In the wake of the Manchester Arena attack, the country has been continuing on with major events like the FA Cup Final and Radio 1 Big Weekend. There has been an increased police presence at these hotspots, and it really seems to be helping people feel safe.
The UK’s terror threat was yesterday reduced from “critical” to “severe”, meaning an attack was no longer considered imminent.
If you are going to Wembley you will see an increase in police numbers in & around the stadium. The focus is the safety & security of fans.
— MPS Football Unit (@MPSFootballUnit) May 26, 2017
However, a ring of steel was still placed around a host of sporting and music festivals around the country, and increased security was much appreciated by those who went.
Many people have taken to Twitter to thank the police for their work.
Lovely to see the fans at the FA Cup Final thanking the police for helping us stay safe
— Laurence Reade (@Laurencereade) May 27, 2017
absolute respect for the big weekend staff n police etc tho
— beth (@bthnyldstr) May 27, 2017
Big thank you to LCHS and other NHS staff working this bank holiday weekend. Also thanks to Police and Army working to keep people safe.
— Andrew Morgan (@MorganCEO) May 27, 2017
Big shout out to all the police officer & support staff working so hard protecting people this BH weekend @gmpolice @metpoliceuk Thank you ??
— Mystic Memz (@Ata_Memz) May 27, 2017
Back in Manchester, police were high-fived last night by grateful music fans as they left the first major event held in the city since the attack.
Courteeners frontman Liam Fray, reciting the piece written by Mancunian Ryan Williams in the aftermath of the atrocity, assured the crowd the city would “rekindle our swagger”.
More major events are planned for today as the bank holiday weekend continues, including the Great Manchester Run and the second day of the Big Weekend.