Bomb survivors set for return to Arena
BY THE ATTACK
A DAY of private visits to the Manchester Arena has been promised to survivors of May’s bombing.
The pledge comes just days after the venue announced its re-opening concert - prompting warnings from a charity that the experience will present an ‘emotional challenge’ to people returning for the first time since the attack.
Some 150 people affected by the May 22 bomb have already been back to the site with the Warringtonbased Peace Foundation.
Now the charity is offering more people affected by the blast the chance to return, and feel going back will help them.
They believe returning to the scene of the atrocity, away from the hustle and bustle of the re-opening night, will be less stressful for survivors.
Nick Taylor, chief executive of the Peace Foundation, said: “After the Prince of Wales’ visit to the Arena (in June), a number of survivors asked if they could attend.
“A total of 150 people have since gone back - with the Survivors Assistance Network, police and family liaison officers - over a number of different visits before refurbishment was completed. We want to make sure as many people as possible get the chance - and that means anyone affected.
“The bereaved, the physically injured, and those who witnessed it are invited to contact us about a visit if they feel it will help them.”
The date for the day of visits has yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to be some time next month.
On Wednesday, Mr Taylor suggested people ‘think carefully’ before going to the We Are Manchester re-opening gig on September 9, adding: “Just consider whether this is the right time to make your first visit, or whether it would be better to go on another date.
“There’s no real evidence that going back to the scene of an event is totally helpful to people, it depends on your character.”
Tickets for the show went on sale at 9am on Thursday morning and sold out by lunchtime.
X Factor winner Louisa Johnson, pop star Pixie Lott and Manchester grime artist Bugzy Malone will join already confirmed artists including Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Courteeners, Blossoms and Rick Astley at the show, which will raise money for a permanent memorial to those who died in the attack.
For info on returning to the arena, contact SAN@survivors4peace.org.