Thousands return to Manchester Arena for first time since terror attack

(Metro). Emotional scenes saw tearful concert-goers gathering amid heightened security at the re-opening. Fans attending Saturday night’s star-studded benefit concert face additional screening and bans on backpacks, large bags and some electrical items before entering the venue. The special benefit concert honours those affected by the terror attack of May 5, by Salman Abedi and also welcomes back live entertainment fans to the Arena

The area around the venue is swamped with police and stewards as queues form at entrances and bags are checked.

Among those in attendance is Charlotte and her partner Paul, who said they attended the opening concert as an act of defiance. Charlotte had lost a daughter Olive Campbell during the attack.

Read about: Manchester Arena attack: families of 22 people killed to get £250,000 each

Suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated his device in the foyer of the venue at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 and injuring scores of others on May 22. The devastated area has been partly renovated and re-opened for Saturday’s event, titled “We Are Manchester“, to show the city will not be defeated by terrorism.

A team of trained trauma specialists and mental health professionals was on hand at the event for anyone who needs help.  The entertainment began with a pre-show DJ set from Clint Boon, followed by a performance from poet Tony Walsh, known as Longfella, with a recital of This is the Place, a homage to the city of Manchester. The event, headlined by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, included performances by The Courteeners, Blossoms and Rick Astley.