Entertainment

Manchester Arena To Host First Concert Since Deadly Bombing

Katie Jerkovich Entertainment Reporter
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Manchester Arena will reopen for the first time since a suicide bomber killed 22 people at Ariana Grande’s May 22 show in Manchester, England.

A benefit concert titled “We Are Manchester” is scheduled for September 9, with performers like Rick Astley, Courteneers, Blossoms, and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds already announced, Billboard reported Wednesday. (RELATED: 24 Reasons To Wish Ariana Grande A Happy 24th Birthday [SLIDESHOW])

(Photo by Getty Images/Dave Hogan for One Love Manchester)

(Photo by Getty Images/Dave Hogan for One Love Manchester)

 

Concert organizers say all benefits from the show will go toward the building of a memorial to honor the 22 people who were killed in the attack. Nine people still remain in the hospital dealing with injuries from the terrorist attack just outside of Grande’s concert.

In June, a benefit concert titled, “One Love Manchester” was held by Grande that raised more than $13 million dollars for a separate “We Are Manchester” fund. Trustees announced earlier this week that $23 million had been raised and that the families of those killed will each be receiving $324,000.

The 21,000 capacity venue has been closed ever since, forcing the cancellation of huge concerts by performers like Kings of Leon, Celine Dion, Radiohead, and Linkin Park.

“May’s events will never be forgotten, but they will not stop us–or Mancunian music fans–from coming together to enjoy live music,” James Allen, the venue’s general manager, explained. “Manchester Arena has celebrated over 20 years hosting some of the greatest musical talent of all time, and the significant economic and cultural impact that this has on the city means that this legacy must continue.”

Security has been increased at the venue and across Europe with new guidelines in place limiting the size of the bag concertgoers are allowed to take in for the show.