Ariana Grande to become First Honorary Citizen of Manchester

American singer Ariana Grande is in line to be the first honorary citizen of Manchester for organising the One Love Manchester concert in aid of victims of the bomb attack at her concert, in which 22 people died.

According to The Guardian, under the proposals for the new scheme, honorary citizenship of Manchester could be granted to those from outside Greater Manchester.

Council leader Richard Leese said many people would already consider Ariana to be “an honorary Mancunian”.

He said:

“This seems a fitting moment to update the way we recognise those who make noteworthy contributions to the life and success of our city.

We’ve all had cause to be incredibly proud of Manchester and the resilient and compassionate way in which the city, and all those associated with it, have responded to the terrible events of 22 May – with love and courage rather than hatred and fear.

Ariana Grande exemplified this response. I think many people would already consider her an honorary Mancunian and we would be delighted, if the council approves the proposal, to make it official.”

Ariana Grande helped to raise nearly £3m when she returned to Manchester to perform a star-studded benefit concert at Old Trafford cricket ground 13 days after the unfortunate event.