Bury’s moving tribute to Manchester Arena families

The people of Bury joined as one at a vigil yesterday in the town centre to mark the Manchester Arena tragedy.

Hundreds gathered in Whitehead Gardens to hear messages of solidarity and peace, remember those who lost their lives, sign books of condolence and lay floral tributes at the clock tower.

Among them were relatives of Olivia Campbell and John Atkinson, the two Bury people so far known to have died in the bomb attack at an Ariana Grande concert. Olivia’s mother Charlotte spoke, and urged everyone not to let her daughter – a 15-year-old student at Tottington High School – become a victim.

The vigil was led by the Mayor of Bury, Cllr Dorothy Gunther, who said: “My heart goes out to all of those whose lives will be changed forever and I particularly extend my absolute compassion and support to the families and friends of those from our borough, of Olivia Campbell and John Atkinson. The people of Bury are with them.”

The mayor said terrorists “would never defeat our great nation and the multitude of diverse local communities that we cherish”.

Prayers were said by the mayor’s chaplain, the Rev Hugh Bearn of St Anne’s Church, Tottington.

Members of St Gabriel’s High School Choir sang a moving tribute, their version of the Snow Patrol/Leona Lewis song “Run”. Faith leaders lit candles as those who attended the vigil released balloons which soared above the town centre, to the sound of Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel”.

Council leader Rishi Shori said: “We stand beside Manchester in solidarity at this dreadful time, and offer our deepest sympathies to all the families and friends of those who suffered in Monday’s tragedy.

“Don’t let them be defined by the manner of their death; they should be remembered for who they were, for the joy that they gave, the smiles that they brought, the lives of those others that they touched.”

He added: “We are one borough and we stand together, with our shared values of love, compassion and respect with one another – and we know that love will always beat hate.”

• Books of condolence are at Bury Town Hall and at six libraries across the borough (Bury, Radcliffe, Ramsbottom, Tottington, Whitefield and Prestwich) for residents to sign and leave messages.

ENDS

Press release issued: 25 May 2017.