This year’s Manchester Day will become a huge tribute to those killed and injured in the Arena bombing.

Thousands of people are expected in the city centre for the annual event, which is set to be turned into a memorial for the 22 people who lost their lives in last week’s terror attack.

A special tribute to the men, women and children killed in the blast will lead a parade through the streets of Manchester.

It will also honour the heroic efforts of the emergency services, who worked tirelessly in the hours and days after the atrocity. The celebrations, on Sunday, June 18, will be an enormous show of resilience following one of the city’s darkest days.

(Image: Mark Waugh)

Lord Mayor Coun Eddy Newman, regional mayor Andy Burnham and Manchester Day chair Coun Pat Karney will march ahead of the incredible works of art that make the parade such a dazzling spectacle.

Now in its eighth year, Manchester Day celebrates the city’s unbreakable spirit, steadfast pride and resolute solidarity.

Those characteristics have been on show for all the world to see in the past week. Mancunian defiance and passion are more prevalent than ever.

Community groups from across the region will come together as more than 2,000 people snake through the city centre.

The ‘Abracadabra’ theme will remain, but the focus will undoubtedly be on the Arena tragedy.

Event chair Coun Pat Karney said: “Manchester Day will show the city’s resilience and collective spirt where people come together to celebrate a shared love for our city.

“Our thoughts remain with the families of those who lost their lives last week – as well as those who were injured – and we believe it is important that Manchester Day pays tribute.

“We know thousands of people will come out and we look forward to seeing them for an incredible day of celebration.”

(Image: manchester Evening News)

Liz Pugh, co-founder of Walk The Plank and creative producer of the event, said: “Manchester Day celebrates the achievements of this amazing city and its people in an exuberant act of civic engagement, and provides a unique opportunity for less visible community groups to be seen and heard.”

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham added: “It’s right and fitting that Manchester Day is devoted to those who lost their lives and those that continue to live with the aftermath of last week’s attack.

“It will also give us all an opportunity to pay tribute to our heroic public servants and celebrate the incredible Manchester spirit that has sustained us all through these dark days.”

Manchester Day takes place on Sunday, June 18, between midday to 6pm. The parade begins at Liverpool Road, off Deansgate, at 1pm.

To get involved, visit manchesterday.co.uk.