Events are taking place tomorrow to mark three years since the Manchester Arena bombing which saw 22 people killed.
Due to the ongoing lockdown, a virtual ceremony is being held. Plans have also been revealed for a permanent memorial to those who lost their lives.
A service at Manchester Cathedral, led by the Dean of Manchester, Rogers Govender, will begin with prayers at 9.30am. It will be held again at 4.30pm, when the names of the 22 victims will be read out.
The service will be broadcast live on Facebook, with those watching invited to light a candle in remembrance.
At 10.31pm, the time the bomb was detonated on 22 May 2017, a recording of Manchester Cathedral’s bells tolling 22 times will be aired on BBC Radio Manchester. Other stations will broadcast “a reflective moment”.
Victoria Richardson, of Hudgell Solicitors, will represent the relatives of two victims of the attack when it is subject to a Public Inquiry.
She said: “In our work supporting many families who have lost loved ones, we know how important anniversaries of tragic events like the Manchester bombing are to relatives, as they not only help keep the memories of those lost alive, but also bring together all families who have suffered and continue to seek answers.
“Of course, due to the lockdown this year, people have been advised not to gather in remembrance or leave tributes to commemorate the third anniversary of the atrocity. However, I am sure the virtual ceremonies will be particularly poignant and powerful.
“It is important that as time passes, the focus always remains firmly on those who lost their lives. The events tomorrow will quite rightly do just that.”
