The Glade of Light is a memorial commemorating the victims of the 22 May 2017 terrorist attack at Manchester Arena.
It honours the 22 people whose lives were taken, as well as remembering everyone who was left injured or affected.
The Glade of Light was designed to be a living memorial, a tranquil garden space for remembrance and reflection. Its peaceful surroundings are intended as the setting for commemorative events in the city relating to the attack.
Design elements
A white marble ‘halo’ ring stands at the heart of the memorial. The names of those who lost their lives are set in bronze upon it. Personalised memory capsules, filled with memories and mementoes of them provided by loved ones, have been embedded within the stone.
The memorial features a planting scheme designed to reflect the changing seasons while providing colour and maximising light all year round. It uses only plants which grow naturally in the UK countryside.
Families who lost loved ones were kept informed and consulted at key moments during the design and construction process, including the appointment of designers BCA Landscape and Smiling Wolf.
Location
The Glade of Light is within Manchester’s Medieval Quarter and was designed to complement its wider regeneration. It is located between Manchester Cathedral and Chetham’s School of Music, at the foot of Fennel Street where it meets Victoria Street.
Map of the site