Ben Pearce: "The unity that music brings is useful to remember on a day like today"

I woke up this morning some 8,000 miles away from the city that I grew up in. As many have been, I was rendered speechless by the atrocity that was carried out at Manchester Arena last night. I struggle to comprehend what sort of person can carry out such a targeted attack on young people and I’ve spent a lot of the day thinking about the very subject.

This is something that cuts close to home for many, not least because of location but as a whole. The music community relishes the possibility of being safe at a venue to enjoy what we love.

However, through all the pain came something great and beautiful; the solidarity of the Manchester community who had come out in huge numbers, willing to come together to overcome the terror that was intended to befall and divide them. This is a city built on culture and integrity and it will not be defeated by such a blatant disregard for it.

I have the utmost respect and admiration for all those involved, not only the emergency services but those providing shelter, comfort, information, transport and anything necessary for their neighbours.