Manchester City Council have announced further details of plans to commemorate one year since the 22 May 2017 terror attack.
The events are based around two themes: Remembrance, Reflection and a Celebration of Life – recognising each of the 22 people who lost their lives in the attack, those who were injured and first responders, and Manchester Together – embracing the solidarity shown by the city.
There will be a number of commemorative events, both before 22 May, on the day itself, and in the days afterwards.
Together Unafraid Banner and Slideshow Exhibition
Manchester Cathedral, 15-20, and 23-30 May
'Together Unafraid' the commemorative banner designed by Stephen Raw and painted by all members of the community, will be exhibited in the Cathedral. There will also be a rolling slideshow illustrating the community painting workshops that prepared it.
Trees of Hope Trail, 19-27 May
A Trees of Hope Trail will be set up between Victoria Station and St Ann’s Square. Beginning on 19 May, it will give people the opportunity to leave personal messages of hope and support for those affected on trees placed at key locations including St Ann’s Square.
One minute of silence will also be observed on Sunday 20 May during the Great Manchester Run, with further commemorative elements during the Games, including fundraising for the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund.
Remembering Together, Manchester Cathedral, 22 May, 2pm to 3pm
A Civic Memorial Service will be held at Manchester Cathedral, attended by an invited congregation including the families of those who lost their lives, those injured, first responders, civic leaders and senior national figures. While space limitations mean the service to reflect on events of that terrible day and remember loved ones has to be invitation only, there will be opportunities for anyone to watch the service on a big screen in Cathedral Gardens. For those who cannot make it to Manchester, the service will also be screened at York Minster, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and Glasgow Cathedral.
Manchester Cathedral will be closed to the public on Monday 21 May as preparations for the service take place. The building will also be closed to the public on Tuesday 22 May until 6pm, when the building will reopen for members of the public to light a candle and spend time in quiet. One minute’s silence will be observed at 10.31pm.
Manchester Together - With One Voice, Albert Square, 22 May, 7.30pm to 9pm
The Manchester Together - With One Voice event in Albert Square will see choirs come together in song to share the spirit of solidarity 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 element will be broadcast live on BBC Radio Manchester, meaning that anyone in Greater Manchester will be able to add their voices wherever they are.
Manchester Together - There is a Light, St Ann’s Square, From Dusk, 22-26 May
For five nights, song lyrics will be projected onto the pavements and buildings in St Ann's Square. The square became an important place for people to gather to reflect and pay their respects to those who lost their lives. Lyrics will be projected from songs chosen by the public.
Bell-Ringing across the City Centre, 22 May, 10.31pm
At 10.31pm on 22 May, bells will ring out from buildings across the city centre to mark the moment when the attack took place one year ago.
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