NEXT month marks the 50th anniversary of the Beatles singing All You Need Is Love to an estimated global television audience of 400 million.

In light of the horrific events which unfolded at the Manchester Arena on Monday night, those words seem hollow, vacuous even.

Thousands were attending a pop concert by American pop star Ariana Grande. It was a night of celebration, with many young children attending with their mums and dads, clutching programmes, T-shirts and balloons to party the night away.

As the concert ended and the happy throng headed for the exits, high on nothing more than music, carnage ensued, laughter replaced by slaughter as a device, thought to be a nail bomb, ripped through the concourse between the venue and nearby station.

Having lived in the north of England for 15 years, and seen the likes of Elbow, the Killers and Depeche Mode at the Manchester Arena, it is difficult to comprehend, especially as Manchester is a city renowned for its multi-culturalism and tolerance where visitors are welcomed with open arms.

Its nightlife is world renowned as is its musical heritage, with bands such as Joy Division, New Order, the Stone Roses, Oasis and Happy Mondays having sound tracked many of our lives since “Madchester” became the epitome of cool.

A night out in Manchester is memorable for all the right reasons for any northern soul, or indeed those from further afield.

In light of this bombing, however, the shock has reverberated way beyond that wonderful city.

As someone involved in bringing up three teenage girls in the north of England, all of whom attended pop concerts at the Manchester Arena over the years, one never envisaged anything like this happening. Of course, they were told to take care, be aware of their surroundings and meticulous arrangements were made to pick them up afterwards. And there they were, each time, happy smiles on their faces and gushing enthusiastically about what a fantastic night they had just enjoyed.

Parents would have been there on Monday night, waiting for their loved ones, just like I was. Some will never see their children again, taken away forever by a fanatic determined to wreak havoc in the aftermath of a joyous occasion.

In less than two weeks’ time Basildon’s Depeche Mode will be playing their “homecoming gig” in front of an 80,000 sell-out crowd at Stratford’s London Stadium.

I will be one of the many thousands from Essex who will be there to watch one of the greatest rock bands in the world, but the anticipation will be tinged with fear. How could it not be?

In the wake of what has happened in Manchester, security will quite rightly be stepped up. But this, it should be remembered, is a rock concert. A night of celebration. It will hopefully pass without incident, but the fear factor will hang heavy in the air. All You Need Is Love? If only it were so.

Politicians cancel campaigning 

POLITICIANS yesterday suspended their election campaign to unite in their condemnation of the Manchester bombing atrocity. 

As the nation reeled at the sickening act, politicians of all hues issued statements condemning the tragedy which left 22 dead and dozens more injured - including children. 

Rochford and Southend East Conservative candidate James Duddridge. said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and the families and friends of those affected.

"Moments likes this put the campaign into perspective and make us reflect that there is more that brings us together than defines us apart.

 “Now is a moment of reflection before returning to the election campaign, not allowing terrorists to interrupt the democratic process to which we are committed and they want to disrupt.” 

Sir David Amess, Conservative candidate for Southend West, sent a heartfelt message to Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, assuring him of the town’s thoughts and support. 

He said: “I want you to know that residents of Southend wish to extend to you and the people of Manchester their heartfelt sympathy on the atrocity which took place. I cannot begin to imagine how the family and friends of those who have been killed or injured must be feeling, there are no adequate words to comfort them.

“It is beyond belief that anyone’s mind is in such a state that they could do such a wicked thing.

"We all know there is no easy solution but we have to keep trying to find one. I cannot think of anyone better than you to bring together the community in Manchester at this heartbreaking time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.” 

Labour candidate Julian Ware-Lane added: “It is utterly appalling. One feels for anyone caught up in this tragic incident.

"It is thanks to our excellent security services that there are not more of these things going on.

"Those who carry out terrorist attacks are doing it to disrupt our lives and create discontent, but the very reverse happened. 
“We came together as a nation and are more united than ever. These people will not win.” 

Conservative leader Theresa May held an emergency Cobra meeting and afterwards confirmed it was a terrorist attack. 

She said: “All acts of terrorism are cowardly attacks on innocent people, but this attack stands out for its appalling, sickening cowardice - deliberately targeting innocent, defenceless children and young people who should have been enjoying one of the most memorable nights of their lives.” 

Other local politicians joined Mrs May to denounce the attack.

Reetendra Nath Banerji , the Liberal Democrat candidate for South Basildon and East Thurrock has said: “This is a shocking and horrific attack targeting children and young people who were simply enjoying a concert.

"My deepest sympathies are with the victims, and with families who have lost loved ones, as well as those desperately waiting for news.

Paul Hill, Rayleigh and Wickford candidate for the Green Party, said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected. This is an appalling incident that has horrified us all.”