Hundreds of local residents of all ages and faiths came together this evening for peace vigils to show solidarity with Manchester and remember the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing.
In Handforth members of the community gathered for a half hour vigil at Meriton Road Park, one week after 22 people were killed in the terrorist attack.
Handforth resident Tara Pownall, who organised the event, welcomed the crowd, many of whom brought candles and pink balloons, and then read a poem she had written titled '22'*.
Rev Steve Burmester of St Chad's Church addressed the crowd and led prayers before a minute's silence was held.
He said "Today we meet as residents of Handforth to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Manchester in the aftermath of last Monday's atrocities.
"We stand together against the evil of terrorism. We stand in compassion and sadness with those who grieve, who grieve for children, for parents, for brothers and sisters. We stand together and say that love is stronger than hate."
Rev Steve Burmester continued "We stand with pride at the love and compassion that the people of Manchester have shown one another. We stand with pride for the emergency services, our medical centres and the countless people who've reached out in love."
Tara then released twenty-two pink balloons, each one carrying the name of one of those who sadly lost their life, before ending the service by playing 'One last time' by Ariana Grande.
Immediately afterwards Churches Together in Wilmslow held a vigil at the Memorial Gardens offering local people the chance to Stand Together.
Hundreds of people came together to light candles and hear from representatives of the Wilmslow churches and Cheadle Mosque who offered their thoughts and prayers to all those affected in the terror attack.
Revd Kirsty Thorpe, on behalf of Churches Together in Wilmslow, said "The response to this event was overwhelming and very moving. There must have been more than 600 people expressing their grief and solidarity with Manchester. We ran out of candles.
"Our community has said 'We Stand Together'. We want to celebrate our difference, reject hatred and intolerance, and build a safer, stronger Wilmslow. Thank you to everyone who came together on Monday night."
Buckets were available at the Wilmslow vigil for people to make a donation for the victims of Manchester Arena attack which raised £1279.25.
Khumi Burton said "Fantastic amount and very generous of all those who came and paid their respect. It was great to see so many young children. It affects us all."
*22 by Tara Pownall.
Twenty-two, that's twenty-two people,
Twenty-two lives lost, many more injured,
From kids to adults out to have fun, To have a sing or a dance,
None of them knew it would be there last chance.
The world is a cruel place, with some people living with pure hate,
This isn't the way their lives were meant to end.
They were meant to live longer,
Live till they're old,
No matter what happens now
Our hearts won't mend.
We will remember those twenty-two souls
Until the day that we grow old,
Let them rest in peace now to one last song,
Let them dance forever to Ariana Grande one last time.
Goodbye for now to the twenty-two
One day we will all be dancing with you.
