Manchester Day: Children lead tribute to attack victims

  • Published
children holding ballonsImage source, Mark Waugh
Image caption,

Children led a commemoration to the Manchester attack victims at the annual parade

Twenty-two children holding balloons have led the annual Manchester Day parade in a commemoration of the 22 victims of the Manchester attack.

A banner proclaiming "Manchester remembers" marked the loss of life after the bombing on 22 May.

Thousands of people attended the event, which also honoured the work of the emergency services after the attack.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said it was a chance to celebrate the city's "incredible spirit".

"It's right and fitting that Manchester Day is devoted to those who lost their lives and those that continue to live with the aftermath of last month's attack."

girl in bee costume dancesImage source, Mark Waugh
Image caption,

Dance like no-one is watching - one girl in a bee costume could not control her happy feet

paradeImage source, Mark Waugh
Image caption,

Local scouts and guides also took part in the parade, which is now in its eighth year

emergency services on paradeImage source, Mark Waugh
Image caption,

Members of the emergency services were applauded by spectators for their efforts

line

At the scene: Ian Shoesmith, BBC News

Boys cheeringImage source, Mark Waugh

Crowds up to six-deep lined Deansgate in the heart of the city for Manchester Day.

Their response was as warm as the positively unMancunian weather.

Special applause was reserved for members of the emergency services who, nearly a month ago, responded to the devastating suicide bomb attack at Manchester Arena.

References to the aftermath of that atrocity were everywhere, from the bees which symbolise the city to the I❤️MCR badges and T-shirts.

After the One Manchester concert earlier this month, Mancunians again came out in their tens of thousands to celebrate their diverse city and defiantly tell the world that they will not cower to terrorism

line
girl in Chinese costumeImage source, Mark Waugh
Ladies perform Asian danceImage source, Mark Waugh