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.”
Only two arrested after day of ‘peaceful’ protests in Manchester city centre over the weekend
Emily Sergeant
Only two arrests were made following a day of far-right protests and counter demonstrations in Manchester city centre over the weekend.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the day passed ‘peacefully’, with smaller numbers of people arriving than expected.
‘Significant’ police resources were in place throughout the day (Saturday 31 October) in order to safely facilitate the demonstrations – which saw an estimated 400 protestors and counter protestors gather around the Albert Square area of the city centre.
The police say they ‘attempted’ to work closely with organisers to ensure people could protest safely, all while wider disruption was kept to a minimum.
Increased ‘stop and search’ powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 were put in place in the city centre to help keep the public safe, but the vast majority of people both sides caused no issues for officers.
Only two people were arrested, but they were later released without charge.
One man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, and one male counter-protester was arrested on suspicion of robbery following an incident unrelated to the events.
“Our policing operation was designed to balance the right to peaceful protest with the need to keep the city centre safe and moving for everyone else,” commented Assistant Chief Constable, Mark Dexter.
“We also have had to ensure our plans were flexible and resilient so that any ‘flash protests’ in other areas of the city could be dealt with quickly, to minimise disruption and risks to safety in our communities. This plan continues into the remainder of the evening.
“As a result of extensive preparation and the work of officers and partner agencies throughout the day, both groups of demonstrators were able to exercise their rights safely, and we saw no significant disorder.”
Featured Image – GMP
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Full list of Manchester restaurants set to add an extra £1 to bills to tackle homelessness this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
A handful of local restaurants will be adding an extra £1 onto every bill over the festive season to help fight street homelessness.
As November arrives, the temperatures begin to start dropping, and the nights set in a little earlier, people in Greater Manchester are once again able to give back while they dine at some of the best restaurants the region has to offer in the run up to Christmas, as the successful StreetSmart fundraising initiative is back for another year.
This year, 15 fantastic restaurants have come together to support local homeless charities as the campaign launches today (1 November).
Manchester independents such as Proloco, Erst, Ezra & Gill, Stretford Canteen, and Blue Eyed Panda are among those taking part in the campaign this year, alongside several city centre chain restaurants such as Lina Stores, Tampopo, Banyan, Manahatta, and San Carlo.
Now in its 29th year, StreetSmart works by each participating restaurant adding an extra £1 to every bill they deliver throughout November and December, with all of the money raised going directly to local homeless organisations, thanks to StreetSmart’s official sponsorship from LandAid.
Manchester restaurants are adding an extra £1 to bills to help fight homelessness this Christmas / Credit: Supplied | Rifqi Ali Ridho (via Unsplash)
Since launching in 1998, the campaign has raised over £16.2 million to support charities across the UK, providing practical help, from meals and emergency accommodation to healthcare, training, housing advice and routes towards finding a permanent home.
The StreetSmart team says it’s determined to deliver another record-breaking year in 2026, and provide much-needed support to the services that help some of the most vulnerable people in the city.
Manchester restaurants taking part in StreetSmart 2026
Proloco
Hache MCR
Bar Posie
SAMPA
Blue Eyed Panda
Ezra & Gill
Erst
Little Seeds
Lina Stores
Stretford Canteen
Hawksmoor
Manahatta
San Carlo Bottega
Tampopo
Banyan Bar & Kitchen
“The festive period can be an incredibly tough time for the vulnerable people in our community,” explained Glenn Pougnet, who is the Director of StreetSmart.
“StreetSmart provides a simple way for people to help some of our city’s most in need. Giving back whilst dining out at Christmas is what StreetSmart is all about, and we’re thrilled to have so many restaurants already taking part.
Daisy Jackson -
21st May 2024 
