Manchester terror attack books of condolence to be given to city archives at special service

For four weeks following the terror attack on Manchester Arena in May, St Ann’s Square was the focus of the world’s attention.

Images of the tributes honouring the victims moved people to tears, not just in Manchester, but around the globe.

The sea of flowers, balloons, toys and messages filled St Ann’s Square, which became a place of pilgrimage for tens of thousands of people who wished to pay their respects and express their sympathy for the victims.

Around 20,000 people visited St Ann’s Church in the square to pray, light candles and sign a Book of Condolence which the church had opened.

There are now twenty-one volumes of messages which capture both the city’s heartfelt sadness and grief, but also its commitment to unity and harmony.

The depth of the response to the bombing and the way in which the people of Manchester came together will be remembered in a special service on September 10th when the books will be presented to the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Eddy Newman.

The congregation of St Ann’s will come together with representatives of the city council and the community to remember what took place, pray for the wellbeing of our city and those who were affected by the bombing, and remember those who were killed.

After the books are presented to the city they will form part of the archive which is being assembled about the aftermath of the Arena attack.

The special service will take place on Sunday September 10th at 10.45 am. All are welcome.

“St Ann’s stands at the heart of Manchester, both geographically and spiritually,” says Canon Nigel Ashworth, rector of St Ann’s Church. “Like the city we serve, we welcome people of all races and nations.”