Northern to mark third anniversary of Arena bombing at Manchester Victoria station
Northern is preparing to mark three years since the Manchester Arena bombing and help others do the same during the current coronavirus-related restrictions.
Northern will mark the third anniversary of the attack by broadcasting a minute's silence, in memory of the victims, from Victoria station on Friday 22 May at 2pm on its Facebook page. This will allow those who are social distancing and shielding to pay their respects from their own homes.
Floor stickers in the shape of the Manchester worker bee – provided by Marvel at Everything - have also been placed on the floor at the station, at two-metre intervals surrounding the memorial, to allow members of the public to pay tribute to the victims while safely social distancing.
The area near to Soldiers’ Gate is a permanent memorial to those who lost their lives at the arena.
Station staff will lay flowers in memory of the victims and will also be on hand to help those who wish to pay tribute in person do so while complying with the current restrictions.
Northern will also observe a minute’s silence at 10.31pm - the exact time of the attack and the station exterior will be illuminated in yellow.
Simon Brooks, Station Manager at Manchester Victoria, said: “We want to make sure that everyone who wants to - including those who are unable to be here due to being in isolation – has the opportunity to pay their respects to all those affected by this tragedy. That's why we're live-streaming our minute’s silence at 2pm via our Facebook page.
“We recognise that many people will want to visit the station on Friday, and we would urge anyone passing through to please adhere to social distance rules and take the usual precautions if making essential journeys using our trains.
"If anyone is travelling to the station, we ask that you walk, cycle, or drive if possible. Only take the train if you have no other options. Plan ahead, be considerate of others and please respect our staff.
"Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this terrible attack.”
Wayne Taylor, Managing Director at Marvel at Everything, added: “Our team were proud to help Northern and the people of Manchester safely pay their respect by supplying the non-slip Manchester bee floor vinyls.
“They have been placed two metres apart on the floor at Victoria Station so everyone travelling can commemorate the lives of the victims whilst still socially distancing.”
Northern’s Facebook page can be found here: www.facebook.com/northernassist/