Evening of song will mark a year since Arena attack
POIGNANT PUBLIC EVENT ANNOUNCED FOR EMOTIONAL ANNIVERSARY
ALBERT Square will host a public event – with music and lyrics at its heart – to commemorate one year since the May 22, 2017 terror attack.
The Manchester Together – With One Voice event, from 7.30pm to 9pm on Tuesday, May 22, will see choirs sing together and remember all those affected by the Manchester Arena attack, culminating in a communal singalong for the final half hour from 8.30pm to 9pm with everyone encouraged to join in.
The singalong will be broadcast live on local radio stations, meaning that anyone in Greater Manchester will be able to add their voices wherever they are.
Choir groups from across the region and beyond have signed up to perform at the event, creating an eclectic mix of genres to ensure the event is as inclusive as possible. A further music-related memorial called There Is A Light will see song lyrics projected on St Ann’s Church and other parts of the square from May 22 to May 26.
People are being invited to suggest lyrics, a single line from a song, which has a personal resonance for them. They can do this via www. manchester.gov.uk/mcrtogether with a closing date for suggestions of May 4.
Families of the 22 who lost their lives in the attack and others seriously hurt, physically or psychologically, are being kept informed of plans.
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester city council, said: “Music is in Manchester’s soul and it is only fitting that it should play a central part in marking what will be an emotional anniversary. We saw in the aftermath of the May 22 attack how spontaneous song captured the city’s spirit, its solidarity and refusal to give in to hatred.
“Coming together in song will once again demonstrate that remarkable sense of togetherness. It is a fitting way for us to honour those who went full of joy to a music concert but never came back, or saw their lives changed forever.”
A Civic Memorial Service will be held at Manchester Cathedral earlier on Tuesday, May 22, from 2pm to 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.
The service will be screened live in Cathedral Gardens, as well as York Minster, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and Glasgow Cathedral.