Businesses rallying for Manchester attack victims

A huge concert at Old Trafford cricket ground on Sunday is expected to raise millions for the fund set up in the aftermath of the blast which killed 22 people, including South Shore Academy receptionist Jane Tweddle.

Blackpool Transport is laying on free travel for those with tickets while venues in the resort are preparing to screen the show and raise cash in the process.

At South Pier two huge LED screens will show the One Love Manchester concert featuring stars including Take That, Coldplay and Ariana Grande, whose concert at the Manchester Arena a week last Monday was the target of bomber Salman Abedi.

The pier is hoping to generate a party atmosphere for the show as well as plenty of cash for the appeal fund to support the families of those caught up in the horrific incident.

A spokesman said: “Not everybody is going to be able to get tickets and get to Manchester.

“We want to try to bring people together to watch the concert and to raise money.

“We’ll have entertainment, discounted food and drink and donation buckets for people to help raise money.

“The concert starts at seven and things will be getting going from about six.”

Blackpool Transport’s bus travel to Old Trafford proved popular, the company donating cash for every passenger onboard.

Jane Cole, Managing Director at Blackpool Transport said “We want to do our bit to help after such tragic events on 22nd May. Our hearts go out to all those who have been affected and if running a free bus to the concert on Sunday helps even just a little bit then it’ll be worthwhile.

“We’re also going to donate £5 to the Manchester Emergency Fund for every person who travels to and from the concert with us, so the more people who take up this offer the better”.

Blackpool’s tattoo studios continue to play their part, inking dozens of Manchester bee designs in return for a healthy donation.

Przenek Malachowski of the Inkden in Coronation Street, said: “We’re asking for a donation of £50 per bee.

“We’ve got two girls doing them and we’re fully booked.

“I think we’ll probably do about 20 on Sunday.

“There are lots of other places around town doing them. It’s good to see people working to raise money for a very good cause.”

Blackpool-based entertainer David Foster is hoping to organise a big benefit concert in the resort and is looking for backing.

He said: “This could be really big. If anyone wants to lend their support, their time, their talent call me on 07729361983.”