22 people have been killed and 59 have been injured in the blast at Manchester Arena. Children are among the dead. The attack was carried out by a lone male suicide bomber who detonated an improvised explosive device. He died at the arena.
There has been an overwhelming response to a call-out for choirs to take part in the 'Manchester Together – With One Voice' event to commemorate the anniversary of the 22 May Arena attack.
Around 4,000 people representing more than 80 choirs have applied to take part in the Albert Square event, culminating in a mass singalong for the final half hour.
The choirs will be led by Dan McDwyer, the choirmaster who directed Parrs Wood High School in Didsbury whose moving tribute to the 22 people who lost their lives in the attack went viral last May.
Members of the public are encouraged to come along to share in the moment and add their voices to the singalong.
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:
“There was a remarkable response to last year’s terrible events as people united to show their strength, solidarity and refusal to give in to hatred. Once again thousands will join together with one voice, marking an emotional anniversary in a fitting way.
Dan McDwyer said:
"To harness the power of communities in one voice will be a special moment that I am honoured to be asked to conduct and to be a part of."
Choirs will come together to sing in Albert Square on May 22nd
The ‘Spirit of Eilidh’ pays tribute to Eilidh MacLeod - one of 22 people to lose their lives on May 22 last year.