Arena attack victims to be honoured as part of Manchester's New Year's Eve celebrations
A "moment of reflection" will take place in Albert Square to remember the 22 people who died at the Manchester Arena in May.
The 22 victims of the Arena attack will be honoured as part of Manchester's New Year's Eve celebrations.
More than 10,000 people will come together in Albert Square for tonight's fireworks display set to music from Manchester singers and bands.
Before midnight, they'll be asked to hold up their mobile phones to create a "sea of light" as a show of solidarity to the families of those who died at the Arena in May.
During the event, big screens will carry messages and poetry, including Tony Walsh’s “This is the Place”, which was embraced by the city following the Arena attack earlier this year.
The event will be held in the shadow of the iconic Manchester Town Hall on Albert Square and a big screen will carry the all-important countdown to midnight – with the fireworks release from the roof of the iconic building at midnight.
Road closures will be in place from 9pm around Albert Square (Princess Street, John Dalton Street and Cross Street closed from 10pm), and all roads will reopen at 1am.
Bag searches will be in operation on entry to this year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. We advise you to leave your bags at home in order to minimise delays.
Remember, there are changes to transport services over Christmas and New Year. If you are travelling over the holiday period and using these services you could be affected.
Please visit www.tfgm.com for more information.
Cllr Pat Karney, Manchester’s Christmas spokesperson, said: “Our huge New Year’s party may well hark the end of our Christmas season, but it also brings the excitement of a new year – so no better place to celebrate than Albert’s Square with one of the biggest firework displays going.
“This has been a Christmas to remember with huge numbers visiting the Christmas Markets, families and friends finding their feet on the ice rink at Cathedral Gardens, and money raised for the Big Change fund to support homeless people this winter time.
“It’s been an undeniably rocky year for the city, but Manchester always finds a way. Here’s to 2018.”
Cllr Luthfur Rahman, Manchester City Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said: “This is one for all the family, so make sure you get everyone together, wrap up warm and come and enjoy the celebrations. See you there.