Memorial service marks 1996 bomb
A memorial service to mark the tenth anniversary of the Manchester IRA bomb has been held at the city’s cathedral.
The candle was lit at exactly the same time as the bomb exploded
A candle was lit at exactly 1117 BST and four seconds - the same time a 3,300lb bomb exploded on Corporation Street on 15 June 1996.
It was lit by Lydia Ballam, eight, a pupil from Chetham’s School of Music.
There were readings by politicians, civic leaders and a representative of the Irish Government with prayers read by leaders of all faiths.
Victims of the Manchester city centre attack attended along with VIPs and dignitaries.
Bible lessons were read by Michael Lonergan, First Secretary for Political Affairs at the Irish Embassy, and Councillor Pat Karney, Chairman of the City Centre Committee.
Manchester journalist Ray King read an extract of his book Detonation - the rebirth of a city.
Council leader Richard Leese placed an icon of the New Manchester against the altar as a symbol of the city’s resurgence.
In the service address Canon Paul Denby, the sub dean of Manchester, recalled entering the cathedral after the blast.
“I remember standing at the back of the nave thinking only of the cathedral and how on earth we would get back to normal.”
He praised those responsible for the city’s regeneration but added: “I have heard many people speak in these past few days of the bomb and ‘what a good thing’ it was for Manchester.
“I know what they mean, but bombs are never ‘good things’ and thought we rejoice in a city that in many ways, leads not just this country but the world with its magnificent architecture and vibrant culture, we cannot forget those whose lives were traumatised, and for some, remain traumatised by that violent intrusion into their lives.”
