Manchester Arena’s new foyer pictured as bombed concert hall prepares to reopen for terror attack benefit gig
Images released in the hope of preparing people affected by the terror attack before they return to the venue
THESE are the first pictures of Manchester Arena's new foyer released as the bombed concert hall prepares to reopen with a gig paying tribute to the 22 victims of May's attack.
The images have been released in the hope of preparing people affected by the terror attack before they return to the venue.
Renovation work is continuing but the arena is ready to open its doors for Saturday’s We Are Manchester memorial gig, which will be headlined by Noel Gallagher and feature performances by Pixie Lott, Rick Astley, Louisa Johnson, Blossoms, The Courteeners and Bugzy Malone.
The image was released in conjunction with a charity working to provide support to the families of the 22 people killed in the May 22 attack and all those affected.
The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace also organised visits for families who lost loved ones as well as those who were injured.
In a statement, Nick Taylor, Chief Executive said: “People affected by the 22nd May attack have been invited back to the City Room in advance of the space being reopened to ticket holders for the We Are Manchester concert.
"There has been huge interest in this private advance visit which has been strongly police regulated and supported by event security, the Peace Foundation and Victim Support.
“The return to operation of the City Room is vital to facilitate the reopening of the Arena. Significant remedial work has already taken place to repair damage to the area and longer term repair work will continue over the coming months.
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“Visiting the City Room is clearly a sensitive issue and is not appropriate for all families or survivors, however it is important that we were able to facilitate this time for people to see the space and ask any questions before it reopens.
"Many other people have also been affected by the attack and by releasing this accompanying image we also hope that this will help to prepare future concert goers for their return to the Arena. The City Room will now remain closed until it opens to ticket holders on Saturday at 17:00.”
This morning it was revealed that the mum of Manchester terror attack victim Olivia Campbell will not be at Saturday's benefit concert as she hasn't been given a ticket.
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