Manchester remembers arena bombing victims on the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attack

Video report by Zoë Muldoon

Memorial events have been held to mark the anniversary of the Manchester Arena attack.

It is five years since a suicide bomber detonated a device, in the arena's foyer, at the end of an Ariana Grande concert.

Silences were held at Manchester's Victoria Station, which neighbours the arena, at noon and there was another at 10:31pm- the time the bomb exploded.

Before the station's platforms were hushed, its tannoy announcer read out the names of the 22 people who died.

Three services will take place across the day at the city's cathedral Credit: PA

Afterwards, a railway chaplain said prayers.

Candles were lit in tribute at the city's cathedral, with three memorial services taking place across the day, and its bells tolling at 10.31pm.

Mancunians were also able to pay their respects at The Glade of Light, a few yards from the city's cathedral.

A permanent memorial, The Glade of Light, is at the heart of today's commemorations Credit: PA
Duke of Cambridge's moving speech at arena memorial opening

The permanent memorial to those lost in the atrocity was opened by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge less than two weeks ago. Its white marble halo bears the names of the victims.

Families of those who lost loved ones have been able to place personalised memory capsules, containing mementos and messages, inside the halo.

One minute's applause, conducted as a mark of respect at many sporting events, preceded the start of the Great Manchester Run.

Each group of runners were, in the words of organisers, able to "honour the memory of those who lost their lives, acknowledge the courage of everyone affected and recognise the remarkable spirit shown by the city in the aftermath of the attack."

Runners and spectators paused in remembrance at Sunday's Great Manchester Run. Credit: PA

The leader of Manchester City Council, Cllr Bev Craig, says it is "hard to believe that five years has passed" since "one of the darkest days" in the city's history.

She adds: "We will never forget those whose lives were so cruelly taken, or those whose lives were changed forever that day.

"But nor should we forget the remarkable spirit shown in the aftermath of the attack as the city came together in solidarity, compassion and a refusal to give in to hatred and fear.

"Love proved stronger."

One of those running today, was Freya Lewis. Freya survived the attack, but her friend Nell Jones died.

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Home Secretary, Priti Patel said: “On the fifth anniversary of the Manchester Arena attack, we stand together to remember the 22 lives that were cut tragically short that night.

“My thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones, those who bravely responded to the attack and all those affected by that wicked and cowardly act.

"And I am more determined than ever to ensure that we do all we can to continue to combat such evil.

“The resilience of the people of Manchester, who continue to stand united against terror in their legacy to love, not hate, is an example to us all.”

The second report of the Manchester Arena Inquiry is expected within weeks Credit: PA

An independent public inquiry into the attack is expected to publish the second of its three reports this summer.

The inquiry started in September 2020 and finished its hearings in March. Its first report, detailing security failings on the night itself, was published last year.

The second will look at the emergency response and whether some of the victims could have survived with better medical attention.

A third report, due this autumn, will examine the radicalisation of bomber Salman Abedi and whether the security services could have done more to prevent him carrying out the attack.