Ariana Grande to headline Manchester Pride in first return after 2017 attack

Thank u, next

Ariana Grande is headlining August's Manchester Pride, her first performance in the city since the 2017 Manchester bombings. 22 people died after her concert at the Manchester Arena was targeted by a suicide attack outside the venue. Ever since, the American singer has developed something of an affinity with the city and previously pledged that she would be playing a 'special show' in Manchester during her upcoming world tour. Less than two weeks after the bombing, she staged the One Love benefit concert at Old Trafford cricket stadium and was also offered honorary citizenship of the city of Manchester by the council. Grande will be headlining the LGBT+ festival on August 25 at a new outdoor venue at Mayfield depot that can hold around 9,000 people. "We are of course coming and we love you," she told fans in Manchester in December when her other tour dates were announced. "At Manchester Pride Live we're truly honoured to be welcoming Ariana back to the city to help us celebrate LGBT+ life," organiser Mark Fletcher said. The first night of Manchester Pride on Saturday 24 August will be headlined by Years & Years, while Bananarama will support Grande at the top of the bill on the second day of the event.