Yesterday evening’s (22 May) terror attack at Manchester Arena during an Ariana Grande concert is thought to have been carried out by a suicide bomber.
ISIS have claimed responsibility for the attack, which has resulted in the deaths of 22 concertgoers, many of which were young people.
Many venues have revealed plans for heightened security in response to the attack, as PM Theresa May raised the UK terror threat level to critical - meaning an attack is 'expected imminently'.
Association of Event Organisers, Association of Event Venues and Exhibition Supplier and Services Associaton: "Our sincere condolences and sympathies go out to all affected by the terrorist atrocity at Manchester Arena last night, and we pay tribute to all the emergency services, and to the staff of Manchester Arena, for acting with great bravery and compassion in the face of such a deadly and callous attack."
Jane Longhurst, chief executive, The Meetings Industry Association: “We are deeply saddened by last night’s terror attack at Manchester Arena and our thoughts are with all those involved.
“As we have unfortunately witnessed, the capabilities and tactics of terror organisations and criminals continually evolve. Security provision needs to be viewed as a necessary investment rather than a cost and fully integrated to maximise its effectiveness.”
Ahead of MCM Comic Con this weekend at ExCeL London, the show and venue have released a joint statement: "Following the tragic events in Manchester last night, we would like to express our deepest sympathy with those affected, and reassure anyone coming to MCM London Comic Con this weekend that additional security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of all visitors.
MCM Expo Group is working closely with ExCeL London to ensure that the safety and wellbeing of everyone who comes to the venue is our top priority.
Visitors attending this weekend (26-28 May) will be subject to increased security checks and therefore we anticipate longer queue times than normal. Please allow extra time to travel to the venue and also accessing the event.
We also advise cosplayers not to bring replica weapons as part of their costume, as there is a possibility they will be confiscated – security will be strict with Cosplay to ensure visitor safety.
Our thoughts go out to the families and friends of the victims and the city of Manchester."
The O2: "We are shocked and deeply saddened by the terrible tragedy in Manchester. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected and their families."
The SSE Hydro: "Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected in Manchester. We are deeply shocked and saddened by this awful tragedy."
Paul Thandi, CEO of NEC Group: "Our thoughts are with those who were affected by the terrible incident at the Manchester Arena last night. We’re shocked and saddened by what has happened.
Public safety at our events is our priority and we have a number of security measures in place which we continue to review.
We don’t discuss specific security details as doing so is potentially detrimental to these measures, however, we do use a number of different security techniques.
Our teams - who liaise with the police, exhibition and conference organisers and concert promoters on an on-going basis - are vigilant at all times and review security measures as necessary.
We encourage those attending our events to also remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to our security staff or police."
The National Arenas Association: "The National Arenas Association’s member venues are shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific attack which took place last night at Manchester Arena. Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences are with the victims and their families and all those affected by this terrible event.
All UK and Irish Arenas work collaboratively and tirelessly through the NAA’s Safety Advisory and Events Managers’ Groups to improve the health, safety and well-being of our staff and customers, which is our utmost priority. This is achieved through the sharing of best practice and advice from security advisers, the police (including counter-terrorism officers), event promoters and organisers and from one another.
The NAA also provides specific training delivered by leading security and event consultants to ensure that Arena staff are vigilant, knowledgeable and qualified to take appropriate action both before incidents arise, and if necessary, afterwards. Through these actions, all NAA Arenas will continue to work towards providing the safest possible environment for over 7 million concert-goers every year to enjoy the collective experience of seeing their favourite artists in the company of their families and friends.
Our thoughts are also with our colleagues at Manchester Arena and the emergency services staff who worked so professionally and bravely in such traumatic circumstances."
The European Arenas Association: "The European Arenas Association members are shocked and saddened by the news of the attack last night at Manchester Arena. Following the special Security Symposium program last year and our follow-up safety meetings, the EAA will continue to take a leading role in educating its members on the newest technology and methods of securing our public sports and entertainment venues, and in protecting our tenants and guests.
Our semi-annual meeting, taking place next week at Paris’ AccorHotels Arena, will focus on the updated information from Manchester while further sharing the best practice procedures from our members. Our membership stands in solidarity with the Arena, the responders and investigators working hard in Manchester and we are heartened to read of the stories of bravery and courage shown by those teams and the local emergency services last night.
Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to those who have been injured and to the families of those who have so tragically lost their lives."
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester: "My heart goes out to families who have lost loved ones, my admiration to our brave emergency services. A terrible night for our great city."
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, also released a statement regarding the attack: "London stands united with the great city of Manchester today after this barbaric and sickening attack. This was a cowardly act of terrorism that targeted a concert attended by thousands of children and young people.
My heart goes out to the victims, their families and everybody affected. Once again we have seen the heroism of our brave emergency services. They have our full support and are in all our thoughts today.
I am in constant contact with the Metropolitan Police, who are reviewing security arrangements in London. Londoners will see more police on our streets today.
Manchester and the rest of Britain will never be cowed by terrorism. Those who want to destroy our way of life and divide us will never succeed."
Ariana Grande, who had left the stage by the time of the attack, tweeted:
broken.
from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don’t have words.
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande)
