One Love Manchester concert

Yes I did what a lovely sight. She is such a sweet girl and my gd likes her.

I disagree with the 'too sooners' as well. These were children seeing things NO one should ever see. Or knowing that these things happened on their doorstep, in their city, in their country, NOW. The young are very susceptible to PTSD.

This was for the young people-- they need different kinds of reassurances that their world is not a bad place than what some of us older, more cynical or world-weary people need or expect (yes I am one of those). Expressing joy through sorrow, singing, hearing music, being entertained by the people they enjoy was and is important.

My friend and her 12 yr old daughter had been at the original concert and both got out ok but very distressed. All the following week they both were very upset and any sudden noise frightened them. My friend made the decision to go to old Trafford last night to encourage her daughter to move forward and not let this evil define her young years and affect her life. Also to show respect for those young people who died and will never attend a concert again. I believe it was timed right as the young people who survived need to see that evil will never win over good hearted humanity and compassion.and hopefully it will allay their fear of crowded places. All the families of bereaved were in agreement and Ariana herself was affected badly but worked through her fear to perform and that's a great role model for our young people to show them life is precious and for living to the fullest

The concert was as amazing as it was moving. We hadn't intended to watch it but once it started we couldn't stop.

This concert represents what these fanatics hate about diverse and integrated societies. Their hate was overcome with love, their desire to cause division overcome with the desire for unity.

For me, the message the concert conveyed was more powerful than theirs.

What happens now for the victims of the London attack?

Totally agree with LuckyGirl's post.
It was a spur of the moment idea which was applauded by the affected families, the people of Manchester and all the authorities involved.
They wanted to send out a message of defiance, hope and love. I think they went a long way towards doing that.
A lot of people worked extremely hard to see the event through and they should be commended for that.
We enjoyed and appreciated the whole event, despite not previously appreciating some of the music. Better for some of the youngsters to replace their memories of a horrendous night with a positive, hopeful experience?

Am very surprised by the 'too soon' comments. That all the acts dropped everything to turn up at a moment's notice sent a very positive message to Manchester, and to the young kids who were hurt. It also gave them a focal point for walking or getting out of hospital or whatever. Manchester has been here before courtesy of IRA and has tapped into its past experiences, bonding unlikely groups of people together to face the foe. It truly is a special city, with a unique vibe. Bless them all.

I really enjoyed it although I am not keen on Ariana Grande- too 'poppy' for me.Not keen on female singers anyway. A real treat to see Black Eyed Peas & Robbie though. Coldplay very good & a nice touch that one Gallagher boy turned up even if he sang a new song- doubt he can remember the lyrics to his old ones these days.
I don't think it was too soon. Something needed to happen to allow people to get together en mass & show their love & defiance.
I just hope that everyone who watched it for free at home sends £5 to Red Cross- not bad for a whole evening's entertainment.

The Manchester Evening News had a sad photo of one of the victims, 14 year old Eilidh McCleoud's body being returned to Barra. A sad little procession headed by a single piper. This picture said more about the reality of the Manchester bombing than any number of "virtue signalling" concerts.

It's a tricky one. It may seem too soon, but sadly events have shown we need to grieve quickly these days before the next teagedy comes along. (Impossible for the families affected I know.)
Child psychologists will say the kids need to get back on the horse, so to speak, and face their demons. No better way.

We watched the concert last night, and found that the time and energy given to the people of Manchester, made me feel quite emotional.

Artists such as Ariana Grande, Justin Beiber, Robbie Williams, Katy Perry, and bands such as Take That to Coldplay, brought people together in a tribute to those who lost their lives and families in a senseless, barbaric attack.

It showed a solidarity amongst us that goodness will always outweigh evil.

The families were consulted and gave their blessing; some of the victims got to see their heroes/heroines again; money was raised; spirits were lifted - what's not to like?

Some of these victims will need equipment, aids, adaptations to their home to take account of their disabilities, adapted transport etc. - the money raised will expedite this provision. It may also be that some of the victims might be able to take a holiday or do something to enhance their lives - that is good.

The performers were brave to be there, as were the audience - they sent out a clear message about our determination not to let terrorism destroy our way of life - I salute them all.

I didn't regard it as exploitation. I thought it was wonderful and uplfting and enjoyable. And I think it must have helped many of those involved in the tragedy.
I loved most of the acts, especially the marvellous Coldplay.

Thought it was too soon. Some of the victims haven't even been buried / cremated yet.

While I'm sure the artists performed for free, there would still be a massive police presence / security to oversee the concert that would need to be paid (and who's resources could have been employed elsewhere perhaps?).

Distasteful, too soon, unnecessary. Use of funds? Why the Red Cross, although not fake are spurious in many respects!!

Tragedy and grief being exploited as usual!

I'm so pleased everyone had a great time and 2m was raised.
We didn't watch it though, it just didn't appeal.

I'm glad the concert happened. Ariana (with her manager Scooter) certainly pulled together an amazing group of performers who are top drawer stars, so the demand for the tickets was going to be huge. Several could have sold out the venue on their own. I don't know what the solution to ticket reselling is in circumstances like this, when time is so short.

TBH I didn't really enjoy the show. I thought Chris Martin and Katy Perry were great, Chris definitely the star of the show for me. A lot of the stars made bad song choices for a show meant to be uplifting, but at least you could hear the words they sang - except for Liam Gallagher, who silenced the crowd with his last song. He was the only one to tout his new single. I thought he was a real buzz kill.

It made me very aware of my age. Even though I knew who most of them were, not knowing a lot of the music really bothered me.

Well done to those who took the time to appear live on the stage.

The concert was very uplifting. Many of those attending had free tickets and they still raised £2m. I'm sure it helped the healing process and gave some of those young people good memories. Hats off to Ariana Grande.

I am so impressed by Ariana Grande. And can't she sing?

what a great mix of acts,suitable for most age groups,she did a fantastic job getting this together and Anniebach to quote the PM if "now is not the time" ,when will be? These incidents get forgotten by everyone except those who were involved very quickly so NOW was very much the time .It was lovely to see all the happy faces and even the tears .She was a very brave young woman coming back so soon...she could easily have walked awy and never returned .Well done to all involved.Music does heal the soul and raise the spirits

She had a tour lined up and cancelled them because she was so upset.
I can't imagine what it must have felt like to leave that stage tonight, or for all the fans going home.
There will be a lot more tears.
It's good that there are so many others willing to give up their time and money for this cause.

Did you hear about the reselling of tickets? Some of them came up on ebay for a couple of hundred, and were immediately cancelled, so nobody could make money out of it. The tickets cost £40 and the money went to Manchester people affected by it.

Lovely concert, Ariana singing and holding the hand of the young girl in the choir made me emotional too.
Chris Martin's fix you was amazing and very touching.

Ariana has gone way up in my estimation. When she first fled back to USA straight after the bombing I thought she was doing the typical celeb OMG is there a camera nearby? act but how wrong could I be?

No wonder her young fans love her.

She was just so brave doing this. A year younger than my oldest granddaughter. So amazing.

I am watching this concert and it has had me in tears at times , i hope that this will help all those affected in the Manchester bombing and all those from London some crumb of comfort from their nightmares of the horrors they have all been though. to see so many youngsters together is great , well done to all who have organised the concert, taken part in it and especially all the police and other services who are duty tonight .