Remembering together: how the city will mark the second anniversary of the Arena attack

Last May, the first anniversary of the 2017 terror attack on the Manchester Arena, which left 22 people dead and hundreds more wounded, was one of the most moving and poignant events in the city for decades.

A cathedral service, a mass sing-along and a national minute’s silence were some of the events which marked a year since the attack. Hundreds of tributes, flowers and messages of support were left across the city as well as 7,000 knitted and crocheted hearts.

The Manchester Cathedral service last year included survivors of the attack along with their families and friends, first-responders and those who helped in the immediate aftermath.

Leaders of the main political parties attended as well as Prince William, who read a passage from the Book of Corinthians.

The remembrance service was broadcast to crowds via a big screen in Manchester’s Cathedral Gardens, as well as York Minster, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and Glasgow Cathedral.

This year, in consultation with the families of those killed and the injured, a private service will be held on 22 May 2019 at St Ann’s Church.

Although it is recognised that many more will want to attend, it has been agreed with the families that the service will be a personal and private event for the families who lost loved ones, those injured, and representatives of those who were first to respond.

The service will also include a minute’s silence at 2.30pm. Whilst this is not a national minute’s silence, many public services across Manchester are planning to participate.

On the evening of 22 May at 10.31pm, bells will ring out from Manchester Town Hall, Manchester Cathedral, The Hidden Gem Church and St Ann’s Church for one minute.

Faith leaders will stand in front of St Ann’s Church ten minutes before 10.31pm, and will ask those that gather to join them in a minute’s silence.

If remembering the Arena attack of May 2017 is difficult for you, please note that support networks are available to help anyone who may be struggling.

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