Manchester Arena bombing: Victims' families and survivors gather on first anniversary of worst UK atrocity since London attacks

Survivors and families of the victims of the Manchester Arena attack will gather today at a remembrance service in the city.

Hundreds were injured and 22 people died in the atrocity in the northern city a year ago, when 22-year-old Salman Abedi detonated a bomb. It was the worst terror attack in the UK since the London bombings of 2005.

Members of the emergency services who were called to the scene will also attend the service at Manchester Cathedral, along with the Duke of Cambridge and the prime minister.

The invitation-only service, held between 2pm and 3pm, will incorporate a national minute's silence at 2.30pm, which will also be marked at UK government buildings.

Members of the public will be able to watch proceedings on a big screen in nearby Cathedral Gardens, while the service will also be screened at York Minster, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and Glasgow Cathedral.

Prince William will privately meet some of the bereaved families following the multi-faith service.

Writing in the Manchester Evening News, Theresa May said: “The targeting of the young and innocent as they enjoyed a carefree night out in the Manchester Arena on May 22, 2017 was an act of sickening cowardice.

“It was designed to strike at the heart of our values and our way of life in one of our most vibrant cities, with the aim of breaking our resolve and dividing us. It failed.

“For such appalling acts of wickedness will do nothing but strengthen our resolve to defeat such twisted ideologies and beliefs.

“The resilience and determination shown by this city in the 12 months since is testament to that.”

Later on Tuesday, more than 3,000 singers from local choirs will perform at the Manchester Together – With One Voice event in the city’s Albert Square from 7.30pm-9pm.

Among those performing are the Manchester Survivors Choir, a group made up of people who were at the arena on the night of the concert, and Parrs Wood High School’s Harmony Group, whose post-attack tribute was shared widely on social media last year.

A mass 30-minute finale promises to be the highlight of the concert, with songs including Ariana Grande’s One Last Time, One Day Like This by Elbow, Don’t Look Back In Anger by Oasis and Never Forget by Take That.

At 10.31pm, bells will ring out from the city’s Town Hall, St Ann’s Church and St Mary’s RC Church to mark the moment when the attack took place 12 months ago.

Abedi detonated his device at the end of the concert with 353 people, including 175 children, around him in the foyer of the venue.

As well as the 22 people who were killed, more than 800 others were physically or psychologically injured.

Press Association contributed to this report