The details of how Manchester will commemorate the Manchester Arena attack this year have been confirmed.
On 22 May 2017, the lives of 22 people were taken in a terror attack in the foyer of the huge concert venue.
Manchester has never forgotten those who died, with the city building a beautiful memorial garden – the Glade of Light – in their honour.
And on the seventh anniversary of the atrocity, there is a new plan to remember the Arena attack victims with a dazzling drone display.
The digital art show of more than 100 glowing drones is being created by Andrew Roussos, whose eight-year-old daughter Saffie-Rose was the youngest person killed in the attack.
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As well as the drone display, which will light up the skies in the city centre up until the time that the bomb was detonated, there will be two separate minute’s silences held at Manchester Victoria.
The first will take place on the concourse at the train station at 12pm, as part of a special memorial service led by the railway chaplain, Mike Roberts.
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A second minute’s silence will take place at 10.31pm to mark the moment of the attack.
As for the drone display, this will be above Manchester’s Glade of Light memorial between 10.19pm and 10.31pm.
Andrew Roussos has created the beautiful tribute with the help of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, and night time economy adviser Sacha Lord.
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In an interview with the BBC, he said: “It’s in danger of becoming just another church service and another minute’s silence, which is important, but if you’re not careful, you end up only remembering the attack.
“They were at a music gig, they were all vibrant lively people, a light show is more fitting with their personalities.
“It would be lovely to remember them in a positive light, rather than what happened to them.”
Floral tributes are usually laid at Manchester Victoria to remember the victims of the terror attack as well as this year’s drone display. Credit: Geograph, David Dixon
Andrew added: “I know Manchester will never forget and… the families will be forever grateful for the city’s support and love.
“Our pain is with us every day, it doesn’t leave us.
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“But on 22 May, we are taken back to that moment.”
“If you would like to attend, the light show will take place above Manchester’s Glade of Light memorial between 22.19pm and 22.31pm, finishing at the time the bomb was detonated on the night of the attack. Forever in our hearts.”
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Daisy Jackson -
21st May 2024 
