TODAY is the reopening of the Manchester Arena with a special concert marking the occasion.

The We Are Manchester concert comes almost four months after a bomb claimed the lives of 22 people at the venue.

Families of those killed in the attack are expected to attend and Olivia Campbell-Hardy's family will be there, but not without some apprehension.

Paul Hodgson, Olivia's step-father said: "I think it's going to be a really good thing.

"It's going to bring everyone in Manchester together for the first opening to prove, again, we are standing together, that we are proud and we are Manchester.

"Charlotte's not too happy about the crowds and all that but we can't stop doing the things we would normally do."

He said he and Charlotte Campbell, Olivia's mother, were looking forward to it on the whole and commended the number of local artists which have got involved.

Charlotte revealed she was looking forward to Rick Astley, whose hit, Never Gonna Give You Up, was the first record she bought.

Their daughter, Olivia, who attended Tottington High School, Laurel Street, Bury was 15 when she was killed in the blast.

An all star line up has been gathered to reopen the iconic Manchester venue with Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds headlining the night.

Bolton comedian, Peter Kay, has also been announced for the evening, he is expected to introduce Noel Gallagher and his band.

Prestwich poet, Tony Walsh, better known as Longfella, will also be performing tonight.

Mr Walsh gained praise in the aftermath of the attack for his poem This Is The Place, which he read out at a vigil for the dead held in Albert Square, after the bombing on May 22.

Russell Kane is hosting the evening and Blossoms, Pixie Lott, Courteeners and Bugzy Malone are also performing.

Doors to the venue open at 5pm and people are advised to arrive early.

All visitors will be screened upon arrival, any bags larger than 35cm x 40cm x 19cm will not be allowed inside the venue and no bag storage will be provided.

Tickets to the concert sold out quickly and all the profits from the benefit gig will go to the Manchester Memorial Fund.

This fund is separate to the, We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, which was set up for those affected by the attack.

The memorial fund was established by the Lord Mayor of Manchester's Charity Appeal Trust, the 'We Love Manchester Charity', and money raised will go towards the costs of establishing a permanent memorial or memorials.