Manchester Day to honour arena fallen

Manchester Day will pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the Manchester Arena terrorist atrocity the families of the 22 who lost their lives, and those who were injured, when it returns on Sunday June 18.

The special tribute will be an additional element at the front of the parade and will also honour the heroic efforts of the emergency services who worked tirelessly in the hours and days after the attack.

Lord Mayor of Manchester Cllr Eddy Newman and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, will join chair of Manchester Day Cllr Pat Karney marching in the parade.

This year’s Manchester Day, which has a theme of Abracadabra, will take place in the city centre from midday until 6pm. The parade will begin on Liverpool Road at 1pm.

Now in its eighth year, Manchester Day aims to be the event that best encapsulates the city’s pride, diversity, community spirit, strength and solidarity and is a proud celebration of Manchester people and their shared history.

Burnham said: “It’s right and fitting that Manchester Day is devoted to those who lost their lives and those that continue to live with the aftermath of last week’s attack.

“It will also give us all an opportunity to pay tribute to our heroic public servants and celebrate the incredible Manchester spirit that has sustained us all through these dark days.”

Community groups from across the city will come together for the event and 2,000 people are set to parade through the city centre to proudly celebrate the city’s diversity together, regardless of background, belief or religion.

Cllr Karney said: “Manchester Day will show the city’s resilience and collective spirt where people come together to celebrate a shared love for our city.

“Our thoughts remain with the families of those who lost their lives last week – as well as those who were injured – and we believe it is important that Manchester Day pays tribute.

“We know thousands of people will come out to on Sunday 18 June and we look forward to seeing you for an incredible day of celebration.”

Organisers are looking for people of all ages to help on different aspects of the event on Sunday June 18.