Locals 'should not be put out' by Oasis gigs

A man walks past a mural of Oasis band members Liam and Noel Gallagher by artist Snow Graffiti on the wall of the Coach and Horses pub in Whitefield, near Manchester.Image source, Reuters
Image caption,

Five sold out Oasis gigs are due to take place at Heaton Park in July

  • Published

Locals should not be "put out" when Oasis play a series of gigs in Manchester, a council leader has said

The band are playing five huge concerts at Heaton Park in July, with some people living nearby saying they are "apprehensive" over the disruption.

Residents in Prestwich told BBC Radio Manchester during previous events they had experienced gridlock on the roads, litter on the street and fans urinating in gardens.

Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig said nearby restaurants would receive a boost in trade and a community impact fund would "benefit local people".

Liam and Noel Gallagher are reuniting for the 2025 tour, which includes five sold out gigs in the grounds of the council-owned Heaton Park on 11, 12, 16, 19 and 20 July.

Photograph of the Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig. She is inside a public park and there is a kids playground in the background.
Image caption,

Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council says there is a community impact fund

Manchester City Council said the shows, alongside the annual Parklife Festival in June and other performances, would bring in £375,000 in profit for the year 2025-26.

A community impact fund, which was set up for Parklife in 2024, generated £45,000 for community groups based around Heaton Park.

Craig said: "The key thing for us is making sure that no resident is put out by what should be an iconic time for the city to celebrate".

Photograph of resident outside his house on Bury Old Road in Prestwich
Image caption,

Robert Younge has lived opposite Heaton Park for 40 years

Robert Younge, 73, has lived on Bury Old Road, opposite Heaton Park, for 40 years.

He said revellers in the past had not been respectful of neighbours.

"They're wrecking the area," he said.

"I've caught them climbing over the wall and relieving themselves - but what can you say to kids who've got no manners."

Photograph of Nissen Lewis who runs a local restaurant near Heaton Park in Prestwich
Image caption,

Nissen Lewis from Benny's Bistro says "the footfall is crazy" at events like this

About 80,000 Oasis fans will be at Heaton Park each night for five concerts in July.

Along Bury Old Road in Prestwich, there are pubs, restaurants and takeaways which have said they will benefit from an influx of tens of thousands of music fans.

Jade Field, 33, manager of Armstrongs Fish and Chip shop, said: "It's pretty fun to watch them going to the concerts and having a nice time in their crazy outfits.

"We prepare by doubling-up on all our orders, including chips and sausages. The queues are always out the door".

Photograph of Jade Field, who runs Armstrongs Fish and Chip shop close to Heaton Park in Prestwich
Image caption,

Jade Field, manager of Armstrongs Fish and Chip shop, says she likes to see music fans' "crazy outfits"

Nissen Lewis, 38, who opened Benny's Bistro more than two years ago, said he was also expecting to benefit from the crowds and would also be stocking up with more supplies.

"Thousands of people will be walking past. We provide American-style food like burgers, chicken wings and messy fries," he said.

"The footfall is crazy, so I'll have to prepare for the Oasis gigs and order extra food".

Photograph of Emily Foort on the doorstep of her house opposite Heaton Park
Image caption,

Emily Foort says she does not know what to expect

Emily Foort moved into her house on Bury Old Road earlier this year.

She said: "We have been warned that the streets get trashed. We are quite nervous and apprehensive - but we have got tickets for one of the Oasis concerts."

Trams in Manchester city centre will face disruption during the gigs.

No services will run from Piccadilly Gardens to Piccadilly Station as the Metrolink network is having a £150m upgrade, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said on Thursday.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, external, X, external, and Instagram, external. You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk, external and via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.

Related topics