Manchester prepares to remember its night of terror one year on

LONDON - A day-long program of events will take place in Manchester Tuesday to mark the first anniversary of one of the worse terrorism attacks so far this century in Britain.

Suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated a bomb at the end of a concert at the Manchester Arena on May 22 last year. The bomb killed 22 people and injured hundreds more.

Nationally, a minute's silence will be observed at 2:30 pm in Manchester's Albert Square as well as at government and public buildings in London and across the country to remember the victims.

In Manchester, where many of the injured are still undergoing treatment, a number of public memorial events are planned.

City leader, Councillor Sir Richard Leese, said Manchester will be remembering those affected and the remarkable spirit of solidarity shown by the city and well-wishers in the aftermath of attack.

He said: "None of us will ever forget the shocking events of 22 May 2017. The first anniversary of the attack is bound to be an emotional time and it has a different personal meaning for everyone affected by it. That is something which is reflected in the range of commemorative events."

"We will never forget the 22 people, including children, who lost their lives and many others who were badly hurt or traumatized. They remain in the forefront of our thoughts and at the heart of the anniversary program."

Leese said the city will also remember the way that in the aftermath of the attack, Manchester and beyond came together in a spirit of solidarity and refusal to give in to hatred, describing it as a source of inspiration and comfort for many people.

One of the key events will be "Remembering Together: National Service of Commemoration" at Manchester Cathedral between 2 and 3 pm.

The service will be attended by families who lost loved ones, people who were badly injured in the attack, first responders, civic leaders and national figures.

Thousands of voices will be raised in harmony as an array of local choirs come together at 7 pm in Albert Square for "Manchester Together with One Voice".

At precisely 10:31 pm, bells will ring out from the city center to mark the moment the bomb exploded with devastating results.

Throughout this week, until May 27, people can leave their own personal messages along a Trees of Hope trail.

Recently released official figures show that as well as 22 fatalities, 800 others suffered physical injuries or deep psychological damage, an indication that the scars of a moment of terror are still raw in Manchester.