The organisers of Foodie Friday have cancelled this week’s event following the Manchester Arena bomb.

The monthly event in Stockport town centre had been due to take place on May 26 but has now been cancelled ‘out of respect to the victims’.

A statement on the Foodie Friday Facebook page went on: “As organisers of such a popular outdoor event, we take the responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of our visitors incredibly seriously.

“After discussing this, along with other issues with Stockport Council, we decided that the best approach would be to cancel this month’s event.

“While we appreciate that many people feel strongly about proceeding with the event as normal, in order to show solidarity in the face of adversity, we cannot stress how important it is ensure the safety of the general public, especially with the national threat level raised to critical.

“We would appreciate if you could share this news with anyone you know who was planning to attend the event on Friday, in order to make them aware of the cancellation.

“Please note, the bars and restaurants around the Market Place, including Seven Miles Out, will still be open as usual on Friday.

“We would encourage anyone who wants to support businesses in Stockport Market Place on Friday night and over the coming weekend to do so and the Market Place is open for business as usual. Foodie Friday will be back at the end of June.”