Over the past year, we’ve seen the rise of the friendship bracelet. Millions of fans around the world have been exchanging friendship bracelets at concerts and other fan events. Started by Swifties at The Eras Tour, the fan phenomenon has since made its way through countless fandoms; from Harry Styles to 5SOS, TWICE to Olivia Rodrigo, it’s become the big trend to do right now. But what if we told you that friendship bracelets could become a way to help save lives? Enter the 2557 Days Project.
This May marks the seventh anniversary since the tragic terror attack that took place at Ariana Grande‘s show in Manchester. Though time keeps passing by, the aftermath leaves a permanent mark on attendees, their loved ones, and the music scene as a whole. In light of the devastating events that took place, people still keep the memories alive of those we lost, including Lyric, who created the One Love Manchester Project in memory of her beloved friend Eilidh MacLeod, who was one of the 22 who lost their lives.
The One Love Manchester Project
The One Love Manchester Project is a small team of survivors and people affected by the Manchester attacks. They create projects, charity events, and terrorism awareness movements, advocating for the proper support of terrorism survivors and proper handling of terrorism risk. As we approach the seventh anniversary of the Manchester attacks, the One Love Manchester Project has created The 2557 Days Project, which will see them give away 2557 friendship bracelets made by people across the world, with each bracelet representing one day since the attack. But what’s different about these bracelets compared to others is that each one will have a QR code attached to them, linking resources for survivors of terrorism and terrorism prevention.
Lyric has called out to fandoms all across the world to unite and contribute to the project by making and donating bracelets. Fans can get creative with their bracelets in how they see fit, though popular themes include brightly colored, pink, and bee-themed, and text including “one love,” “TPWK,” and “inspire.” Bracelets will be collected until May 1st, where they will then be tagged and numbered before being distributed as random acts of kindness in and around Manchester city as well as at the Glade Of Light and Victoria Station memorials on May 22nd, which marks the seventh anniversary.
The 2557 Days Project
Speaking to us on what inspired the 2557 Days project, Lyric shares: “On the 7th anniversary of the Manchester Attack this year, we aim to give away 2557 bracelets as random acts of kindness in Manchester City Centre. Each bracelet will have a QR code attached, and that will lead people to a website full of resources on how they can access free therapy and support if they were affected, how people can prevent future attacks, and how to support a loved one through grief or trauma.”
“We decided to use bracelets, as bracelet trading is now a staple across concert and fandom culture. It felt right to replicate that support within the music community, because music was ultimately at the heart of what happened in Manchester and the reaction thereafter.”
“We chose the number 2557 as that is how many days will be between the attack and the 7th anniversary. One bracelet will represent one day that families have gone without their loved ones, one day that survivors have had to learn to live with the trauma of what happened. We just hit 1000 bracelets this week, but still need 1257 more!“
“My friend Eilidh, one of the 22 victims, was a fangirl at heart. She loved One Direction, Harry Styles, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus. I know she would have loved going to their concerts and making bracelets to trade with people. It pains me that her chance at those experiences was ripped from her when her life was taken. I hope that her story doesn’t make people sad, but instead helps them appreciate their lives and their loved ones and their experiences, because it can all be taken away from you in a second.”
Spread The Word
Fandoms are powerful and can make a difference in the world, and this is just one of the many examples. If you’re interested in participating in the project and donating bracelets, you can get more info here.
Will you be making friendship bracelets for the 2557 Days project? What are some powerful fan projects you’ve seen? Let us know by tweeting us at @TheHoneyPOP or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONE LOVE MANCHESTER PROJECT:
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