Over five hundred people gathered in Piccadilly Gardens last night, joining Florian Marlin and Mustafa Dictactes, the vigil organisers, to pay their respects to those who lost their lives in Friday's terrorists attacks in Paris.
People from all over the North West joined those from Manchester's French community in this non political silent vigil. At 6pm the crowd formed a large circle and in silence candles were lit in tribute to the 132 people who died in Paris.
Thirty minutes of reflective silence followed, at the end of which the crowd sang the French national anthem, La Marseillaise, and Florian Marlin thanked everybody for their support and solidarity.
Many from the French community, who were visually upset, did not want to leave the circle, full of flowers, flags and candles. They continued with the silent vigil, whilst others attended a service at St Ann's Church.
Words and photos by Sue Wray