Taylor Swift praises Manchester's 'resilience'

The US singer told the crowd at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium – the first UK show of her Reputation tour – that the victims of last year’s terror attack at the end of an Ariana Grande concert would never be forgotten.

She said: “You’ve shown that you’re never going to let anyone forget about those victims.

“And you’ve shown that you have such incredible resilience to keep dancing and to keep the innocence and to keep the joy and keep the excitement.”

She added: “I just wanted to say, Manchester, it’s such an honour to be playing for you tonight.”

Swift also explained why she wanted to play her first UK stadium gig in the city.

“This is a really special night for me and everybody on this stage,” she said.

“You’re so amazing. That’s why I wanted to start the UK tour in Manchester.”

Swift, 28, delivered her heartfelt comments while talking with fans between performing her songs.

She is playing the Etihad Stadium again on Saturday before moving to Dublin and then Wembley Stadium later this month.