The second anniversary of the 22 May 2017 Manchester Arena terror attack, which took 22 lives, will be marked with a civic memorial service at St Ann’s church at 2pm on Wednesday 22 May 2019.

Although it is recognised that many more will want to attend, it has been agreed with the families that the service will be a personal and private event for the families who lost loved ones, those injured and representatives of those who were first to respond.

While it was right that the first anniversary last year was marked with a series of high profile events, in consultation with families it has been agreed that this year’s anniversary will be more intimate.

Like last year, at 10.31pm on 22 May – the exact anniversary – bells will ring out from buildings across the city centre including Manchester Town Hall, Manchester Cathedral and St Ann’s Church.