Tuesday 22 May marks one year to the day since the Manchester Arena terror attack in which 22 people were killed and many more injured.
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “None of us will ever forget the shocking events of 22 May 2017. The first anniversary of the attack is bound to be an emotional time and it has a different personal meaning for everyone affected by it. That is something which is reflected in the range of commemorative events.
“We will never forget the 22 people, including children, who lost their lives and many others who were badly hurt or traumatised. They remain in the forefront of our thoughts and at the heart of the anniversary programme.
“But we also remember the way that in the aftermath of the attack Manchester, Greater Manchester and beyond came together in a spirit of solidarity and refusal to give in to hatred – a source of inspiration and comfort for many people. We invite people to once again join together in this spirit as we mark one year on.”
This is how people can take part in the commemorative programme:
Remembering Together: National Service of Commemoration, Manchester Cathedral, Tuesday 22 May, 2-3pm
The service will be attended by families who lost loved ones, people who were badly injured in the attack, first responders, civic leaders and national figures.
While space limitations mean the service to reflect and remember has to be invitation only, the service will be screened live in nearby Cathedral Gardens.
National one-minute silence, Tuesday 22 May, 2.30pm
A national one-minute silence is being held. This will be incorporated into the cathedral service and people are being encouraged to think about how to observe it, wherever they are.
Manchester Together – With One Voice, Albert Square, Tuesday 22 May, 7-9pm
Thousands of voices will be raised in harmony as an array of local choirs come together, culminating in a mass communal singalong from 8.30-9pm. The event starts at 7pm but people are advised to come earlier to ensure they can get in.
If you can’t make it, it’s being broadcast on BBC Radio Manchester, Key 103 and elsewhere so you can join in at home.
Trees of Hope trail, Saturday 19 May to Sunday 27 May
The trail of 28 beautiful trees, along a route from Victoria Station to St Ann’s Square, is intended as the focus for people who want to share messages of tribute, solidarity and love. Messages can be left using specially-designed cardboard tags and at the end of the trail they will be kept – alongside tributes left last year – in an archive of the city’s response to the attack. Volunteers will oversee the trees every day, from 8am to 8pm – 8am to 11pm on 22 May itself.
Any other floral and plant tributes which are left in public places will be carefully collected at the end of each day and taken to Wythenshawe Park, where they will remain on display until they are ultimately recycled.
There Is A Light, Tuesday 22 May to Saturday 26 May
Poignant lines from songs chosen by the public will be projected onto St Ann’s Church and other parts of St Ann’s Square from dusk until daylight.
10.31pm, Tuesday 22 May
Bells will ring out from in the city centre at 10.31pm from the Town Hall, St Ann’s Church and St Mary’s RC Church (the Hidden Gem) to mark exactly a year since the moment when the attack took place.
For more information about all the events, visit www.manchester.gov.uk/mcrtogether.
