Ariana Grande to get honorary citizenship of Manchester after raising millions for victims of terror attack

US singer, Ariana Grande will become an honorary citizen of Manchester after her incredible fundraising efforts to help those affected by the terror attack in Manchester last month. 

The 23-year-old pop star raised millions for victims of the atrocity during her star studded One Love Manchester benefit concert last week, which took place after 22 people were killed and more than 100 injured when a suicide bomb exploded following her Manchester Arena concert on May 22.

 

Ariana will be recognised by the council for her efforts in organising the concert, which took place at Manchester’s Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground in June, and featured performances from global superstars including Justin Bieber, Coldplay, Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus.

One Love Manchester concert, which was watched by millions around the world, has so far raised almost £3 million for the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund.

Manchester City Council is proposing a new system that will award honorary citizenship to those people who have made an outstanding contribution to the city.

In a statement, the council said civic leaders had wanted to introduce a new honorary system for quite some while, to be added to the existing Freedom of the City honour, which is the highest honour available. It’s been awarded just four times since the turn of the millennium.

“This seems a fitting moment to update the way we recognise those who make noteworthy contributions to the life and success of our city.

“We’ve all had cause to be incredibly proud of Manchester and the resilient and compassionate way in which the city, and all those associated with it, have responded to the terrible events of 22 May – with love and courage rather than hatred and fear.”

“Ariana Grande exemplified this response,” 

“I think many people would already consider her an honorary Mancunian and we would be delighted, if the Council approves the proposal, to make it official,” Council leader Sir Richard Leese said.