Gig Description

We Are Manchester was the first event at the reopened Manchester Arena after the terrorist attack. It was held to raise funds in the memory of those impacted on the night of the bombing. There was a great line up of Rick Astley, Blossoms,  Courteeners and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. There were also appearances for Bugzy Malone  and Pixie Lott, Clint Boon did a DJ set and the night was hosted by comedian Russel Kane.

Security was high as you would expect and this was the first gig that I have been to where airport type scanners were used. It was an emotional night with the victims of the bombing at the front of our minds and all of their names were read out by Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. Dispite emotions being high there was a great party atmosphere and ghe people of Manchester showed that we would not be beaten.

For me the highlights of the night were Rick Ashley performing an epic cover of 'Everlong' (Foo Fighter), Ian Skelly joining Blossoms on stage, The Courteeners 'Not 19 Forever' and Peter Kay taking the stage to introduce Noel Gallagher as "Mr Manchester himself, all the way from London" and of course 14000 people belting out 'Don't Look Back in Anger'.

This was an amazing gig and when Liam Fray  described Manchester as 'The centre of the universe' that is exactly how it felt and I've never been prouder to be a Manc.