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City to come together to mark ‘poignant’ sixth anniversary of Manchester Arena attack

"Manchester will not forget them."

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 19th May 2023

Manchester City Council has arranged plans to mark the “poignant” anniversary of the Manchester Arena attack.

Monday 22 May 2023 marks the sixth anniversary of the terror attack which saw 22 people tragically lose their lives, and left thousands more injured and affected, during a bombing at the end of an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena back in 2017.

Every year, the city of Manchester comes together and joins the rest of the world in marking the day and remembering those who went to a concert and never returned home.

Manchester City Council has confirmed how the city plans to mark the day, revealing that the focal point for this year’s personal remembrance and reflection will be the Glade of Light memorial – which was officially opened last May by the now Prince and Princess of Wales ahead of the fifth anniversary.

Civic representatives from the city will lay floral tributes to those who lost their lives, and will also take a moment to remember all who were injured or otherwise affected.  

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Annual cleaning and maintenance work to the memorial has taken place to ensure “it looks its best for anyone who wishes to mark the anniversary” – with the marble halo set to be temporarily fenced-off while these works take place.  

The Prince and Princess of Wales officially opening the Glad of Light memorial last year / Credit: Manchester City Council

Two one-minute silences will take place at Manchester Victoria Station during the day – at 12pm and 22:31pm – which is the exact anniversary time of the attack.

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Candles will also be available for people to light.

The names of those who lost their lives will also be read out during services at Manchester Cathedral on at 9am (Morning Prayers), 1:10pm (Holy Communion), and 5:30pm (Choral Evensong), and the cathedral will also remain open throughout the day for those who wish to light a candle or pray.  

Flowers in the concourse of Manchester Victoria, beneath the scene of the Arena attack / Credit: Geograph

Speaking ahead of the anniversary, Cllr Bev Craig – Leader of Manchester City Council – said: “It’s hard to believe six years has passed since the terrible events of 22 May 2017 and our hearts continue to go out those who lost their lives, their loved ones, those who were injured and everyone still dealing in some way with the legacy of that day.

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“We know 22 May will always be a poignant day for many people.

“Manchester will not forget them.”

Featured Image – Manchester City Council

News

Four jailed for over 70 years for ‘daylight murder’ of Withington teen Kyle Hackland

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Four teenagers have been collectively sentenced to more than 70 years for the murder of another teenager in Withington last year.

Kyle Hackland, who was just 17 at the time, was brutally stabbed in broad daylight in Withington at around midday back on Tuesday 22 November 2022, and went on to sadly pass away in hospital as a result of his injuries – which were described as “catastrophic”.

He was described as “kind and well-mannered young boy who never failed to say “love you” as he walked out the door” in a tribute paid by his loving family at the time.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) launched a murder investigation shortly after.

Detective Superintendent Neil Jones, of GMP South Manchester Division, said at the time that the force understood the incident would “cause distress and concern to the community and across Manchester”, but assured the public it was an isolated incident and there was no wider threat.

Several men were subsequently charged in connection with the incident nearly two weeks later on 7 December, and were remanded in custody while awaiting trial.

And now, after the trial at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court has finally concluded yesterday (Tuesday 3 October), and accumulative sentences of more than 70 years were handed out, all four men have been publicly named.

They have been named as Yousef Sesay (24/11/2004), Lewis Ludford (05/12/2004), Tafari Kosey-Smith (26/06/2006), and Alfie Benson (30/03/2006).

Sesay was sentenced to 22 years, Ludford for 21 years (with two years concurrent for a bladed article), and Kosey-Smith for 19 years (with two years concurrent for a bladed article), after all were found guilty of murder.

Benson has been jailed for 12 years (with two years concurrent for burglary offences) after being found guilty of manslaughter.

Kyle lost his life in what the court heard this week was “a pre-mediated revenge attack”, and was “brutally attacked with knives” by the four teenagers during the “violent assault” in broad daylight.

Yousef Sesay
Lewis Ludford
Alfie Benson
Tafari Kosey-Smith
Four jailed for over 70 years for ‘daylight murder’ of Withington teen Kyle Hackland / Credit: GMP

“This is another heartbreaking example of how carrying a knife can have devastating consequences in a matter of seconds,” said Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector David Moores, after the trial concluded yesterday.

“Our thoughts as a force are once again with Kyle’s loved ones, who will have to continue to live with the pain, but hopefully this can be eased in some way with the conviction of his killers.

“Officers in our Major Incident Team have worked tirelessly to bring justice, and, in our role, we are reminding any young person willing to carry a knife to put it down and think twice before doing so.

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“It is not worth it and can ultimately cost yours and other people’s lives.”

Featured Image – GMP

News

Manchester drag artist addresses Tories being ‘thrown out’ of Gay Village bar

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson The New Union Hotel in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group

A Manchester drag artist has addressed a news story which claimed Tories had been ‘thrown out’ of the New Union Hotel, a bar in the Gay Village.

Albie Amankona, an LGBT+ Conservatives board member, told GB News that a group of Conservative members were asked to leave the establishment on Princess Street.

The Conservative Party are in town this week for the Conservative Party Conference, which has seen huge barriers put up around Manchester Central.

And according to Mr Amankona, their post-conference celebrations took a turn after they were ‘thrown out’ of the beloved Gay Village bar.

He added: “A drag act was on making rude and derogatory comments about Conservatives and Suella Braverman, making them feel very uncomfortable.”

He also reported that ‘some of the other patrons in this venue were being rude, aggressive and unkind’.

Another party member stated: “I was one of the people thrown out of this bar – for no other reason than being a @Conservatives. I’m a proud gay man and a proud Conservative. No one should be treated like this @LGBTCons.”

But now a drag artist who frequents the stage of the New Union has clapped back at GB News for ‘broadcasting a story filled with lies and damaging allegations’.

According to Lara Stoned, the allegedly ‘unkind’ actions were some patrons ‘chanting “Trans Rights”.’

They also said that the group of Tories ‘threw an object’ at a New Union staff member.

Lara Stoned posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “@GBNEWS How DARE you broadcast a story filled with lies and damaging allegations towards the community within Manchester.

“Don’t you realise those kind of remarks HINDER and THREATEN the livelihood of self employed queer performers and queer venues. Shame on you.”

They added: “They were in fact politely asked to leave when they arrived, but then continued to be disrespectful, aggressive and dangerous to the staff AND customers of the establishment. Anyone who challenges the rights of my community is not welcome in my home.”

And Manchester’s New Union Hotel has received a flurry of support from people since the alleged incident took place.

One person posted: “Yes Manchester!! More of this please. The New Union has always been a good pub. Respect.”

Another wrote: “Nice to hear it confirmed that the New Union is a Tory-free space, feel free to pay them a visit guys.”

Someone else said: “I will buy the drag queen, the 4 security guards and the New Union staff a drink next time I’m there.”

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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