Ariana Grande told her audience at Manchester Pride that she was “overwhelmed” upon returning to the city for the first time since 2017.
The pop star’s headline performance at the event followed her benefit concert, One Love Manchester, which raised millions for those affected by the terror attack at her concert two years ago.
“Manchester holds a very special place in my heart,” she told fans.
“I'm so happy to be with you, so thank you for having me. Sorry, I'm so nervous. I had so much more to say but I'm really very overwhelmed. Thank you.”
Grande has previously said she experienced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after the bombing. The concert this weekend took place at a new outdoor venue in the city centre, rather than the arena.
Grande played a shorter version of the set from her current world tour, but ended on her 2014 single “One Last Time”, which took on additional meaning in the wake of the arena attack.
Grande will perform in Birmingham, Glasgow and Sheffield before returning for two more shows at the O2 Arena in London in October.
