Ariana heads pop tribute to terror victims
ARIANA Grande will return to Manchester with a host of other stars this weekend for a concert in aid of the victims of last week’s attack.
Among those joining the US singer at the Old Trafford cricket ground will be Take That – who were formed in Manchester – Coldplay, Justin Bieber and Katy Perry.
Other artists set to perform at Sunday’s event are Pharrell Williams, Miley Cyrus, Usher and One Direction singer Niall Horan.
Tickets for the One Love Manchester concert, which will also be screened on the BBC, go on sale at 10am tomorrow, with all proceeds going to the We Love Manchester emergency fund.
Those who were at the arena during last week’s attack are being offered free entry if they register with Ticketmaster by 4pm today.
Police said families of the victims had been consulted before the concert was arranged. Miss Grande, 23, said she wanted to ‘honour the ones we lost, their loved ones, my fans and all affected by this tragedy’. She said: ‘My heart, prayers and condolences are with the victims of the Manchester Attack and their loved ones ... I extend my hand and heart and everything I possibly can give to you and yours.
‘We will not quit or operate in fear. We won’t let this divide us. We won’t let hate win. Our response to this violence must be to come closer together ... Music is meant to heal us, to bring us together, to make us happy. So that is what it will continue to do.’
The show will take place at the Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground, which has a capacity of 50,000. It was confirmed after Manchester United footballer Michael Carrick agreed to move a charity testimonial match in his honour.
Madonna and rapper Eminem may be late additions to the lineup, sources told The Sun.