Let’s turn out for Manchester
WEEKEND OF FUN WILL SHOW TERRORISM WILL NEVER WIN
IN the face of unspeakable tragedy, this week Manchester has shown the world just what it’s made of.
As the city centre has basked in late May sunshine, the horrors of Monday night have not put off Mancunians from living our lives.
Town has not been deserted or abandoned. Instead, Manchester has refused to be defeated, repeatedly showing it will not be bowed by terror.
That was proved by the thousands who attended Tuesday evening’s emotional vigil in Albert Square.
Last night, thousands more flocked in to see the annual CityGames, a highlight of the city calendar that civic leaders were determined must not be crushed by fear.
Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese said: “There is a strong feeling in the city that we will bounce back.
“It has been a tragic week in Manchester. We spend most of our time grieving and thinking of the families of the deceased as well as those injured.
“We have seen togetherness in the vigil, the one minute’s silence and this today.
“Manchester wants to show that they are strong and defiant and will not let terrorism win.”
At the same time crowds packed the tables outside bars, cafes and restaurants to bathe in the spring sunshine. We may still be grieving, but we are doing so together.
This weekend the city will once again prove that point.
Tomorrow, tens of thousands of people are due to run through the streets of Trafford and Manchester for this year’s Great Manchester Run. Sir Richard says that rather than runners being deterred by the week’s events - they have been inundated with calls to sign up.
The number of places for tomorrow’s run is set and they will not be accepting more entrants, but he took strength in the readiness to participate.
Now, we at the M.E.N. are urging everyone to come along and show their support - and bring a poster or flag to celebrate Manchester.
This year the event is about more than a 10k run. It is about proving terrorism will not and cannot win. It will never drive us out of our own beautiful city.
If you were already due to run in this year’s race, pin your number to your vest and get on down to the starting line. The rest of us can show just what it means to be Mancunian by joining them in town and cheering them along.
And the M.E.N. will, of course, be there to record the moment, to show what it means to be Manc.
Later today, 50,000 will flock to Emirates Old Trafford for a concert - fittingly - starring Manchester bands The Courteeners, The Charlatans, Cabbage and Blossoms.
Next month and beyond, as the city comes to terms with our shock, there will be more chances to prove the same point.
Parklife will still pack out Heaton Park with thousands of people dancing to the music they love.
Music lovers will still flood into Castlefield Bowl to enjoy summertime gigs. And Manchester Day, the city centre’s biggest parade, must be bigger and better than ever before.
We may be in mourning, but this is our city - and nobody can take it from us.
For more details of the Greater Manchester Run see Pages 30&31