A MUSICAL tribute to the victims of the Manchester bombing was held at Caldecott Park on Saturday (May 27).
A crowd of onlookers joined musicians and singers at the bandstand and sang songs including Crowded House’s Don’t Dream It’s Over.
Ariana Grande – who had just come offstage at the Manchester Arena when the attack happened – covered the song in 2015.
Youngsters were invited to speak in tribute, before the names of the 22 people who lost their lives were read out and 22 pink balloons released.
Organiser Dutch Van Spall of Big Help Music said: “This was an informal event to let people – especially those young people who have been affected the most – come together.
“This has cut to the very core of what we do as a company working with young artists.”
He said singer Kellimarie Willis, 14, was with her mum filming with the BBC in Manchester, and shared her hotel with many young concert-goers – some of whom never returned.
Another singer, Leanne Jeffers, was supposed to be at the concert with her young daughter but didn’t go at the last minute.
He added: “The young artists we work with have all been affected. Each of them is trying to find a way to express how they feel and do something to show their support.
“We want to grow a campaign that is full of young people showing their love of music and positive support and love for all the young people, families and Ariana who must be going through an unimaginable hell right now.
“Music is a powerful tool and we are lucky to be able to react quickly and use it to help one another. The sad stories have been balanced by those of hope, courage, selflessness and love. When all else seems lost – there is always love.”
