![\"Michael](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Michael-Gunning-.jpeg\")
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Michael Gunning marched with Bentley\u2019s BeProud network at Manchester Pride in remembrance of the victims of the 2017 arena bombing, which he survived. (Bentley Newsroom\/ Olgun Kordal) <\/p>\n
Swimmer Michael Gunning, who survived the Manchester Arena bombing eight years ago, has marched in the city\u2019s Pride parade to honour the victims.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Twenty-two people died<\/a> and hundreds more were injured at an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017 when suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated a device as people were starting to leave the gig.<\/a><\/p>\n Gunning,\u00a0the first out gay athlete to represent Jamaica<\/a>, was at the concert but escaped unhurt. The incident influenced his decision to come out, and on Saturday (23 August), he attended Manchester Pride in memory of all the victims of the bombing.<\/p>\n Speaking to PinkNews, Gunning said: \u00a0\u201cThis tribute was so important and special to me because the 22 people who lost their lives that night deserve for their stories and spirits to be remembered. It was my way of honouring them in a space filled with life, colour and resilience, showing that love will always outshine hate.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOne of my highlights of the day was interacting with the crowd as everyone was so full of joy, and seeing generations of families lining the streets was incredibly moving. <\/p>\n \u201cI had the option to sit on the car if I felt too overwhelmed, but I was in such a bubble of love and energy, I didn\u2019t want to stop and felt deflated when it was over.\u201d<\/p>\n In an interview with I Love Manchester<\/a> before the event, he said: \u201cI\u2019ve been waiting eight years for this moment. This will be my first time marching at Pride. To be doing it in Manchester, after everything that\u2019s happened here, feels deeply significant. It\u2019s about honouring those we lost but also showing how far I\u2019ve come.<\/p>\n \u201cManchester has always shown me love. From the tributes after the attack, to the anniversaries, to strangers reaching out, people here care. I couldn\u2019t go to the One Love [benefit] concert [in June 2017], I wasn\u2019t mentally ready but I felt the spirit of the city. Togetherness is what Manchester does best.<\/p>\n \u201cThis city knows what it means to come together in the face of tragedy. Pride is an extension of that, a space where everyone can truly be themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n When is the Manchester Pride candlelit vigil?\u00a0<\/p>\n Pride weekend isn\u2019t over yet, and many will be attending a candlelit vigil <\/a>that will take place on Monday (25 August) from 9pm to 10pm in Sackville Gardens. In partnership with George House Trust, the event aims to bring together LGBTQ+ communities and allies to remember those lost to HIV.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/GettyImages-687616320.jpg\")
A man reacts as he view floral tributes, messages and candles in Albert Square in Manchester, northwest England on May 24, 2017, left as tributes to the victims of the May 22 terror attack at the Manchester Arena. (CHRIS J RATCLIFFE\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Michael](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Michael-at-Pride-1-1-edited.jpeg\")
Michael Gunning, who survived the Manchester Arena bombing, marched in the city\u2019s Pride parade. (Bentley Newsroom\/ Olgun Kordal)<\/p>\n