Ariana Grande is to return to Manchester this Sunday to perform a benefit concert at the Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground in memory of the victims of last week’s terror attack at the Manchester Arena.
Twenty-two people were killed and dozens more were left injured after a bomb attack at the Manchester Arena last Monday following the conclusion of the pop star’s concert.
The 23-year-old will be joined by a host of other stars at the concert, including Justin Bieber, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Take That, Niall Horan, Miley Cyrus, Usher and Pharrell.
All proceeds from the concert will be donated to the We Love Manchester emergency fund, which has been set up to support those left injured or bereaved by the attack.
The concert will be broadcast live on BBC television and radio.
David Hodgkiss OBE, chairman of Lancashire County Cricket Club, said: “The victims, families and friends of all those affected by the tragic events of Monday 22 May remain at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts. We are proud to be part of what promises to be an emotional occasion, and a showcase of music, enjoyment, memories and reflection, that we can hope can go some way to easing the pain and heartache that this great city has endured in the last week.
“The pride, strength and spirit that has been seen in the last week is testament to the character of the people of Manchester, and this has continued with the warmth and generosity of some of the world’s greatest music artists and their management teams, as well as all of the other people, organisations and services that are part of making the concert on Sunday 4 June happen.”
Grande last week confirmed in a Twitter post that she would be returning to Manchester, stating that she did not want to go the rest of the year without being able to “hold or uplift (her) fans”. She has today announced via Twitter that the concert will take place on Sunday.
Emirates Old Trafford is said to have seen off competition from the Etihad Stadium, home of Premier League football club Manchester City, to host the concert.
The timing of the concert has also led to the rescheduling of Manchester United’s testimonial match for Michael Carrick. The game had been due to kick-off at 4pm, but will now take place at 2.30pm. The game will take place at United’s Old Trafford stadium, which is located across the road from the cricket ground.
United legends such as Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Gary and Phil Neville are due to play in the game, alongside international stars such as Eric Abidal, Michel Salgado and Gaizka Mendieta.
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