Tight security and tears at Ariana Grande benefit concert for Manchester bomb victims

US pop singer Ariana Grande returned to Manchester to headline a star-studded benefit concert on Sunday that was both joyful and mournful, in aid of victims of the bombing that rocked the city last month, as security fears ran high after attackers in London killed seven people.

Around 50,000 fans crammed into Old Trafford cricket ground under the watchful eye of hundreds of police, including a significant number of armed officers, a sight that would be unusual under normal circumstances.

The show saw performances from big pop acts from both sides of the Atlantic, including local heroes Take That and Liam Gallagher, along with Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Little Mix, Coldplay, the Black Eyed Peas, and Grande.

The show was a mix of gaiety and sombre reflection - fans could at times be seen jumping for joy, while others, holding banners saying “for our angels”, could be seen wiping away tears. The event began with a moment of silence for the victims of the bombing less than two weeks ago.

“I don’t want to feel or hear or see any fear in this building,” US singer Pharrell Williams told the crowd as he led them in a rendition of his hit single Happy. “The only thing we’ll feel here tonight is love, and positivity.”