Wedding pair defy terrorists
TWO loved up Courteeners fans have tied the knot and had their reception at Saturday’s huge Old Trafford gig - in spite of the Manchester Arena terror attack.
Abby Turner and Pete Richards married at nearby Trafford Town Hall before decamping to Old Trafford cricket ground for the 50,000 sell out show.
A planned meeting with the band at Friday’s soundcheck had to be cancelled because of increased security following Monday’s attack.
Abby, from Hyde and Pete, from Bredbury, met seven years ago and brought their planned 2019 wedding date forward for the gig.
About 60 friends and family have enjoyed the reception in the cricket ground’s hospitality boxes overlooking the stage.
The couple say they were uncertain about whether it would happen in the immediate aftermath, but say it is now a case of carrying on in defiance of terrorists.
Abby said: “This is part of Manchester. We go to gigs two or three times a month.
“We were at the Albert Hall the other week watching Maximo Park and we’ve got a ton of gigs planned.
“It’s what you do with your mates, they’re the best nights of your life, so why would you ever stop doing it. You’ve just got to crack on really.”
Pete said: “It has been absolutely fantastic. The weather held off.”
He said the couple have been inundated with well wishers, including Liam Fray’s mum.
Pete added: “It had been crazy today. “We have had complete strangers coming and congratulating us and having pictures with us.
“After what happened on Monday there has been a lot of love. The atmosphere is amazing.”
Abby said the spirit of the vigils shows that Manchester will carry on in defiance.
She said: “It didn’t put us off at all. “Obviously what happened was absolutely awful.
“But after the speeches at the vigil outside the town hall then on the Wednesday everyone was up for it.
“Everyone came together as a city, and it was confirmed the gig was going ahead.
“Even if it was cancelled, we would have understood and we’d have gone ahead with the ceremony.”