Repairs will be made to the Manchester Arena attack memorial following recent acts of “sickening” vandalism.
The damage made to the new monument, known as the ‘Glade of Light’ – which was opened in January, and is dedicated to the 22 people who tragically lost their lives during the bombing at Manchester Arena on 22 May 2017 – was considered to be “minor” by Manchester City Council, but no less “disrespectful” and “sickening”.
The halo-shaped memorial made out of marble – which has been engraved with the names of the victims – was marked with a number of scratches, but the Council has said that it will be repaired.
The shocking incident was captured on CCTV, and Greater Manchester Police has confirmed that an arrest has been made in connection.
Speaking on the incident, a spokesperson for Manchester City Council told the BBC: “It is sickening that someone should do something like this but we know the perpetrator does not reflect Manchester as a whole and the city will not tolerate disrespect to the memorial.”
They added that repairs would be made “as quickly as possible”.
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The Glade of Light is located between Manchester Cathedral and Chetham’s School of Music in the heart of the city centre.
It has been designed by BCA Landscape and Smiling Wolf, is surrounding by plants that grow in the UK’s countryside, and has given families of the victims the chance to place memory capsules inside the halo that are filled with mementos and messages.
Seating has also been included around the outer part of the garden that blooms colour all year-round to allow people to linger and pay their respects.
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In December 2021, families of the victims said they were “disgusted” after they learned the memorial site was trespassed on and vandalised before fences were taken down in January and it became accessible to the public.
An official opening for the memorial is planned for spring.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
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Police urgently appeal following triple stabbing in Manchester city centre
Emily Sergeant
Police are urgently appealing for information following a triple stabbing in Manchester city centre over the weekend.
The appeal comes after Greater Manchester Police (GMP) was called to a disturbance in Piccadilly Gardens at around 11:45pm this past Saturday night (23 November), and when officers arrived on the scene, they found two teenagers, aged 17 and 18, seriously injured with stab wounds.
Police were then later notified that a 20-year-old man presented at hospital with a stab wound to the chest, and this was believed to have been sustained during this same incident.
Paramedics rushed the two teenagers to hospital, where they are currently still receiving treatment for their injuries, however none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening at this time.
In an attempt to gain more understanding of the situation and what happened, an urgent police appeal has now been issued.
A dispersal order has been issued in #Manchester City Centre and extends throughout GM to protect the public from anti-social behaviour in response to a rising number of reports.
— Manchester City Centre Police (GMP) (@GMPCityCentre) November 23, 2024
“We are investigating an incident that occurred in Manchester city centre last night, which led to three people in hospital with serious injuries,” explained Detective Chief Inspector Michelle Buchanan, from GMP’s city centre division.
“Officers are reviewing CCTV footage and forensic enquiries are being carried out.
“We are making good process in this early stage and are appealing to anyone who was in the vicinity of Piccadilly Gardens and may have witnessed an altercation involving a group of males yesterday just after 11pm to please come forward and speak with us.
“I also urge people who were in the area to check their mobile phones, or CCTV to see if they may have captured any footage that could be useful to our investigation, no matter how small, as any information may help us.”
Anyone with any information is asked to ring police 101, or speak with the investigating team directly on 0161 856 4227, quoting log 3463 of 23/11/2024.
Information can also be submitted anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
You can now have a private tour of Manchester Christmas Markets
Thomas Melia
Every year, Manchester Christmas Markets hosts its almost two-month long residency on the frosty streets of our lively city, but now you can enjoy the cute huts with an unbeatable luxury experience.
Travel agency, Viator, who are directly connected to TripAdvisor, have launched a one on one guided tour of Manchester and its stunning Manchester Christmas Marketsin all their glory.
This private tour of the festivities occurring in the city will last two hours and for the whole duration of your time, a city host will be on hand to offer undivided attention, catering to your every need.
A makeshift itinerary is already awaiting guests and can be tailored according to the individual taking the tour, everything is catered to your preferences.
Anyone who books onto the tour also receives a complimentary hot chocolate and that’s sweetened the deal for me, I’m sold.
How can you go wrong with these incredible options at Manchester Christmas Markets?You can recreate your very own gigantic cheese pull and your local host can snap a piccie.Scrumptious selection of food available as you venture through Manchester Christmas Markets in style.
There’s also the chance to keep your hands toasty with a free cup of mulled wine or a soft-drink for those who aren’t interested in the warm alcoholic beverage.
Manchester Christmas Markets are a phenomenal day or night-out regardless so this latest personalised opportunity will take your festive fantasies to a whole new level.
This private tour provides a one-of-a-kind exclusive treatment making your stroll down Manchester Cathedral, Exchange Square and Manchester Town Hall that little bit more special.
These tours are a great chance to immerse yourself in one of Manchester’s many selling points as you can choose to focus your time around art and culture, fashion, architecture or our personal favourite – food.
This exclusive tour package which highlights the best of Manchester Christmas Markets is definitely a present in itself with tickets costing a hefty sum of £100.
If you want to visit Manchester Christmas Markets while also living the high life with a private tour, ‘Christmas In Manchester: Private Experience With A City Host’ is running all the way until the huts shut shop on 22 December and tickets can be found here.
Emily Sergeant -
10th February 2022 
