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.
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