The response from Manchester following last week’s bombing at an Ariana Grande concert has been powerful and inspiring. The city has come together and stayed defiant, and shown what makes the place great.
Wow! Tony Walsh's tribute to #Manchester at tonight's vigil would fill you with pride no matter where you're from pic.twitter.com/SM00Vdzsxm
— JOE (@JOE_co_uk) May 23, 2017
The attack has also raised security concerns around large events – so there were understandably going to be a lot of eyes on the first major gig in Manchester since Monday. But the people of the city made it a wonderful evening.
The Courteeners headlined the Emirates Old Trafford ground, in front of around 50,000 – with Manchester legends The Charlatans in support. Security measures were tight, with people advised not to bring bags, but show went off without a hitch.
Increased security didn’t stop gig goers having fun.
Anthony Devlin/Getty Images
It showed the city united.
This is our Manchester ❤️ #courteeners #manchester pic.twitter.com/wTsXFpJMYN
— Carlie Morris (@carlie_m24) May 28, 2017
Not football…but 100% Manchester…United.@thecourteeners at Old Trafford. 👊 pic.twitter.com/qgeumbdcCJ
— Tim Cocker (@cocker) May 27, 2017
#WeloveMCR Courteeners pic.twitter.com/U90wOdrLDA
— Gabriella Swerling (@GabriellaSwerl) May 27, 2017
There was even a wedding reception.
Pete and Abby are having their wedding reception at the #Courteeners gig! Show these legends some love! pic.twitter.com/RL0kB8bOMi
— Radio X (@RadioX) May 27, 2017
The Courteeners lead a 50,000 strong sing-a-long of Don’t Look Back in Anger.
https://twitter.com/KingKozak/status/868583926088028160
https://twitter.com/helenpidd/status/868574665572323329
Nothing says 'terrorism will never beat us' like 50,000 people belting out Don't Look Back In Anger. What an experience. #courteeners
— Andre 3000 The Giant (@GnocchiMinaj) May 28, 2017
“This is our Manchester”.
https://twitter.com/lilycarcaterra/status/868649757467697152