Manchester Arena bombing memorial Glade of Light opens to the public

Tribute features a large white marble ‘halo’ and a hawthorn tree that will bloom every year around anniversary of atrocity

Glade of Light in Manchester (Manchester City Council)

A memorial to the 22 people murdered in the Manchester Arena terror atrocity has been officially opened to the public.

Close to the city’s cathedral, the Glade of Light features a large white marble "halo" surrounding a public garden.

The names of the victims – including the seven children who were killed – are engraved on the marble, with memory capsules containing mementos and messages embedded inside.

A hawthorn tree planted in the centre will bloom with white flowers every year around the anniversary of the bombing, on 22 May.

The tribute is finished with plants that grow naturally in the UK countryside and were deliberately selected to provide year-round colour at the site.

Hundreds of people were injured alongside those who died when a suicide bomber exploded a device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert at the venue in 2017.

The leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig said: "We will never forget those whose lives were lost.

“They already had a permanent place in the hearts of Manchester people. Now they have a lasting memorial in the heart of our city.

“The Glade of Light is a beautiful tribute to them and somewhere which will also have profound meaning for everyone affected by the attack.

“We hope the memorial site will be a place of peace and comfort, standing as a reminder that love is stronger than hate.”

The bomber, Salman Abedi, died in the explosion and his brother, Hashem Abedi, was sentenced to at least 55 years in prison for his part in the attack.

A public inquiry into the tragedy is ongoing.