Noel tops the bill as Arena reopens
The Manchester Arena opened last night for the first time since the terror atrocity in May which left 22 dead.
Fans at tending the benefit concert, headlined by Noel Gallagher’s High F ly ing Bi r d s , fa c ed extra screening and bans on backpacks, large bags and some electrical items.
There was also a huge police presence around the venue as part of heightened security measures.
Families who lost loved ones and those injured in the suicide bombing were among the 14,000 crowd at the sold-out gig, with funds raised going towards a permanent memorial for the victims.
Twisted Salman Abedi detonated his device in the foyer of the venue at the end of an Ar iana Grande concert.
The devastated area had been par tly renovated and re- opened for last night’s event, titled We Are Manchester – a name chosen to show the city will not be defeated by terrorism.
A team of trained trauma specialists and mental health professionals were on hand for anyone who needed help.
The enter ta inment began with a pre- show DJ set f rom Cl int Boon, followed by a performance from poet Tony Walsh, known as Longfella, with a recital of This is the Place, a homage to the city of Manchester.
The event also featured per formances by The Courteeners, Blossoms and Rick Astley.