Manchester Arena to open for first time after terror attack with benefit concert including Noel Gallagher and Rick Astley

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds will perform at the event (PA)

THE Manchester Arena will reopen for the first time since the terror attack with a benefit concert to honour those killed in the bombing.

Arena bosses announced on Wednesday that the venue, which has been closed since the attack on May 22, will open its doors again on Saturday September 9.

The We Are Manchester concert will include performances from Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, The Courteeners, Blossoms and Rick Astley.

NEWS: @ManchesterArena will officially re-open Saturday 9 September with #WeAreManchester. Details: https://t.co/xUgFqu7znz pic.twitter.com/2vrTttzXHI

— Manchester Arena (@ManchesterArena) August 16, 2017

Poet Tony Walsh, known as Longfella, will also perform and there will be a pre-show DJ set from Clint Boon.

All profits raised will go to the Manchester Memorial Fund, a charitable trust overseen by the city’s Lord Mayor which will go towards establishing a permanent memorial for the victims of the attack.

#WEAREMANCHESTER #WESTANDTOGETHER
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— Noel Gallagher (@NoelGallagher) August 16, 2017

James Allen, general manager of the arena, said: “May’s events will never be forgotten, but they will not stop us – or Mancunian music fans – from coming together to enjoy live music.

“Manchester Arena has celebrated over 20 years hosting some of the greatest musical talent of all time, and the significant economic and cultural impact that this has on the city means that this legacy must continue.”

Councillor Sue Murphy, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Those who perpetrate terrorist attacks want to divide us and stifle our freedoms.

“No one will ever forget the terrible events of 22 May but Manchester has reacted with love, solidarity and a determination to continue doing the things which make this such a vibrant city.

“We welcome the re-opening of the arena, a major venue which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors, as a powerful symbol of this defiant and resilient spirit.

“It is entirely fitting that the re-opening event should be a memorial fundraiser.”