MANCHESTER Arena will officially reopen next month with a special benefit concert to honour the victims of May's atrocities.

The We Are Manchester gig will take place on on Saturday September 9 with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Courteeners, Blossoms, Rick Astley and ‘Longfella’ poet Tony Walsh all set to perform.

A pre show DJ set from Clint Boon will also be provided with more acts to follow.

All profits from the concert will raise money for the Manchester Memorial Fund, a charitable trust overseen by the Lord Mayor of Manchester which will go towards establishing a permanent memorial for the 22 May attack.

The arena has been closed since the attack which killed 22 people. 

James Allen, general manager of Manchester Arena said: “May’s events will never be forgotten, but they will not stop us – or Mancunian music fans – from coming together to enjoy live music. Manchester Arena has celebrated over 20 years hosting some of the greatest musical talent of all time, and the significant economic and cultural impact that this has on the city means that this legacy must continue.

“Public safety is always our priority and we are doing all we can to keep people safe at our venue. Doors will open at 5pm and we are asking all customers to arrive at the Arena in plenty of time and and to keep personal items to an absolute minimum.”

All customers will be screened upon arrival, any bags larger than 35cm x 40cm x 19cm will not be allowed inside the venue and no bag storage will be provided.

Tickets, priced at £25 and £30 (plus booking fee), will go on sale at 9am on Thursday 17th August at eventim.co.uk or by calling 0844 847 8000 and at ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling 0844 844 0444.

Maximum 4 tickets per person. Tickets are non transferable. Names will be printed on tickets and ID checks will be carried out on the door.

Please note there will be no direct box office purchases for this event.