William and Kate to officially open Manchester's memorial to the 22 people killed in Arena attack

The memorial to the victims of the Manchester Arena attack will be officially opened later in a special service at Manchester Cathedral.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will lay flowers at the Glade of Light before meeting families of the 22 people who lost their lives in the terror attack in 2017.

The garden, in the heart of our city, opened to the public earlier this year but William and Kate's visit comes as Manchester prepares to mark the fifth anniversary of the atrocity later this month.

Joanne Roney OBE, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, said:

“We are honoured to be joined by their Royal Highnesses for the official opening of the Glade of Light. As we approach the fifth anniversary of the 22 May 2017 attack, the Glade of Light is a potent symbol of how Manchester will continue to hold those who lost their lives, and everyone who was affected by those terrible events, in our hearts. We will never forget them.”

Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig said:

“The Glade of Light memorial is a permanent fixture in the heart of our city. While we remember those affected every single day, as we approach the fifth anniversary it will be particularly poignant as we come together to mark its official opening.”

Throughout the 22 May itself the city will also observe the anniversary in a variety of other ways. Further collated details of these will be shared soon.

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