Stay at home to remember Lancashire victims of the terror attack, Manchester officials urge

Hashem Ramadan Abedi, 22, from Manchester, but of Libyan heritage, was convicted of murdering the 22 people who died in the bombing following an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena in May 2017.

Victims from Lancashire who were killed in the bombing included Blackpool mum and school receptionist Jane Tweddle, 51; Georgina Callander, 18, from Hesketh Bank; Ribble Valley mum-of-three Michelle Kiss, 45, and the terror attack's youngest victim, Saffie Roussos, eight, from Leyland.

The plea comes as further details are released about a proposed memorial called the Glade of Light.

It is designed to be a tranquil garden space, with a planting scheme planned to ensure year-round colour and reflect the changing seasons - a living memorial entirely using plants which grow naturally in the UK countryside.

At the heart of the memorial would be a white stone ring 'halo' which will bear the names of the 22 victims set in bronze, and contain personalised memory capsules containing mementos to be provided by their loved ones.

It is intended to submit a planning application for the memorial - to be located between Manchester Cathedral and Chetham's School of Music, at the foot of Fennel Street where it meets Victoria Street - in June.

Due to ongoing coronavirus-related restrictions people are being encouraged not to gather together to mark the anniversary, or leave tributes, but to mark it online or at home instead.

Prayers led by Dean of Manchester Rogers Govender, which will include the names of the 22 people who lost their lives being read out, will take place at 9am and 4.30pm on Friday, May 22, and be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/ManchesterCathedral/live

During the morning service, viewers will be invited to join in by lighting a candle in remembrance.

At 10.31pm, exactly three years to the day since the attack occurred, Manchester Cathedral bells will toll 22 times.

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: "Manchester will never forget the terrible events of May 22, 2017. Those who were killed, those who lost loved ones and all those whose lives changed forever that night are forever in our thoughts.

"We will be thinking of them on May 22 and importantly plans for a permanent memorial, a tranquil space for contemplation which can be used year-round, are progressing well.

"We have consulted, and continue to consult, with those who lost loved ones on the location and form of the memorial. Their input remains crucial but we also welcome the views of others as part of wider engagement around the Medieval Quarter plans."

Professor Malcolm Press, chair of the Manchester Memorials Advisory Group, added: "We are determined to ensure a fitting and lasting memorial.

"Getting to this point has taken great care and consideration and it is good to be in a position where we can now share more detail with the public."

Support continues to be available for anyone affected by the attack, via the Greater Manchester Resilience Hub on 0333 0095071 or by email to [email protected]