HUNDREDS of people gathered to hear a message of defiant solidarity on the first anniversary of the Manchester Arena attack.

A minute of silence outside Blackburn town hall was followed by a moving performance from Our Lady and St Johns School Choir, before the ceremony was brought to a fitting end with a touching poem recital by Madison Walker, who survived the attack.

Crowds also gathered outside Darwen town hall to pay their respects, while a minute’s silence was observed by Hyndburn and Chorley Councils.

In Blackburn, new borough mayor Cllr Pat McFall began the ceremony in front of about 200 people.

She said: "Many of us were left feeling it could have been any one of us on that dreadful night.

"Our thoughts are with the families of all those affected at this difficult time."

Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Cllr Mohammed Khan made clear that hate would not overthrow the solidarity shown by everyone present.

He said: "It’s very important that we gather together to pay our respects and show solidarity to the memory of the 22 people – children and adults – who were killed in this terrible attack.

"We will never forget them. These were innocent people caught up in a terrible attack close to our home.

"What we must do is keep their memory alive by standing together against those evil people who want to divide us.

"We will not let the hate win."

Chair of Drive for Justice, Adnan Hussain, 28, said: "I think it's extremely important to show solidarity after such horrific and brutal attacks, especially when our children were affected.

"Our community is united, these things won't take us down, we come out stronger, and we saw people from all different backgrounds today, so the terrorists can't divide us, we're here united and stronger than ever."

Rev. Canon Dr Rowena Pailing, Canon Missioner for Lancashire’s Anglican Cathedral, said: "We come together today as people of all faiths and none.

"On behalf of the Christian community at Blackburn Cathedral, we would like to offer our condolences to all those who grieve."

The new screen at the town hall showed 22 pink balloons in memory of the innocent lives lost, who Blackburn will never forget.

Rt Rev. Julian Henderson, the Bishop of Blackburn and Rt Rev. Philip North, the Bishop of Burnley, say the bereaved families with be in their prayers and in the prayers of churches across Lancashire.

"Anniversaries can be incredibly difficult times for bereaved families and doubtless there will be many at this time who will be playing through in their minds the horrific events of May 22 last year in the Manchester Arena.

"So many wonderful lives were taken away from us by the wicked actions of one man. However, the incredible dignity and enduring love of the bereaved families over the past 12 months has been vital in showing us that compassion and hope will always triumph over hatred and anger.

"They will be in our prayers and in the prayers of the churches of Lancashire as we keep this anniversary."