The We Are Manchester benefit concert staged by Manchester Arena has raised more than £270,000 for the Manchester Memorial Fund.
The September 9 charity event, headlined by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, marked the re-opening of the Manchester venue following May’s terror attack. The line-up also featured local bands Courteeners and Blossoms, alongside pop stars Rick Astley, Pixie Lott, Nadine Coyle, MC Bugzy Malone and DJ Clint Boon.
The Manchester Memorial Fund will go towards the costs of establishing a permanent memorial or memorials for those affected by the May 22 attack.
James Allen, general manager of Manchester Arena, said: “Whilst we will never forget the horrific events of May 22, we will not let them stop us from bringing live music to our city. The September 9 charity concert was a landmark moment in helping the city move forward and I’m now honoured to present money raised by the event to the Manchester Memorial Fund."
A total of £274,085 has been raised for the charity, with further funds to be collected from memorabilia auctions which are still taking place. The Government has also agreed a one-off grant of £64,834, which represents the value of the VAT on the ticket sales.
