PLANS to commemorate the first anniversary of the Manchester Arena bombing have been revealed.

May 22 will mark the first anniversary of the terrorist attack where 22 people lost their lives.

Outline plans to mark the first anniversary have been revealed and will be based around two themes, remembrance and reflection and celebration of life.

The events will recognise each of the 22 people that died, the injured, first responders and embrace the solidarity shown in the city.

All of the plans are still being developed and more details will be announced nearer to the time.

The weekend before May 22 a trees of hope trail will be set up through the city centre and will allow people to leave personal messages of hope and support for those affected on trees placed at key locations around the city centre around St Ann's Square.

A one-minute silence will also be held during the Great Manchester Run on Sunday 20 May, with further commemorative elements during the Games including fundraising for the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund.

On May 22 itself a non-denominational civic memorial service will be held at Manchester Cathedral during the afternoon and bereaved families and first responders among those invited to attend to reflect on the events of the day and remember loved ones.

Invitations will also be extended to senior national figures.

A free public event will then be held in Albert Square in the early evening, the scene of a vigil the day after the attack.

Manchester City Council said it is committed to having a permanent memorial or memorials to commemorate the May 22 2017 but getting this right and ensuring a lasting and appropriate memorial requires a careful process.

An advisory group of civic and business leaders was established last summer to advise on memorial matter and initial consultation has taken place with bereaved families around both the outline proposals to mark one year on and considerations around a permanent memorial.

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The horrific events of 22 May shocked not just this city but the world. Those who lost loved ones, and those who were left physically or mentally injured, will always have a place in our thoughts and we will never forget the 22 people, including children, whose lives were taken away.

“The aftermath of the attack also saw a remarkable display of solidarity and love in and for Manchester, a refusal to let those who would divide us to get their twisted way. Even as we grieved, we were proud to stand resiliently together.

“The first anniversary of the attack will be an intensely emotional time for a great many people. Everyone touched by those events has a unique personal experience and we have tried to be mindful of this in planning a range of events."