Emergency fund tops £6m as superstars head for Emirates Old Trafford

The We Love Manchester Emergency Fund for people injured or bereaved in the Manchester Arena terrorist atrocity nine days ago has now topped £6m.

The announcement comes as Ariana Grande reveals the line-up for her One Love Manchester benefit concert for the fund, including Justin Bieber, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Pharrell Williams, Usher, Take That, Niall Horan and Miley Cyrus.

Net proceeds from the show will go to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund set up by Manchester City Council in partnership with British Red Cross.

The concert will take place on Sunday, June 4 at the Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, with tickets going on sale tomorrow (Thursday, June 1) at 10am.

Grande is offering fans who were at the Manchester show last Monday free tickets to the benefit concert.

Mike Adamson, chief executive of British Red Cross, said: “This benefit concert is a gesture of solidarity by Ariana Grande and the many other stars who have pledged their involvement.

“It will help raise funds to support the survivors and the families who tragically lost someone last week.

“This event is an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate things that unite us – music, humanity and the will to do something to help others.”

A new charity is now being set up by Manchester City Council and partners to urgently distribute the funds, which will help alleviate suffering and ensure that victims and their families do not face short-term financial difficulties.