On 22nd May 2017, as a concert by Ariana Grande concluded at Manchester Arena, a bomb was detonated that killed twenty-two people. The impact of that night remains on the city, and each year the station at Manchester Victoria – which shares a site with the Arena – plays a part in the ongoing tribute paid to those who were lost, and those who continue to be affected by that devastating night.
Reverend Mike Roberts, Railway Mission Chaplain, who has led the acts of remembrance at the memorial at Manchester Victoria over recent years, spoke of the importance of how the station family at Manchester Victoria, and the entire city continues to remember the events of seven years ago: “On that night the story of the station, the story of our city and the story of so many families were changed forever. It reminded us of some of the darkest times that people can ever face, but it also brought out signs of resilience, spirit and courage from the city. In the moments of seeing some of the most painful memories we can imagine, we have seen a reminder that Manchester was not defeated by evil that night.”
This year, at 12 noon and at 10:31 pm, the station will fall silent and remember the events of seven years ago. Along with tributes across the city, including in the Cathedral and at the Glade of Light, the station will pause, pay tribute and listen to the twenty-two names that we remember and promise never to forget.
On that night, in 2017, staff from Northern and from the British Transport Police, working at Manchester Victoria, were some of the first responders, and the whole team at Victoria is proud to stand and remember as part of the wider city.
