Mural painted for victims of Manchester bombing is completed

Painted above Bees Knees cocktail bar on Fairbottom Street, it shows a love heart being made with someone's hands, surrounded by 22 bees, one for each of the victims.

Underneath the heart is written "One Love Manchester".

Phil James, director of Bees Knees, has said the response from people who have seen it has been very positive.

He said: "The reaction from customers who have visited the venue as well as on social media has been extremely positive.

"People have said it's a nice reminder for people to remember those lost in the tragedy."

Paul Roberts, the area manager of Bees Knees, said the reaction from people had been "brilliant" and lots of people had been taking photographs.

The mural was painted by street artist Jamie Buckley, a painter who does interior jobs but who has also done several murals around the North West.

Mr James said: "We wanted the focus to be on the tragedy, and so [Jamie] came up with that."

It took Mr Buckley about a week to complete.

Jamie Buckley and Phil James before the mural was completed

The mural had been first thought of by Mr James back in 2019, but was delayed initially due to the pandemic. It was then set to be done in November 2021, but was delayed again due to weather.

Two Oldham mothers, Alison Howe and Lisa Lees, both from Royton, died in the arena bombing in May 22, 2017.

Mr James said: ""I just thought it was a very good way of commemorating the people who lost their lives.

"It was a shock at the time to the whole of the North West.

"Hopefully it will be a positive thing for the town and will brighten up the street."

The mural can be found on Fairbottom Street, opposite to the Oldham Coliseum Theatre.

It took Mr Buckley less than a week