Rochdale remembers victims on first anniversary of Manchester Arena bombing

The flags have been lowered outside Rochdale Town Hall in remembrance of the 22 victims who died in the Manchester Arena bombing a year ago on Tuesday 22 May.

22 people were tragically killed and hundreds injured when a suicide bomb was detonated after an Ariana Grande concert at the Arena on 22 May 2017.

A minutes’ silence will also be observed nationally at 2.30pm, including the Town Hall and Number One Riverside.

Three floral Manchester Bee tributes were planted last year in Norden, Broadfield Park and Middleton’s Jubilee Park, and have been joined by a fourth installation in Queen's Park, Heywood.

The worker bee became a symbol of Manchester following the hard work and ‘hive of activity’ during the Industrial Revolution and represents the city’s innovative and enterprising past.

The bee has since been adopted as a symbol in remembrance of the 22 victims: John Atkinson, Courtney Boyle, Kelly Brewster, Georgina Callander, Olivia Campbell-Hardy, Liam Curry, Wendy Fawell, Martyn Hett, Alison Howe, Megan Hurley, Nell Jones, Michelle Kiss, Angelika Klis, Marcin Klis, Sorrell Leczkowski, Lisa Lees, Eilidh MacLeod, Elaine McIver, Saffie Rose Roussos, Chloe Rutherford, Philip Tron and Jane Tweddle-Taylor.

A service will also take place at St Chad’s at 2pm. The silence will begin at with the tolling of the bell 22 times in memory of each of the victims, and the service will finish at about 2.40pm.

Reverend Mark Coleman said: “The morning after the bombing St Chad's church opened, and many came to light a candle, pray and write in a book of remembrance. This year we want to mark the anniversary with an event that brings together people from Rochdale Borough's diverse communities in song, poetry, reflection and prayer. The theme of the event will be honouring those who died last year by our continuing commitment to peace.

“Take some time to remember and give thanks for the lives of those who died and were injured. Let’s stand together against all that seeks to divide us and show our commitment to peace.”

The BBC will also be broadcasting ‘Manchester Arena: One Year On’ coverage of the National Service of Commemoration (1.45pm to 3.15pm) and of the ‘Manchester Together’ commemoration (7pm to 9pm).

The Rochdale Carers Choir and the newly formed ‘Sing! Littleborough’ choir have been selected to perform on stage at tonight’s ‘Manchester Together-With One Voice’ event in Albert Square. 

The event will be live on BBC radio Manchester at 7pm and the local choirs are on stage around 7.45pm.

Twelve months on from Manchester Arena bomb by Andrea Lawlor 

The 22 May brought our city to its knees
Saw thousands of tributes tied to the trees
Saw a sea of flowers, balloons and tears
Vulnerable people pouring out their fears
512 people were injured and 22 innocents died
For those complete strangers, thousands of us have cried

Twelve months of healing, reflection and worry
Twelve months of hurt, in our memories we bury
Twelve months of recovering - but I’d like to bet
Not any of us in Manchester will ever forget
It brought us together we went over and above
To show how our city would demonstrate love

What did we learn?
Did we move on?
Do we feel safe, now the armed police are gone?
When we think of ‘The Arena’ is it with caution or fear?
Have we struggled to move forward since this time last year?

Well, Manchester still cares, thinks before it acts
Moved cautiously on purpose whilst they gathered the facts
Lessons have been learned and safety plans put in place
In the hope that more of the same we never again face

And so, now we’ll pay tributes, as our city unites
With emotion and empathy, we will reach new heights
Cos Manchester’s a city that reaches out through song
A city where the brave and determined belong
We’ll never forget, as there’s a place in our heart
Where all those affected will never depart

Twelve months of healing, reflection and worry
Doesn’t just disappear
Well not in a hurry