The planned Manchester drone display intended to honor the victims of the 2017 bombing at an Ariana Grande concert was called off at the last minute due to weather concerns. The display was set to commence at 10:19 pm and end at 22:31 pm on May 22, commemorating the seventh anniversary of the terrorist attack where 22 fans lost their lives and 59 more were wounded as they left the concert venue. The bomber was a suicide bomber who detonated a homemade bomb in the public foyer. ISIS has since claimed responsibility for the attack, and the bomber’s identity is known.
Despite its postponement, Manchester’s Victoria Station will hold a minute’s silence to honor the victims at a special memorial service today at 12 pm, and another minute of silence will take place at 10:31 pm to mark the moment of the attack. Among those who lost their lives at the attack were eight-year-old Saffie-Rose Roussos, 18-year-old Georgina Callander, and 26-year-old John Atkinson. Additionally, 237 individuals were physically injured, and 111 required hospitalization.
The tribute display, incorporating over 100 drones, was designed by Andrew Roussos, the father of Saffie-Rose Roussos, and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. Roussos worked with a specialist firm to develop the concept for the display, which he thought would be “absolutely beautiful.” Roussos noted that he wanted the display to be more fitting with the personalities of the concert attendees who were “vibrant lively people,” rather than another church service and a minute’s silence.
To commemorate the victims last week, Nickelback and The Lottery Winners performed a rendition of Oasis’ 1996 hit track “Don’t Look Back in Anger.” The performance was in Manchester at the AO Arena on May 20th, as part of the Get Rollin’ world tour. The Canadian rockers kicked off the UK leg of their tour last week after The Lottery Winners served as opening support. Before beginning the song, Thom Rylance dedicated the performance to the “22 Manchester bees. Forever buzzing.
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