They said Miss Brewster and Mr Winslow were ‘soulmates’ who were ‘clearly meant to be together’.
Her family said she loved travelling the world and music – loving teaching her nieces Demi and Hollie the lyrics to her favourite boy band songs.
Hollie returned to Manchester earlier this year to audition for ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, performing a medley of Ariana Grande songs with friends.
The statement recalled how Miss Brewster’s parents Kevin and Kim rushed to Manchester after the bomb.
It said: ‘Kelly had died and Hollie and Claire were both seriously injured. Thinking of this, and how close we were to them, breaks our hearts as we just wanted to be with them and be close to them.’
Miss Brewster’s family praised Manchester Children’s Hospital, where Ms Booth and Hollie were treated, as well as the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, and the staff at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
They said: ‘Our thoughts go out to everyone who was affected by the attack last year, particularly those families who lost loved ones. Kelly was such a beautiful person inside and out and she will forever be in our hearts and thoughts.’
A mass 30-minute communal singalong finale promises to be the highlight of the concert, with songs including Grande’s One Last Time, One Day Like This by Elbow, Don’t Look Back In Anger by Oasis and Never Forget by Take That.
At 10.31pm, bells will ring out from the city’s Town Hall, St Ann’s Church and St Mary’s RC Church to mark the moment when the attack took place 12 months ago.
Salman Abedi, 22, detonated his device at the end of the concert with 353 people, including 175 children, around him in the foyer of the venue.
A total of 22 people were killed and more than 800 others were either physically or psychologically injured.
Today, Chancellor Philip Hammond opened Treasury questions in the House of Commons by telling MPs: ‘One year on from the appalling Manchester Arena attack, I’m sure that I speak for everyone in the House in saying that on this day our thoughts are with those who lost their lives, their families, and those who suffered life-changing injuries – and we will remember them with a moment’s silence later on today.’
Meanwhile Theresa May has paid tribute to the victims of the bombing in an article published on Facebook, calling the attack ‘an act of sickening cowardice’.
She wrote: ‘The targeting of the young and innocent as they enjoyed a carefree night out in the Manchester Arena on May 22 2017 was an act of sickening cowardice.
‘It was designed to strike at the heart of our values and our way of life, in one of our most vibrant cities, with the aim of breaking our resolve and dividing us. It failed.
‘One year on from that awful day, I will join a community coming together for the National Service of Commemoration.
‘As we gather in Manchester Cathedral, from different parts of the country, backgrounds and faiths, we will join in solidarity to remember the 22 children and adults who so tragically lost their lives that night. We will pause to think of their friends and family, of the many who were injured and to pay tribute to those who have come to their aid, offered support, expertise and kindness.
‘In the wake of last year’s attack, I stood in Downing Street and said terrorists would never win, never defeat us.
‘Such appalling acts of wickedness will do nothing but strengthen our resolve to defeat such twisted ideologies and beliefs. The resilience and determination shown by this city in the 12 months since is testament to that. The Government has stood with the city in that determination and we continue to stand with you.
‘We pledged to do all we could to help. That pledge remains. Our taskforce will continue to work with Manchester’s leaders and co-ordinate the support the city needs as it moves forward.
‘Today my thoughts and prayers are with those who were lost on that terrible night, their loved ones who have so bravely battled to rebuild their lives; those who have courageously fought to overcome physical injury or mental scars; our first responders and emergency services and those volunteers and professionals who are continuing to help this community heal.
‘All of you – and many more in this great city – are the very best of what this country stands for.’
The article first appeared in the Manchester Evening News.
Caroline Lucas, co-leader of the Green Party, paid tribute to the victims and emergency services on Twitter.
Mrs Lucas wrote: ‘My thoughts, and the thoughts of everyone in the Green Party, are with the families of those who lost their lives in the Manchester bombing.
‘As ever we pay tribute to the emergency service workers and others who helped those in need, and saved many lives.’
Shadow home secretary Diane Abbott also published a message of remembrance on Twitter.
She wrote: ‘Remembering those who died one year ago today in the devastating terrorist attack at Manchester Arena. Thoughts are with the survivors and bereaved families.’
Family of Manchester attack’s youngest victim Saffie-Rose design flower to help her ‘live on forever’
Saffie-Rose Roussos was the youngest of the 22 people killed in the suicide attack
The family of the youngest victim of the Manchester Arena attack are designing a unique and beautiful new rose to help her ‘live on forever’.
Saffie-Rose Roussos, eight, was the youngest of the 22 people killed in the suicide bombing last May at the Ariana Grande concert.
In January, her mother Lisa and father Andrew sold their fish-and-chip shop ‘The Plaice’ in Leyland, Lancashire, to move to start a new life.
But they also launched a £10,000 JustGiving appeal to pay for floral experts to create a special rose in her honour.
Now, thanks to 500 donations totalling £11,000, they are set to create a special bloom with help from the Royal Horticultural Society.
Speaking about the tribute, which will be sold around the world to raise money for charity, Mrs Roussos said: ‘This is a personal goal for me in memory of my precious little girl.
‘A beautiful rose, just like her to live on forever. I have approached the Royal Horticultural Society to ask them if they would create a rose in memory of Saffie.
‘The rose could then be created and go into commerce and sold all around the world. The proceeds would go directly to Saffie’s charity or charities.
Mother Lisa Roussos (left) with her son Xander (centre), 11, and stepsister Ashlee Bromwich (right), attend the funeral for eight-year-old Saffie-Rose Roussos
‘The events of May 22 was truly felt by the public and their love, generosity and continued support is overwhelming. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.’
Saffie had gone to the concert with Mrs Roussos, 48, and her sister Ashlee Bromwich, 24, – both of whom suffered serious injuries.
After the attack Mrs Roussos awoke from a coma to be told of her daughter’s death.
Mourners at Saffie-Rose’s funeral at Manchester Cathedral each carried a single rose in tribute to her, and the flowers also adorned her coffin.
Michelle Keegan and Scarlett Moffatt post heartfelt tributes to Manchester bombing victims as celebs mark first anniversary of terror attack
By Rebecca Lawrence For MailOnline
Michelle Keegan and Scarlett Moffatt were among a host of celebrities paying tribute to the victims of the Manchester terror attack on the first anniversary of the bombing.
On May 22 of last year, a terrorist detonated an explosive device as fans were leaving an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester – killing 22 people and injuring more than 500.
Taking to Twitter on Tuesday, Michelle shared a picture of the symbolish Manchester working bee that she captioned: ‘Together we stand. #manchesterremembers #ManchesterTogether #always’.
Tribute: Michelle Keegan and Scarlett Moffatt were among a host of celebrities paying tribute to the victims of the Manchester terror attack on the first anniversary of the bombing
Horrific: On May 22 of last year, a terrorist detonated an explosive device as fans were leaving an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester – killing 22 people
Scarlett also paid tribute with a list of those that had lost their lives in the horrific attack, adding: ‘Today we #standtogether to remember those who lost their lives in the Manchester Arena attack a year ago.
‘My thoughts are with their families and friends, the injured and the emergency services who responded on that night’.
Meanwhile, Lucy Fallon informed her followers of a national minute silence that would be taking place, writing; ‘Because this is a place where we stand strong together, with a smile on our face, greater Manchester forever.’
Spice Girl Geri Horner wrote: ‘#Manchester ,you are in our hearts and minds – never forgotten.’
Message; Scarlett also paid tribute with a list of those that had lost their lives in the attack
Emotional: Vicky Pattison paid an emotional tribute with her Instagram post
Memory: Frankie Essex said that the victims would never be forgotten
Tribute: Hollyoaks actor Jamie Lomas shared ‘Never forget #manchester #proud #bestcityintheworld #standtogether #22’
Vicky Pattison shared the names of the victims and wrote: ‘A year ago today Manchester, Great Britain and the world was struck by tragedy. The terror attack at last year’s @arianagrande concert shook the world.
‘Today, I’ll be thinking about each and every one of these people and the survivors too. Who in the wake of such grief, loss and great adversary have remained strong and inspirational.
‘I’ve been lucky enough to meet @bradley.hurley and @freya_lewis this year and their resilience and strength humbled me beyond belief. My thoughts and prayers are with the families. We stand together.’
Tribute: Coronation Street star Lucy Fallon informed her followers of a national minute silence that would be taking place as she paid tribute
Poignant: A host of celebrities paid tribute to the victims of the horrific attack
Jake Quickenden tweeted: ‘1 year on we will never forget #manchester’, while DJ Nick Grimshaw wrote: ‘Remembering the Manchester attack and sending love to their families.
‘I think today it’s important to remember the power of the One Love gig and how it brought not just the city but the world together. Such a positive bolt of energy in a hard, dark time.’
Actor Jamie Lomas posted: ‘Never forget #manchester #proud #bestcityintheworld #standtogether #22’, as musician Tim Burgess added: ‘I ❤ Manchester.Thinking of the 22 who lost their lives and those who lost loved ones.’
Former TOWIE star Frankie Essex shared: ‘One Year today thinking of everyone who’s life’s changed today we will not forget #manchester22remembered.’
John Bishop added: ‘Thoughts and prayers today are with all those who were affected by events in Manchester a year ago….’
Leading the tributes: X Factor star Jake Quickenden said ‘we will never forget’ the victims
Emotional tributes: The stars shared a series of kind words and messages of support
Coronation Street beauty Brooke Vincent posted: ‘ Our Twenty Two Manchester – We Do Things Differently Here.’
Also paying tribute was Rochelle Humes, who shared: ‘My favourite city, I’m with you today’.
The horrific attack took place last year at Ariana Grande’s concert, and the 24-year-old singer was one of the first to share a heartfelt tribute to the victims.
She tweeted: ‘thinking of you all today and every day. I love you with all of me and am sending you all of the light and warmth I have to offer on this challenging day.’
Ariana’s mother Joan also paid tribute, tweeting: ‘All my love, Manchester…’
In an interview with Time magazine published last week, Ariana described the Manchester terror attack as the ‘worst of humanity.’
Tributes: Coronation Street star Brooke Vincent also paid a tribute to the victims
Support: Stars came together to share their kind words and messages of support
Recalling the tragic incident, she admitted that she didn’t want her fans to think that ‘something like that had won’ – yet still found it ‘very painful’ herself.
‘Music is supposed to be the safest thing in the world. I think that’s why it’s still so heavy on my heart every single day,’she said.
The hitmaker confessed that she was still struggling in the aftermath: ‘I wish there was more that I could fix. You think with time it’ll become easier to talk about. Or you’ll make peace with it’ before adding: ‘But every day I wait for that peace to come and it’s still very painful.’
Ariana’s manager Scooter Braun has previously spoken about the aftermath of the terror attack at her concert in Manchester on May 22 2017, which killed 22 people.
Scooter, 36, admitted Ariana ‘suffered from trauma’ and found it incredibly difficult as she met with 19 injured concertgoers and families at hospital following the devastating attack.
Remembering: The horrific attack took place last year at Ariana Grande’s concert, and the 24-year-old singer was one of the first to share a heartfelt tribute to the victims
Still traumatized: The singer, 24, told her fans she was thinking of them ‘on this challenging day.’ The terror attack killed 22 and injured more than 500
Speaking to the Big Questions with Cal Fussman podcast, Scooter revealed the singer ‘cried for days’ and she struggled with the decision of keeping her Dangerous Woman tour going.
‘When she found out that fans of hers had died she was so sad,’ Scooter recalled. ‘She cried for days, she he felt everything – every face they announced, every name, she wore on her sleeve. Every bit of emotion because that’s who she is.’
Following the devastating terror attack, Ariana took to the stage in Manchester at the Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground to host her star-studded One Love benefit concert.
It was held in aid of the victims and all families that suffered in the wake of the bombing that took place moments after Ariana had finished her performance on May 22.
Emotional: In an interview with Time magazine published last week, Ariana, pictured May 7 in New York, described the Manchester terror attack as the ‘worst of humanity’
Tribute: Ariana’s mother Joan also paid tribute to the victims of the terror attack
Ariana was joined by a slew of global superstars for the benefit gig, including Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Pharrell Williams, the Black Eyed Peas, Little Mix and Robbie Williams.
All artists performed for free, while Live Nation has covered the costs of the concert.
Ariana assigned those that were in attendance at her concert on Monday free tickets to the event, while the gig itself was televised for the public on the BBC, and streamed on BBC Radio 1.
Defiant: Following the devastating terror attack, Ariana took to the stage in Manchester at the Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground to host her star-studded One Love benefit concert
Manchester attack survivor returns to city after a selfie with David Beckham at the royal wedding
Amelia Thompson, 12, poses with David Beckham ahead of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in Windsor
Manchester bomb survivor Amelia Thompson said it was hard returning to the city for the anniversary commemorations just days after meeting David Beckham at the royal wedding.
Amelia, 12, and her mother Lisa Newton, who was with her on the night of the attack, said it was difficult coming back but there was an amazing atmosphere around the city.
They were among the crowds when the bomb went off in the foyer at Manchester Arena and Amelia suffered trauma as well as damaged vocal cords from screaming at the horror of what she was witnessing.
She was one of the lucky few members of the public who were invited to the wedding and asked her mother whether she would forfeit her chance of attending in favour of their friend Sharon Goodman, whose 15-year-old granddaughter Olivia Campbell-Hardy was killed in the attack.
But they received a call just before the wedding day saying Kensington Palace had authorised two more tickets so Ms Newton could go too.
And when she grabbed David Beckham for a selfie in the grounds of Windsor Castle, the story went around the world.
On Tuesday morning she was taking in the atmosphere and looking at the tributes in St Ann’s Square – which was the focus of much of the outpouring of sorrow after the bombing last year.
Amelia said she wanted to be there to support the other families.
Ms Newton, from Dronfield Woodhouse, near Sheffield, said: ‘We’ve never been to St Ann’s Square.
‘Before, we wanted to come to see all the flowers but we just didn’t have the courage. So it’s the first time we’ve actually been right here. So that was quite hard.’
‘We’ve just come down here to listen to the choirs and have a walk around to the cathedral. We’re going to meet some of the families. It’s quite a nice vibe but it’s hard.’
Amelia added: ‘At the moment I’m alright.’
David and Victoria Beckham arriving at St George’s Chapel ahead of the Royal Wedding
She admitted it had been quite a week with a visit to Windsor Castle topped by her encounter with Beckham and being within touching distance of the newlyweds in their carriage.
She said: ‘It was really pretty. I was going to the toilet and that how I bumped into him (Beckham).
‘We couldn’t really speak a lot because he was going to get told off for breaking protocol.’
Ms Newton said: ‘It was all a bit last minute for an outfit for me but we’ve had such a laugh.’
She said: ‘We were just eating our crisps and then the royal family were just stood there. It all felt a bit weird but the vibe in Windsor was just electric.’
Ms Newton said people from around the world were hugging her daughter.
She said: ‘She had a few wobbles with the crowds but we just tried to move away as fast as we could, which was sometimes difficult.’