Memorial opens for Manchester Arena terror attack victims

Glade of Light honours those who died and were injured due to the bombing on 22 May 2017. It is located between Manchester Cathedral and Chetham’s School of Music.

The living memorial was designed by BCA Landscape and Smiling Wolf. At its centre is a hawthorn tree, which will bloom around the time of the anniversary of the attack.

Encircling the tree is a white marble halo inscribed with the names of the 22 people who died. Inside the halo structure, families of the victims have placed memory capsules filled with mementos and messages.

There is an outer circle path that allows visitors to take time to reflect and remember at the memorial, without being in the more intimate halo area.

“We will never forget those whose lives were lost on 22 May 2017,” said Manchester City Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig.

“They already had a permanent place in the hearts of Manchester people. Now they have a lasting memorial in the heart of our city,” she continued.

“The Glade of Light is a beautiful tribute to them and somewhere which will also have profound meaning for everyone affected by the attack. We hope the memorial site will be a place of peace and comfort, standing as a reminder that love is stronger than hate.”

Manchester City Council chief executive Joanne Roney shared Craig’s sentiments.

“The Glade of Light is a visible demonstration that we will never forget what happened on 22 May 2017,” Roney said. “It has been no ordinary project for everyone involved in its creation. We hope the love which has gone into creating it shines through.”

The memorial will have its official opening ceremony this spring. The garden will be maintained by a charitable trust.