Minute silences to be held in Manchester for ninth anniversary of terror attack

On Monday 22nd May 2017, the nation came to a halt as the news broke that a bombing had taken place in Manchester during an Ariana Grande concert. The tragic incident resulted in 22 deaths and hundreds injured as fans tried to leave the AO Arena near Victoria Station. 

With today marking the ninth anniversary of the attack, Manchester is set to fall silent at noon and again at 10:31 pm - the exact time the bomb was detonated, Manchester City Council confirms. The two separate minute-long silences will commence at Victoria Station, where residents, survivors, and families come together in remembrance.

A permanent memorial for those killed, named The Glide, which has the names of the victims written into stone forming a halo around a central garden near Manchester Cathedral, will be the focal point for personal remembrance and reflection throughout the day.

Flowers will also be laid at the site on behalf of the city by the new Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Shaukat Ali, Council Leader Bev Craig and Council Chief Executive Tom Stannard.

Sharing thoughts on the anniversary, Bev Craig said, "Manchester will never forget those who lost their lives in the 22 May 2017 terror attack, nor the many others who were injured or otherwise affected. Time passes, but we will not allow their memories to fade."

“On the ninth anniversary of that terrible day, we also remember the remarkable solidarity shown by the city in refusing to give in to hatred - and the resilience and courage shown by the loved ones of those who were killed and by survivors.”

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