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Ariana Grande set to receive honorary citizenship from Manchester after One Love benefit concert

Singer helped to organise event that raised millions for victims of arena terror attack

Roisin O'Connor
Wednesday 14 June 2017 09:20 BST
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Ariana Grande meeting Evie Mills at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital ward
Ariana Grande meeting Evie Mills at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital ward (PA)

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Manchester council members want to set up a new system to Ariana Grande can receive an honorary citizenship from the city.

The singer has been praised after she arranged the One Love Manchester benefit concert just weeks after the Manchester Arena bombing, which raised millions for victims of the terror attack.

Salman Abedi, 22, detonated a homemade bomb in the venue foyer, killing 22 people and injuring dozens more.

Grande was joined by some of the biggest names in music for the event, including Liam Gallagher, Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry, Robbie Williams, Take That, Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber.

Around 50,000 people attended an the event raised almost £3 million for victims.

Council leader Sir Richard Leese told BBC News: "Many people already see Ariana as an honorary Mancunian. This seems a fitting moment to update the way we recognise those who make noteworthy contributions to the life and success of our city.

"We've all had cause to be incredibly proud of Manchester and the resilient and compassionate way in which the city, and all those associated with it, have responded to the terrible events of 22 May - with love and courage rather than hatred and fear... [Ariana] exemplified this response."

Manchester City Council is also planning to hold an event to recognise the "great many selfless acts and demonstrations of community spirit in the aftermath of the atrocity".

After the benefit concert Grande released a cover of 'Over the Rainbow' and a re-release of her song 'One Last Time' in aid of Manchester victims.

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