100 days on: The Manchester Bees still buzz
As pop star, Ariana Grande, concluded her concert on May 22nd earlier this year, an unexpected bomb hit the foyer of the Manchester Arena affecting many of her fans and their families. Over the following days, the Mancunian community came together to mourn the loss of 22 lives in an extraordinary way. Now, 100 days on and Manchester is stronger than ever.
Bare brick walls are no more as graffiti has covered the city centre with bees to commemorate the lives lost. The artwork around the city has transformed to a colourful parade showing off the pride of Manchester; it is almost as if the symbol of the Manchester Bee has been reborn.
The worker bee symbol was adopted by the Manchester population during the industrial revolution to represent the workers heading into the textile mills, like bees going into hives. It was a gesture that showed Manchester's work ethic and this is still relevant to today. Following the tragic events, the symbol was revitalised to a new generation who took it right on board.
The symbol has been engraved into lampposts and bins all around the centre for years and many people already showed pride for their home city through a simple love of bees, but it wasn't until the traumatic events that the bee really became known. It is hard to walk down the street without spotting bees as they are all over; car stickers and tattoos can be spotted across Greater Manchester as it's become the new norm to sport the symbol in every possible way.
100 days on and there's no doubt that the symbol will stay popular for years to come as Mancunians have pride for their roots. The events did not break Manchester; it simply brought a community full of strangers together to mourn the tragic loss of 22. Through words and actions, Manchester displayed an unexpected reaction to the world. Words spoken through poetry and flowers placed at St Anne's Square as a mark of respect to the victims was a sight to behold. The song "Don't Look Back in Anger" by Oasis was brought back to live in a very poignant way, it brought varied communities across Manchester together as the words represent their reaction; love not hate.
The attack has certainly not stopped Manchester's unique vibe, it is known for its music and the arena will reopen on September 9th with a benefit concert featuring a range of artists; many with a Manchester background.
100 days on and although there is still mourning and heavy hearts across the city, Manchester will continue to set an example of love and not hate.
"This is the place."
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| Photo: Lizzie Johnston This art accurately represents the love of the worker bee. |
The symbol has been engraved into lampposts and bins all around the centre for years and many people already showed pride for their home city through a simple love of bees, but it wasn't until the traumatic events that the bee really became known. It is hard to walk down the street without spotting bees as they are all over; car stickers and tattoos can be spotted across Greater Manchester as it's become the new norm to sport the symbol in every possible way.
 |
| Photo:Mike Johnston Tributes and flowers laid at St Anne's Square. |
The attack has certainly not stopped Manchester's unique vibe, it is known for its music and the arena will reopen on September 9th with a benefit concert featuring a range of artists; many with a Manchester background.
100 days on and although there is still mourning and heavy hearts across the city, Manchester will continue to set an example of love and not hate.
"This is the place."
 |
| Photo: Lizzie Johnston |
Love it lizzie xx
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