Park picnic to honour gig victims

THE families of Alison Howe and Lisa Lees are inviting the people of Royton to join them for a Picnic in the Park tonight to pay tribute to their loved ones.

The event will be taking place at Tandle Hill Country Park from 5pm onwards following their funerals earlier that day at St Anne's Church.

Alison and Lisa were killed in the Manchester Arena attack and their families say they have since been overwhelmed by offers of support and condolences from across the community.

They're inviting local people to bring picnics to Tandle Hill to join an event to "honour and celebrate the lives of two angels who represented the best of all of us".

Entertainment will be provided by local musicians on a stage from around 6pm onwards until 10.30pm.

The families hope that many others will join them to show that - while hearts are broken - the community stands together.

People are politely asked to arrive on foot to minimise disruption and parking issues in the neighbourhood and while people can bring their own food and drinks, barbecues, Chinese lanterns, tea lights or other flammable objects will not be permitted in the interests of public safety.

The event is supported by Oldham Council, Greater Manchester Police and a range of partners in the area.

Full coverage of the funerals in Monday's Chronicle.