Today marks the sixth anniversary of the tragic events which took place at Manchester Arena on May 22, 2017. Six years on and many, many years to follow, Manchester will still continue to remember. Residents and the wider community will be coming together with heartfelt vigils and silences today to mark the 22 that lost their lives, and these are some of the events taking place across the city in commemoration of the devastating losses from the Manchester Arena attack.
1. Glade of Light memorial
The Glade of Light memorial was officially opened by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge last year, and today flowers will be laid at this site in remembrance. Here, Mancs will be able to pay their respects, in a space that has been specifically dedicated to the 22 that lost their lives. The marble halo bench boasts the names of the victims, and a living garden has been planted, too.
2. Candlelight vigils at Manchester Cathedral
Manchester Cathedral will host a number of sessions on the day, where visitors will be able to pay their respects through prayer and a moment of silence. Visitors will also be able to light candles in remembrance. There will be three services, morning prayer at 9am, holy communion at 1.10pm and choral evensong at 5.30pm, at which the names of the 22 will be read out. A single tenor bell will toll 22 times at 10.31pm.
3. Tributes at Manchester Victoria Station
Tributes will take place at Manchester Victoria Station today, below the foyer where the attack took place six years ago. A moment of silence will take place at 12pm and at 10.31pm (the precise moment the bomb went off). The Railway Chaplain will offer a short prayer at the memorial for the victims’ families and survivors. Flowers will also be laid throughout the day.
The area near to Soldiers’ Gate inside Manchester Victoria Station, which is managed by Northern, is a permanent memorial to those who lost their lives at the arena. Visitors to the station will also have a place to reflect at a bench and blossom tree which was installed at Soldier’s Gate in 2021. Candles will also be available for people to light.
Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig said: “It’s hard to believe six years has passed since the terrible events of 22 May 2017 and our hearts continue to go out those who lost their lives, their loved ones, those who were injured and everyone still dealing in some way with the legacy of that day. We know 22 May will always be a poignant day for many people.
“Manchester will not forget them.”