ARIANA TO BE MADE HONORARY MANC
Council bosses in plan to give singer accolade:
ARIANA Grande is set to be made an honorary citizen of Manchester for helping to raise millions of pounds for those killed and injured in the Arena terror attack.
The popstar is heading for the accolade as part of proposed system to recognise those from outside the region who have made an outstanding contribution to the city.
Bosses at Manchester city council said the One Last Time singer will be first in line to be become an honorary Mancunian.
It would recognise her role in organising the One Love Manchester concert earlier this month which raised almost £3m for the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund.
The 23-year-old managed to rally an array of A-list performers for the event, less than two weeks after the atrocity at the Manchester Arena which claimed the lives of 22 people and left more than 100 others injured.
The star met with the families of those killed as well as young injured fans recovering at the Manchester Royal Children’s Hospital.
Others who helped raise cash for the fund – and who demonstrated incredible community spirit – in the aftermath of the attack could also be recognised.
Council chiefs also want to recognise the ‘many selfless acts’ following the bombing on May 22.
An event will be held later on in the year to commend those who made significant contributions.
Town hall leader Sir Richard Leese said: “This seems a fitting moment to update the way we recognise those who make noteworthy contributions to the life and success of our city.
“We’ve all had cause to be incredibly proud of Manchester and the resilient and compassionate way in which the city, and all those associated with it, have responded to the terrible events of May 22, with love and courage rather than hatred and fear.
“Ariana Grande exemplified this response. I think many people would already consider her an honorary Mancunian and we would be delighted to make it official.”
The new honorary citizenship will not be the same as the rarely-awarded freedom of the city, which will remain the highest honour town hall bosses can award. The proposals will be discussed at the council’s next full meeting on July 12.
City skipper visits ‘bravest girl’ hurt in bomb attack - See Pages 16 & 17