A City Tested, a Love Rediscovered
It’s often said that you don’t truly appreciate something until it’s threatened. For Simon Hattenstone, a journalist and lifelong resident of Manchester, this sentiment became painfully real when his hometown was struck by a devastating terrorist attack. In a heartfelt reflection, Hattenstone shares how the tragedy not only shook the city but also rekindled his deep love for Manchester and its resilient spirit.
The Night That Changed Everything
On May 22, 2017, Manchester Arena became the site of a horrific bombing at the end of an Ariana Grande concert. Twenty-two innocent lives were lost, and countless others were left scarred—physically and emotionally. Hattenstone, like many others, was overwhelmed with grief and anger. But amidst the darkness, he witnessed something extraordinary: the unyielding unity and compassion of his fellow Mancunians.
“I’ve always been proud of Manchester,” Hattenstone writes, “but I didn’t realise just how much I loved it until that night. The attack was meant to divide us, to instill fear and hatred. Instead, it brought us closer together.”
The Rise of the Worker Bee
In the days following the bombing, Manchester became a symbol of resilience. Strangers opened their homes to those stranded, volunteers flooded the streets to offer support, and the city’s iconic worker bee emblem—a symbol of Manchester’s industrial heritage—became a rallying cry for solidarity. Hattenstone recalls seeing the bee tattooed on arms, painted on walls, and plastered across social media. It was a powerful reminder that Manchester would not be broken.
A City of Fighters
But Hattenstone’s reflection goes beyond the immediate aftermath. He delves into the complexities of life in a city that has faced its share of challenges—economic downturns, social inequality, and now, terrorism. Yet, he argues, it is precisely these struggles that have forged Manchester’s indomitable spirit. “We’re a city of fighters,” he says. “We’ve always had to work hard, to push back against adversity. That’s who we are.”
Rediscovering Manchester’s Heart
The attack also forced Hattenstone to confront his own feelings about his hometown. Growing up, he admits, he often took Manchester for granted. It was simply the place he lived, the backdrop to his life. But the tragedy made him see it in a new light. “I started noticing the little things—the way people greet each other in the street, the warmth of the community, the pride we take in our city’s history. I realised how much I’d overlooked, how much I’d come to love this place.”
A Plea for Unity in a Divided World
Yet, Hattenstone’s piece is not just a love letter to Manchester. It’s also a plea for unity in an increasingly divided world. He worries about the rise of extremism, the polarization of societies, and the erosion of compassion. “The attack on Manchester was a stark reminder of what happens when hatred goes unchecked,” he writes. “But it also showed us the power of coming together, of standing shoulder to shoulder in the face of adversity.”
A Prayer for Manchester and Beyond
As the years have passed, Manchester has continued to heal, but the scars remain. The city’s resilience, Hattenstone believes, is a testament to its people. “We’ve shown the world that love is stronger than hate, that unity can triumph over division. But we can’t take that for granted. We have to keep fighting for it, every single day.”
In closing, Hattenstone offers a prayer for his hometown and for the world: “I pray that Manchester continues to be a beacon of hope and unity. I pray that we never forget the lessons we’ve learned. And I pray that, no matter what challenges we face, we always choose love over hate.”
Simon Hattenstone’s story is a poignant reminder of the power of community and the enduring strength of the human spirit. In the face of tragedy, Manchester stood tall—and in doing so, it inspired us all.
