Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Ariana shares her grief one year on
PoP star Ariana Grande has said her thoughts remain with all those affected by the Manchester Arena bombing one year on from the atrocity.
The 24-year-old, who had been performing at the venue when the terror attack claimed the lives of 22 people on May 22 last year, shared a touching message on social media as the families of victims and survivors prepared to mark the anniversary.
She wrote: “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.”
Hundreds of those injured in the explosion, and the families of those killed, were due to attend a remembrance service at Manchester Cathedral today.
They were set to be joined by the Duke of Cambridge and Prime Minister Theresa May, as well as first responders to the scene, civic leaders and other national figures.
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.”
The i nvitationonly service was set to i ncorporate a national silence at 2.30pm, which was also due to be marked at UK government buildings.
Members of the public were able to watch proceedings on a big screen in nearby Cathedral Gardens, while the service was also screened at York Minster, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and Glasgow Cathedral.
The Duke of Cambridge was due to meet some of the bereaved families privately following the multi-faith service.
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 from 7.30-9pm.
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.
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.
A total of 22 people were killed and more than 800 others were either physically or psychologically injured.