In pictures: Manchester thanks pandemic heroes

Mancunians have added hundreds of messages to a ‘thank you’ wall in the city - recognising the efforts of all those who kept us going during the pandemic.

The #ThankYouManchester weekender took over the city centre for two days to help bring positivity back to city centre, with live music, street theatre and more.

On Sunday, people queued up to write messages on Manchester Love Letters wall, and a minute’s silence was held on St Ann’s Square, led by Reverend Canon Nigel Ashworth and the Lord Mayor of Manchester Tommy Judge, to remember those who lost their lives during the pandemic.

It is hoped that the over-sized ‘Love Letter to Manchester’ - which is more than 14 metres long and with 1.4 metre high letters - will go on public display so more people can reflect on the messages.

Coun Pat Karney, chairman of the Thank You Manchester weekender on behalf of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester is back.

“This feeling we’ve all felt this weekend after being able to see and to hear our city once more, and to enjoy everything it has to offer, is amazing. It’s like the city has woken up.

“Sleeping Beauty herself, waking up after one hundred years, could not have been happier than Mancunians this weekend. “We have been dancing, laughing, and re-connecting with our families, our friends, and the city we love. “And just as importantly, we’ve also made time to remember those we have lost, to reflect on what we have been through, and to say thank you where thanks are due from the very bottom of our hearts, to all those who have selflessly supported and helped us, during the most difficult of times these last 18 months.”