Manchester will observe the ninth anniversary of the 22 May 2017 Arena attack this Friday, with a series of coordinated tributes and moments of silence planned across the city center. The day of remembrance serves as a focal point for survivors, families of the 22 people who lost their lives, and the wider community to gather in reflection. While nearly a decade has passed since the tragedy, the city’s commitment to honoring the victims remains a central part of the local civic calendar.
Floral tributes at the Glade of Light Memorial
The Glade of Light, a permanent memorial located between Manchester Cathedral and Chetham’s School of Music, will once again serve as the primary site for personal reflection. The white marble ‘halo’ design, which features the names of those killed set into bronze, was specifically commissioned to provide a tranquil space for the bereaved and the public alike.
On the morning of Friday, 22 May, the new Lord Mayor of Manchester, Cllr Shaukat Ali, will join Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig OBE and Chief Executive Tom Stannard to lay floral tributes on behalf of the city. This official act of remembrance is scheduled to take place early in the day, after which the public is encouraged to leave their own tributes or spend time in the garden. The memorial garden is designed to be accessible throughout the day, offering a quiet environment away from the bustle of the nearby shopping districts.
Remembrance services at Manchester Cathedral
Manchester Cathedral will play a significant role in the day’s observances, integrating the names of the victims into its regular liturgical schedule. This provides a structured opportunity for those who find comfort in traditional prayer and choral music. The Cathedral will remain open to the public between services for those who wish to light a candle or sit in silence.
Specific services where the names of the 22 victims will be read aloud include:
- 09:30: Morning Prayers
- 13:10: Holy Communion
- 16:30: Choral Evensong
These services are open to all, regardless of faith, and provide a communal space for the city to acknowledge the lasting impact of the events of 2017. The Choral Evensong, in particular, often draws a larger attendance due to its reflective musical nature.
Moments of silence at Victoria Station
Manchester Victoria Station, which is directly adjacent to the Arena and was heavily impacted on the night of the attack, will hold two distinct one-minute silences. These moments of stillness are intended to allow commuters and station staff to pause and remember the victims within the very environment where the tragedy occurred.
The first silence will take place at 12:00 noon, followed by a brief service led by the Railway Chaplain at the station’s own memorial site. The second silence is scheduled for 22:31, marking the exact moment the attack took place nine years ago. This late-night observance is often the most poignant for survivors and those who were first on the scene, providing a quiet space for reflection as the city’s night-time activity slows down.
City leaders reflect on Manchester’s enduring solidarity
Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig OBE emphasized that the passage of time has not diminished the city’s resolve to support those affected. In a statement ahead of the anniversary, she noted that Manchester would never forget the 22 lives lost, nor the many others who continue to live with physical and psychological injuries.
She highlighted the “remarkable solidarity” shown by the city in the aftermath of the attack, pointing to the refusal to give in to hatred as a defining characteristic of Manchester’s response. This sentiment is echoed by many across the region who view the anniversary not just as a day of mourning, but as a testament to the resilience and courage of the survivors and the families of the bereaved. The city’s focus remains on maintaining the Glade of Light as a living memorial that ensures these memories do not fade as the tenth anniversary approaches next year.
Source: Manchester City Council
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