Ariana Grande confirms Manchester benefit concert

Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry and Pharrell are among the other artists confirmed to play the One Love Manchester concert

Feature by The Skinny | 30 May 2017

After the horrific bombing at Manchester Arena during an Ariana Grande concert on 22 May, the American singer promised that she would come back to the city to perform in a benefit gig for the victims of the attack. In a statement after the bombing, Grande said she intended to return to the “incredibly brave city of Manchester to spend time with my fans and to have a benefit concert in honour of and to raise money for the victims and their families.”

She’s made good on her promise, as the singer will be headlining a concert at the Old Trafford cricket ground this Sunday 4 June, and she’s bringing some of the biggest stars in the world with her.

Titled the One Love Manchester concert, Grande will be joined onstage by the likes of Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Pharrell and Usher.

It's been confirmed that the families of the victims have been consulted about Grande returning to Manchester and the One Love Manchester event. “When the idea of the concert came up, the first reaction was we need to speak to the families of the victims and see what they feel," said Greater Manchester Police Chief Ian Hopkins. "It is fair to say that the majority of them are very much in favour, [although] there are some that clearly aren’t and that is absolutely understandable."

Other acts confirmed for the benefit concert are Take That, Coldplay, and One Direction’s Niall Horan.

In a statement Grande said: “I want to thank my fellow musicians and friends for reaching out to be part of our expression of love for Manchester. I will have details to share with you as soon as everything is confirmed.”

The show's net ticket proceeds will benefit the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, established by Manchester City Council and the British Red Cross.

Tickets go on sale here Thu 1 Jun at 10am. People who were at Grande's concert on 22 May can claim free entry if they register before Wed 31 May at 4pm. The event will also be livestreamed. For tickets, head to ticketmaster.co.uk/arianagrandemanchester