60 arrests made over Parklife weekend including 35 on day two

Monday, 12 June 2023 20:18

By Adam Clark

Police made 60 arrests over Parklife weekend at Heaton Park including 35 on day two.

Around 70,000 people attend the festival on each day, which saw headliners including Aitch and The 1975.

The weather also impacted, with the acts being stopped for around an hour on Sunday afternoon due to safety concerns.

The following arrests were made related to these offences:

7 on suspicion of possession of illegal drugs
2 on suspicion of possession of a bladed article
1 on suspicion of a public order offence
1 on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker
1 on suspicion of a sexual offence
1 on suspicion of drink driving
22 on suspicion of possession with intent to supply illegal drugs

This follows 26 arrests that were made on Saturday, the first day of the festival.

Superintendent Andy Sidebotham, the lead for the Parklife policing operation, said: “I’m delighted to report that the vast majority of attendees at Parklife Festival enjoyed the event responsibly and safely.

“Most of the arrests made this weekend were the result of the proactive security operation led by Parklife and supported by GMP. Thanks to meticulous work by officers and staff, illegal drugs and weapons were prevented from entering the festival where they could have done serious harm to the public.

“This festival is important to Greater Manchester, and I am grateful to attendees for their enthusiasm and their patience through some of the challenges and for engaging positively with our officers.

“Finally, I want to thank our partners including Parklife organisers, North West Ambulance Service, Transport for Greater Manchester and Manchester City Council who were involved in months of planning and helped organise this fantastic event and made it a success.”