Thousands to take part in remembering the victims
EVENTS will take place across Manchester to mark a year since the most devastating night in the city’s history.
as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives in the Manchester arena atrocity, bells will ring out from St ann’s Church, St Mary’s Catholic Church (the hidden Gem) and the town hall at exactly 10.31pm on May 22 - the time the bomb went off.
the solemn moment will be one of several events to mark the first anniversary of the terror attack..
trees of hope - Saturday, May 19 to Sunday, May 27
IN the immediate aftermath of the arena attack, there was a spontaneous outpouring of grief, love and solidarity through the sea of tributes left in St ann’s Square. Inspired by this incredible sight, the council has organised the trees of hope trail to encourage people who want to leave and share tributes.
It will feature 28 beautiful Japanese maple trees - some of which will be nurtured with compost made from the floral tributes left by the public last year.
the trail will run from Victoria Station to St ann’s Square. Messages can be attached using specially-designed cardboard tags which will be handed out by volunteers between 8am and 8pm every day, and until 11pm on May 22 itself.
Every message will be preserved and kept – alongside tributes left last year – in an archive of the city’s response to the attack. the trees will remain in the city centre.
any other tributes which are left in public spaces will be sensitively removed at the end of each day and taken to Wythenshawe Park, where they will remain on display.
any floral and plant tributes will be recycled once they have reached the end of their lifespans, or replanted elsewhere as appropriate.
Great Manchester Run Sunday, May 20
COMPETITORS will fall silent for one minute ahead of the Great Manchester Run.
there Is a light - tuesday, May 22 to Saturday, May 26
FOR five-nights, song lyrics will be projected onto the pavements and buildings in St ann’s Square, including the famous church.
In the wake of the bombing the square became a place for reflection and contemplation as mourners left a sea or flowers, teddies and tributes in memory of those who lost their lives.
families of the 22 victims, as well as members of the public, have been invited to select lyrics to promote reflection.
National Service of Remembrance - tuesday, May 22
PRINCE William and the Prime Minister will attend a special service at Manchester Cathedral.
During the service there will be a national minute’s silence at 2.30pm, including across all government buildings.
the invitation-only event has been arranged for the families of those who lost their lives, first responders and civic leaders. however, members of the public will be able to watch the hourlong service on a big screen in nearby Cathedral Gardens. It will also be screened at York Minster, liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and Glasgow Cathedral.
Manchester together - With one Voice - May 22 (7pm to 9pm) in albert Square
PARENTS and children who were at Manchester arena will take centre stage.
the Manchester Survivors Choir - made up mostly of parents and children - will sing at the Manchester together one Voice event.
thousands are expected to join the mass singalong in what will no doubt be an incredibly emotional event.
More than 80 choirs will unite in solidarity and remembrance, led by Dan McDwyer, the choirmaster who directed Parrs Wood high School in Didsbury in their moving tribute at the one love Manchester concert.
ariana Grande’s lyrics are on the bill with her song one last time. While Elbow’s one Day like this, oasis’ Don’t look back in anger and Never forget by take that will also be performed. anyone wishing to attend is being advised to arrive early as the event is expected to be very busy. the singalong will be broadcast live on BBC Radio Manchester and Key 103 and will also be shown on the big screen in the Piazza at MediaCityuK and played over the Pa systems at Manchester airport.