May 22 terror attack: Glade of Light will mark third anniversary

Further details have been released about the proposed memorial commemorating the May 22, 2017 terror attack ahead of the third anniversary of the event being marked.

Glade of Light is a memorial 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.

Tree locations have been calculated to maximise light and ensure the garden gets as much sunlight as possible.

At the heart of the memorial is a white stone ring 'halo' which will bear the names of the 22 who lost their lives set in bronze, with personalised memory capsules - containing memories and mementos to be provided by their loved ones - held within the stone.

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. 

Designers BCA Landscape and Smiling Wolf were appointed last year, in consultation with the families of those killed.

The families have also been consulted as designs developed.

A consultation on a scheme to improve the wider Medieval Quarter area, into which the memorial plans have been sensitively incorporated, begins today, Monday, May 18.

To take part in the consultation, visit: www.manchester.gov.uk/consultations 

Due to 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.

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, people watching will be invited to join in by lighting a candle in remembrance.

People can also learn more online about the Manchester Together Archive, the project to catalogue and digitise all the tributes left in St Ann's Square in 2017 in the aftermath of the attack.

It can be visited at: https://mcrtogetherarchive.org/2020anniversary

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: "Manchester will never forget the terrible events of May 22, 2017.

"Those who were killed (including Royton mums Lisa Lees and Alison Howe), 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."

The impacts of this tragedy remain significant and that some people may even need support for the first time.

Support continues to be available for anyone who is struggling.

This can be accessed via the Greater Manchester Resilience Hub on 0333 0095071 or by email to: GM.help@nhs.net

The hub is open Tuesday to Friday 10am to 6pm, and until 8pm on a Wednesday.

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