Nottinghamshire vigils planned to remember victims of Manchester attack

Vigils are being organised across Nottinghamshire in the wake of Monday's attack.

Vigils are being planned and books of condolence opened across Nottinghamshire in the wake of the Manchester terror attack.

A suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, in a blast targeting fans leaving an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena on Monday night.

A Book of Condolence was opened yesterday at Nottingham Cathedral, the Cathedral Church of St Barnabus on North Circus Street, and Nottinghamshire County Council opened its own book this morning at County Hall, West Bridgford.

Other Books of Condolence can be found at:-

  • The Council House, Old Market Square
  • Clifton Cornerstone, Southchurch Drive
  • Trent Bridge House, West Bridgford
  • Prospect House, Beeston
  • Lawn View House, Sutton-in-Ashfield
  • Sherwood Energy Village, Ollerton
  • Sir John Robinson Way, Arnold
  • Meadow House, Mansfield

After three weeks, the messages will be collated and send to Sir Richard Leese, the Leader of Manchester City Council.

Faith in Action has organised a vigil outside St Stephen and St Paul’s Church, Hyson Green, at 7:15pm this evening, and Broxtowe Borough Council has organised a memorial service for this afternoon at 3.45pm.

And at 7.15pm on Wednesday a short vigil will be held outside St Stephen’s Church, Bobbers Mll Road, Hyson Green.

A vigil will also be held at the Brian Clough statue in Nottingham city centre on Thursday evening (May 25).

City charity Himmah already had set up a vigil in the lead up to Ramadan, and announced it will be extending the prayers to the victims of the Manchester attack.

In a post on their Facebook page, the group said: “Our #YourNeighbours gathering (Thursday 6pm) will include a #NottinghamTogether Peace Vigil, an opportunity to highlight what unites us as one nation one community, and that we will not be divided by actions of criminals.

“Please bring candles and lights as we reflect on what happened in Manchester but also make a commitment to serve and reach out to each other in Nottingham ”

A vigil was also held in Walter Square Park, Stapleford, yesterday evening (May 23), organised by Councillor Richard MacRae.

Cllr MacRae, who represents Stapleford North at Broxtowe Borough Council, said: “I won’t say it was nice, because this kind of thing never is, but it was good to see the community come together in this way.

“Well over 100 people turned up last night, people from all different backgrounds and religions.

“It’s times like this you have to put your differences aside.”

The vigil was lead by Captain Marcus Mylechreest of the Stapleford Salvation Army, who gave a speech before asking people to join him in a minute’s silence.

Families and children were invited to light candles, and people left flowers in respect for those affected.