Hiromshima and Nagasaki survivors to speak at Manchester ceremony marking 67th anniversary of atomic bombings

By Hannah Hulme

Survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki will speak in Manchester today at a ceremony marking the 67^th anniversary of the terrible event.

The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Elaine Boyes, will lead the service at 10:30am in Lincoln Square.

At 11am a two-minute silence will commemorate all civilians killed in conflicts since 1945, followed by an address from the former Mayor of Hiroshima Tadatoshi Akiba.

The service will also see readings by members of the British Nuclear Test Veteran Association and the Chernobyl Children’s project.

Councillor Boyes said: “Although it is an honour to be leading the ceremony this is an incredibly sad anniversary.

"The ceremony will allow us all to reflect on the very real human cost of conflict across the world and remember all the men, women and children that have senselessly lost their lives.” 


The atomic bombings of the Japanese cities by the USA is the only use of nuclear weapons in war to date.

Within the first two to four months of the bombings, the acute effects killed 90,000–166,000 people in Hiroshima and 60,000–80,000 in Nagasaki.

Around 60% died from flash or flame burns, 30% from falling debris and 10% from other causes.

During the following months, large numbers died from the effect of burns, radiation sickness, and other injuries, compounded by illness.

"Manchester is proud of its involvement with the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and it will be a privilege to stand shoulder to shoulder with them on this sombre day,” added Councillor Boyes.

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