Manchester mayor calls arena reopening ‘a symbol of defiance’

Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham says that the reopening of the English city’s arena after a deadly bombing in May is a “symbol of defiance.” 

“It’s a symbol of the city going back together. Our determination, if you like. It’s a symbol of defiance in many ways that life goes on and we’re not going to change who we are and what we are in any way,” he told Rolling Stone this week.

At terrorist killed 22 people following an explosion outside a concert at Manchester Arena in England in May, just 17 days into Burnham’s term as mayor.

Grande returned to Manchester in June for the “One Love Manchester” benefit concert, which raised more than $3 million for a fund helping those affected by the terror attack. {mosads}

“We’re still in recovery, let’s be honest, and people have been impacted in different ways. Young people are still shocked by what happened and need time to come to terms with that and work it through,” Burnham said. 

The arena is scheduled to reopen on September 9, with a performance by Manchester native and former “Oasis” frontman Noel Gallagher. 

“You know Manchester, that’s our history; we’re a music city. It’s who we are,” Burnham said.