a day of song on anniversary of arena attack
IN the dark days following the Manchester Arena terror attack, music and lyrics became an important way to express defiance and solidarity.
And on a night to commemorate the passing of one year since that atrocity, the power of music will once again unite the people of Greater Manchester.
The Manchester Together – With One Voice event, to take place on May 22, will pay tribute to all those affected by the attack which took the lives of 22 people.
Bringing together choirs from a range of genres, the performance will culminate with a singalong, during which everyone will be encouraged to join in.
Due to be broadcast live, its organisers say ‘anyone will be able to add their voice where they are’.
Families of the 22 who lost their lives – and others seriously hurt either physically or psychologically – are being kept informed of plans for the night.
All choirs and singing groups across the region and beyond are now being invited to apply to perform at the event.
They can go to manchester.gov. uk/mcrtogether to register an interest by April 30.
A civic memorial service will be held at Manchester Cathedral earlier on May 22, from 2-3pm, attended by an invited congregation including the families of those who lost their lives, those injured, first responders, civic leaders and senior national figures.
While space limitations mean the service to reflect on events of that terrible day and remember loved ones has to be invitation only, there will be a big screen in Cathedral Gardens.
For those who cannot make it to Manchester, the service will also be screened at York Minster, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and Glasgow Cathedral.