“Gallagher Brothers Pension Fund” Oasis gigs slammed after plans were kept secret from the council

Saturday, 5 July 2025 20:23

By David Murphy

Councillors slam five-night concert as 'unacceptable disruption' to schools, communities and worship

Plans for Oasis to stage their highly anticipated reunion tour over five nights at Manchester's Heaton Park have sparked backlash from Prestwich councillors and residents, who fear “unprecedented disruption” for surrounding communities.

Branded by some locals as the “Gallagher Brothers pension fund” the event is expected to draw 340,000 ticket holders across five non-consecutive nights, with tens of thousands more likely to show up without tickets.

The concerts, due to run over nine days, have drawn sharp criticism from Prestwich’s Labour councillors, who say they were not consulted before the events were announced. In a public statement, the councillors said they only learned of the concerts in August 2024, months after organisers are believed to have signed non-disclosure agreements.

Concerns raised by residents include school closures during exam season, traffic congestion, strain on public transport, and disruption to religious practices, as Friday afternoons and Saturday evenings are key times for Muslim and Jewish communities respectively.

Local schools have already announced early closures on concert days. Councillors say this is “unacceptable” and could impact pupil performance. Meanwhile, the public hotline set up to field concerns will operate daily from 2pm to 12.30am on event days, with walk-in support available at the Maccabi Centre on Bury Old Road.

Although the concerts are being held in Manchester, Heaton Park sits just metres from the Prestwich border. Bury Council will receive only minor reimbursements for traffic wardens and licensing officers, while Manchester City Council, which owns the park, is expected to reap the financial rewards.

A community fund of £25,000 has been offered by organisers, but Prestwich councillors argue this figure is “a pittance” given the disruption and estimated £50 million ticket revenue. They are lobbying for at least £100,000 in compensation.

More than 100 buses and extra Metrolink trams have been promised to manage post-concert crowds, but councillors say doubts remain over the system’s capacity to handle 72,500 fans leaving at once on weekend nights.

Portable toilets will be provided along key walking routes, as with previous Parklife events, but critics argue this alone does not address the scale of the problem.

Supporters of the event point to Heaton Park’s long history as a music venue, having hosted acts like Courteeners and Catfish and the Bottlemen, but local leaders argue the five-night format is excessive.

“Parklife is disruptive, yes, but it’s one weekend,” said one councillor. “This is nearly two weeks, right in the middle of summer term.”

Despite opposition, the concerts remain scheduled, and councillors say they will continue pressing organisers, Manchester City Council and regional leaders for improved mitigation and a bit more cash.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Seven Sisters tenants reaction to the news they could soon be removed

Billy Jackson has called Rochdale’s Seven Sisters home for 40 years. But shock decision means 2025 will be his final year in the iconic tower blocks.
Festive magic arrives in Bury as North Pole Safari Trail transforms town centre

Free augmented reality trail, festive lights switch-on and family events launch Christmas celebrations in Bury
Replacement mosque plans approved despite concerns about parking

Plans to knock down and rebuild a mosque in Prestwich have been approved despite a 1,630 person petition opposing it.
Andy Burnham ‘taken aback’ by decision to move hundreds out of Seven Sisters towers

Andy Burnham was ‘taken aback’ by a decision to clear Rochdale’s iconic ‘Seven Sisters’ tower blocks, forcing hundreds from their homes.
Nine-bed HMO built ‘without permission’ discovered after neighbours complain

Council enforcement officers discovered a nine-bed HMO had been created without permission after a complaint from neighbours, councillors have heard.
Rochdale’s music legacy takes centre stage with iconic Cargo Studios reunion

Rochdale’s rich musical heritage was centre stage at a packed launch event marking the beginning of a new borough-wide celebration called ‘Rochdale Music Stories’, featuring big names like Peter Hook, Clint Boon and Andy McCluskey.
Naked man stops traffic on Rochdale Road in Bury in shocking mid-morning incident

A naked man caused disruption on a busy Bury road on Wednesday morning, swatting at cars and attempting to open vehicle doors before being detained and taken to hospital.
Seven Sisters tower blocks to be emptied over safety concerns

Residents of the iconic tower blocks that have dominated the skyline of Rochdale since the 1960s have been told they will be evicted due to safety concerns.
Culture Co-op secures £1 million to give Rochdale residents more say over arts and creativity

Rochdale’s Culture Co-op has been awarded £1 million to put local people at the heart of cultural decision-making, as part of a £42 million national programme run by Arts Council England.
Hollin pupils turn happiness into poetry during magical session in Middleton

Middleton Library plays host to spellbinding session with Rochdale’s poet laureate Sammy Weaver
Waugh presses government to ensure grooming inquiry tackles race and class ‘head on’

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh says national grooming inquiry must win survivors’ trust and 'follow the evidence wherever it leads’
Goodbye garlic bread? Sandbrook Park Pizza Hut to shut as 68 UK branches axed

Rochdale’s Pizza Hut restaurant is among dozens of UK branches set to permanently shut, after the company that operated the brand in the UK fell into administration.