Manchester Arena and the Concert Promoters Association have condemned the suicide bombing which killed 22 people at the end of last night's Ariana Grande show as a "senseless tragedy".
Fifty-nine others were also injured in the attack outside the venue at around 10.30pm. It has since been confirmed that the attack was carried out by one man who died at the scene after detonating an explosive device.
"Last night, our community suffered a senseless tragedy," said a statement from Manchester Arena. "Our entire team's thoughts and focus are now on supporting the people affected and their families.
"We are assisting the police in any way we can. We cannot praise the emergency services enough for their response and have been inspired by the way the people of this great city of Manchester rallied round last night and have continued to respond today. It shows the very best of this city.
"Again, our thoughts and deepest condolences are with all those affected by last night's tragedy."
Phil Bowdery, chairman of the Concert Promoters Association, added: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by last night’s senseless attack at the Ariana Grande Concert. This is heartbreaking news and our thoughts and love are with everyone in Manchester at this time - in particular those that lost their lives or were affected by this devastating incident and their families and friends.
"All members of the Concert Promoters Association will continue to work with venues, Police, stewarding companies and the relevant authorities and it is our understanding that outside of the Manchester Arena and the Ariana Grande tour, all other planned concerts and events will go ahead, as advertised, unless ticketholders are directly advised to the contrary. Fans should check with venues direct for specific updates."
Bowdery, who is president of touring, international for Live Nation, promoter of last night's concert, added: "In light of this attack on our concert going community, we ask for the support and understanding of our patrons with regard to any security measures which are in place for the safety of the public, and urge everyone to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour.
"Our deepest sympathies and condolences are with all those affected by this horrific incident.”
The National Arenas Association (NAA) extended its condolences in a statement, adding: "All UK and Irish Arenas work collaboratively and tirelessly through the NAA’s safety advisory and events managers’ groups to improve the health, safety and well-being of our staff and customers, which is our utmost priority. This is achieved through the sharing of best practice and advice from security advisers, the police (including counter-terrorism officers), event promoters and organisers and from one another.
"The NAA also provides specific training delivered by leading security and event consultants to ensure that arena staff are vigilant, knowledgeable and qualified to take appropriate action both before incidents arise, and if necessary, afterwards. Through these actions, all NAA Arenas will continue to work towards providing the safest possible environment for over seven million concert-goers every year to enjoy the collective experience of seeing their favourite artists in the company of their families and friends.
"Our thoughts are also with our colleagues at Manchester Arena and the emergency services staff who worked so professionally and bravely in such traumatic circumstances."
Opened in 1995, the 21,000-capacity Manchester Arena is operated by SMG Europe and typically accommodates around 15,000 people for music concerts. It was the world's fourth busiest arena in 2016, selling 851,785 tickets.
Take That's scheduled performances at the venue on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (May 25-27) have been postponed in the wake of the tragedy.
A raft of artists and music industry leaders have also been paying tribute to those affected by the explosion.
