Just over four years after the atrocious events that took place at Manchester Arena, Manchester City Council has unveiled a brand new memorial garden, which pays tribute to the victims of the shocking attack.
On May 22nd 2017, Salman Abedi detonated a bomb as young Ariana Grande fans left her concert at Manchester Arena, killing 22 and injuring 92 others – many of which were severely hurt in the attack.
Revealing initial plans back in May 2020, work officially began on the memorial garden – Glade of Light – back in March 2021, constructing between Manchester Cathedral and Chetham’s School of Music.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “We will never forget those whose lives were lost on 22 May 2017. They already had a permanent place in the hearts of Manchester people. Now they have a lasting memorial in the heart of our city.
“The Glade of Light is a beautiful tribute to them and somewhere which will also have profound meaning for everyone affected by the attack. We hope the memorial site will be a place of peace and comfort, standing as a reminder that love is stronger than hate.”
Not only will the memorial provide a tranquil place for people to pay their respects, but it also features a halo-like structure with the names of the 22 who died set in bronze – as well as ‘memory capsules’ created by friends and family, which have become part of the halo structure. Around the anniversary every year in May, the white flowers of a hawthorn tree planted at its centre will bloom.
[Featured image: Manchester City Council]