Concert Love from Manchester

Ariana Grande performs during the One Love Manchester benefit concert

50,000 fans packed into Old Trafford as Ariana Grande returned to Manchester to play a benefit concert for the victims of the Arena attack nearly two weeks ago.

A host of stars performed alongside the American singer including Little Mix, Black Eyed Peas, Take That, Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus.

Messages were played out from Steve Wonder, David Beckham and Grande’s manager Scooter Braun appeared on stage wearing a black One Love Manchester baseball cap with the pink logo for the concert on the front to introduce the singer on her return to the city less than two weeks after she said she was “broken” by the attack.

Grande came out dressed in an oversized white One Love Manchester sweatshirt, ripped jeans and high-heeled black boots accompanied by a company of dancers wearing the same sweatshirts in black.

She performed her hits Be Alright and Break Free, shouting: “Manchester make some noise!” before pink streamers rained down on the crowd.

Ahead of the concert, fans expressed nervousness but a determination to stand together.

Among them were Linda Tipping, 50, and Laura Mayren, 26, from Chorley, who both sported Ariana Grande’s signature bunny ears as they said they were determined to enjoy themselves in spite of some trepidation.

Ms Tipping said: “I’m nervous. Everything has made me nervous. I thought about not coming after last night.

“But friends said ‘don’t be stupid, enjoy yourself and don’t think about it’ .

“We can’t let them stop us.”

Ms Mayren added: “You only live once. Our friend lost her niece, Saffie Rose (Roussos).

“We wanted to be here to show our support.

“It’s going to be amazing in there, we are one.”