Officers ready to welcome thousands for Manchester mega-music weekend

The long-awaited Parklife festival returns to Heaton Park on Saturday and Sunday

Officers and partners across the region are preparing to welcome over 400,000 music fans this weekend as Manchester becomes home to three huge concerts and the annual return of Parklife festival.

Fans are expected to descend to Manchester when Ed Sheeran starts his four-night stint at the Etihad Stadium and commuters and those not attending the festival are advised to re-route their journey and avoid Great Ancoats Street, Mancunian Way or any travel before 3pm.

The long-awaited Parklife festival returns to Heaton Park on Saturday and Sunday where over half of those attending are expected to get public transport, and The Killers and Alicia Keys will play the Emirates Old Trafford and AO Arena respectively on Saturday night.

Officers will be there to support partners and ensure the safety of thousands at all of the events, alongside keeping everyone else across Greater Manchester safe in all other emergencies in what is expected to be a busy weekend for all partners, and emergency services.

Superintendent Andy Sidebotham, GMP’s gold commander for this weekend’s events, said: “This weekend will see thousands of people visiting and staying in the centre for what will be a busy weekend that has been months in the planning.

“We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable weekend and music-goers should expect to see police officers on the ground in and around the events and will be on hand to help anyone who needs it.

"Those attending are advised to be vigilant and keep their belongings safe and report anything suspicious to us.

"We’ve been working alongside partners for these events for some time and our main aim is as always, to keep everyone safe.

“We’re very experienced in dealing with high profile events like this and welcoming thousands to Greater Manchester and officers will be at all of the events and anyone needing any assistance or help is more than welcome to speak to our officers.”

Those planning to use public transport over the weekend are urged to be patient and prepare for much busier journeys.

Other routes available and updates can be found at: www.tfgm.com.

Superintendent Sidebotham added: “Those planning to visit or live nearby are asked to be patient when travelling to and from the events as there will no doubt be an increased amount of traffic.

"Public transport is expected to be very busy and we would ask that people follow the messages and advice from our colleagues at Transport for Greater Manchester, and that those attending plan their journeys accordingly and take care.

“As always, we’re thrilled to welcome thousands back to the city centre and hope that everyone attending the concerts and Parklife festival this weekend have a safe and good weekend.”

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.