Manchester Arena bombing: How Manchester will mark the fifth anniversary on 22 May

Manchester will pay its respects to the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena terror attack, five years on from the bombing.

The sombre anniversary will be marked on 22 May, with tributes to those who lost their lives and reflections on the appalling events.

Acts of remembrance will be held throughout the city centre, including at landmarks and major public events.

One local political leader said the commemorations would remember “one of the darkest days in the city’s history”.

How will the city mark the fifth anniversary of the Manchester Arena terrorist attack?

People wanting to pay their respects to the victims of the attack will be able to do so throughout the day at the Glade of Light memorial.

The site is the city’s permanent commemoration of the dreadful events five years ago and was recently officially opened by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in an event also attended by many of the families who lost loved ones.

At nearby Manchester Cathedral, the 8.45am, 10.30am and 5.30pm prayers on Sunday 22 May will include acts of remembrance during which the names of the 22 people killed will be read out.

The cathedral will also be open through the day for enable people to light candles, or spend some time quietly reflecting.

At 10.31pm, marking the exact time of the attack, the bells will be tolled.

The Lord Mayor of Manchester will attend the 5.30pm prayers at the cathedral and lay flowers on the Glade of Light afterwards on behalf of the city.

At Victoria Station, there will be silences held at noon and 10.31pm and prayers said by the railway chaplain. Before the silences, the names of those who lost their lives will be read by the station announcer.

Floral tributes will be laid, and a memory book will be available during the day for people to leave their thoughts and reflections.

The anniversary will also be marked at the Great Manchester Run as it takes place on the day.

There will be one minute’s applause at the beginning of each wave of runners taking on the 10k and half marathon events.

As well as honouring the memory of those who lost their lives, the tributes will acknowledge the courage of everyone affected and recognise the spirit shown by the city in the aftermath of the attack.

The Great Manchester Run 2017, which saw tens of thousands of runners take to the streets just six days after the attack, became a powerful statement of the city’s resilience and defiance.

What has been said about the anniversary?

Coun Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “22 May 2017 is one of the darkest days in this city’s history. It’s hard to believe that five years has passed since those terrible events.

“We will never forget those whose lives were so cruelly taken, or those whose lives were changed forever that day. But nor should we forget the remarkable spirit shown in the aftermath of the attack as the city came together in solidarity, compassion and a refusal to give in to hatred and fear. Love proved stronger.

“The fifth anniversary of the attack will have a personal meaning for every one of us. Our thoughts remain with all those who were impacted by that evil act.

“But, however they wish to do so, I would encourage everyone in the city to take some time out during the day to remember and reflect.”

Support is available for those who need it

For many people the anniversary and the days around it will be extremely difficult.

However, anyone who is struggling will be able to reach out and get help.

Support is available from the Greater Manchester Resilience Hub on 0333 0095071 or by emailing [email protected]

The hub is open 9am to 5pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am to 7pm on Wednesdays and 9am to 3pm on Fridays.