ABC News August 26, 2019

Ariana Grande opens up to fans while headlining Manchester Pride festival

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Ariana Grande returned to Manchester, England, for the city's Pride celebration on Sunday and opened up to the crowd of fans ahead of her headlining performance.

"Manchester holds a very special place in my heart," Grande said on stage, according to BBC.

Joel Goodman/LNP/REX via Shutterstock
Ariana Grande performs at the Mayfield Depot during Manchester's annual Gay Pride festival, August 25, 2019, in Manchester, England.

"I'm so happy to be with you, so thank you for having me. Sorry I'm so nervous. I had so much more to say but I'm really overwhelmed. So thank you."

Her appearance came just over two years after the deadly May 22, 2017, terrorist attack outside her sold-out concert at Manchester Arena, which claimed the lives of 22 people.

Grande's performance on Sunday at the Mayfield Depot began at 10:25 p.m., and her set -- which began with her hit song "No Tears Left to Cry" -- reportedly lasted 35 minutes.

Joel Goodman/ZUMAPRESS.com via Newscom
Ariana Grande performs at the Mayfield Depot during Manchester's annual Gay Pride festival, August 25, 2019, in Manchester, England.
(MORE: Ariana Grande to headline Manchester Pride in August)

The pop superstar also posted a heartfelt message on her social media accounts, dedicated to the people of Manchester, ahead of the performance.

"You’re my heart in every way. see u soon," Grande wrote in the caption.

(MORE: Ariana Grande posts tribute on second anniversary of Manchester attack)

Manchester Pride is a fundraising event that celebrates the LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community in Greater Manchester.

Grande previously performed in the city at her One Love Manchester benefit concert a month after the attack, and was subsequently named an honorary citizen by the Manchester Council.