Manchester tributes on display

The items which were lain on the steps of Bolton town hall following the attack in May have been carefully preserved to form part of a display in Central Library, Le Mans Crescent.

Candles, mementoes and handwritten messages have been placed in two display cases in the Upfront Area of the library.

Also included in the display will be some bee-themed artwork by schoolgirl Amy Bostock, plus a heart-shaped display of 22 bees from the Library and Museum Services’ natural history collection, to commemorate each of the 22 victims.

Amy (14), from Bromley Cross, attended the Ariana Grande concert on the night of the attack and produced a canvas featuring a honeycomb and bees as a way of dealing with what she experienced. The canvas has been reproduced into postcards which are being sold to raise funds for the Red Cross Appeal to help the victims and their families. 

The cuddly toys that were placed on the steps have been cleaned and will be donated to charity at a future date.

Any remaining items from the tributes that are not on display will be forever kept in the museum’s collection. 

The Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Cliff Morris, said: "Everyone in Bolton was horrified by the attack at Manchester Arena and we have stood side by side with Manchester in our grief for those who lost their lives.

“Those who perpetrate these atrocities want to divide us and we will never let that happen, so we will continue to show our support to those affected as they rebuild their lives.

“The memorials lain on the steps of our town hall now form part of a display in Central Library, where people can continue to pay their respects and reflect on the strength of our wider community.”

Books of condolence which have been placed at civic buildings across the borough will also feature in the display.

To keep up to date with what’s happening at Bolton Library and Museum Services, follow them on Twitter @BoltonLMS or like their Facebook page.