Manchester Arena will officially reopen on Saturday 9th of September with We Are Manchester – a special benefit concert to honour those impacted by May’s atrocities, and welcome back live entertainment fans to the Arena.
We Are Manchester will feature some of the city’s finest talent, alongside some of the biggest names in music. Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Courteeners, Blossoms, Rick Astley and ‘Longfella’ poet Tony Walsh will perform to Manchester crowds along with a pre show DJ set from Clint Boon, with more acts to follow. Pixie Lott, Louisa Johnson and Manchester grime artist Bugzy Malone have also been added to the stellar line-up for the show.
All profits from the concert will raise money for the Manchester Memorial Fund, a charitable trust overseen by the Lord Mayor of Manchester which will go towards establishing a permanent memorial for the 22 May attack.
James Allen, General Manager of Manchester Arena said: "May’s events will never be forgotten, but they will not stop us – or Mancunian music fans – from coming together to enjoy live music. Manchester Arena has celebrated over 20 years hosting some of the greatest musical talent of all time, and the significant economic and cultural impact that this has on the city means that this legacy must continue.
“Public safety is always our priority and we are doing all we can to keep people safe at our venue. Doors will open at 5pm and we are asking all customers to arrive at the Arena in plenty of time and and to keep personal items to an absolute minimum.”
All customers will be screened upon arrival, any bags larger than 35cm x 40cm x 19cm will not be allowed inside the venue and no bag storage will be provided.
Councillor Sue Murphy, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: "Those who perpetrate terrorist attacks want to divide us and stifle our freedoms. No one will ever forget the terrible events of 22 May but Manchester has reacted with love, solidarity and a determination to continue doing the things which make this such a vibrant city.
“We welcome the re-opening of the Arena, a major venue which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors, as a powerful symbol of this defiant and resilient spirit. It is entirely fitting that the re-opening event should be a memorial fundraiser. Plans for the form and location of any permanent commemorations will be determined in liaison with the families of victims and others affected by the attack.”
Find out more about the event here.
