Passengers urged to plan ahead and stay safe for city’s mega music weekend

Members of the public travelling in Greater Manchester this week are being asked to plan ahead and stay safe as 300,000 music-lovers prepare to see some of the world’s biggest musical acts hit the stage.

It all begins tomorrow (Thursday) when Ed Sheeran starts his four-night residency at the Etihad Stadium.

The Inner Ring Road will be particularly affected by fans travelling to the concert from 3pm each day.

Commuters who can work flexibly are encouraged to re-route their journey to avoid the likes of Great Ancoats Street and the Mancunian Way or travel before 3pm.

Parklife, one of the UK’s biggest music festivals, will be returning to Heaton Park on Saturday 11th and Sunday, June 12th.

With more than half of the attendees travelling to the festival by public transport, Bury line Metrolink services are expected to be very busy in both directions from 10am to 3pm and after 9pm on both days.

Customers who can travel flexibly should avoid these busy periods for a quieter journey.

Meanwhile, the Killers and Alicia Keys will play the Emirates Old Trafford and the AO Arena respectively on Saturday, June 11.

Trams will be busy on the Altrincham line from 5pm with those heading to the Killers encouraged to also use the Firswood (East Didsbury/Airport line) or Wharfside (Trafford Park line) for quieter journeys.

Anyone attending a concert is advised to plan ahead, allow sufficient time, check last tram and train times, and have a back-up plan in case their planned route is disrupted in any way.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is working with operators and partner agencies to boost services as much as possible to help people keep moving.

The latest travel guidance for each of the events – including which roads and public transport routes will be busiest– can be found on bespoke customer information pages on the TfGM website.

People travelling on Metrolink to any of these events are encouraged to use contactless for payments, it is a fast and efficient way to pay whilst keeping queues moving.

Sacha Lord, co-founder of Parklife and Greater Manchester's Night Time Economy Adviser, said: “This is an incredible few days for Greater Manchester as we welcome some of the world’s biggest acts back to our city-region.

“We’ve all been waiting for these moments for some time, and we are expecting the region to be incredibly busy. I would encourage everyone attending events to plan their travels - both to and from concerts - in advance.

“Although the evenings are lighter, I would always urge caution if walking home, and encourage fans to check last tram and bus times.

"Please stay vigilant and help keep each other safe.” 

Those using the tram network over the weekend are also being urged to keep themselves and others safe while travelling by following a few simple steps:

Keep a suitable distance from the platform edge other than when boarding a tram

Taking extra care of yourself or others if under the influence of alcohol

Walk, instead of running, when on-stop and getting on/off trams

Watch where you step and take care while using your mobile

In the lead-up to the events TfGM is running a social media campaign featuring some of the artists that are due to perform reminding people to stay safe around trams.

Several measures are being introduced by TfGM and operator Keolis Amey Metrolink (KAM) in order to provide a safe and stable network, including extended running hours and extra capacity – including more double trams – on the Bury and Altrincham lines.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police and British Transport Police will also be on hand at key stops – Heaton Park, Bowker Vale and Victoria – to help passengers leave the Parklife site safely.

Safe queuing systems will be in operation at St Peter’s Square and Victoria stops, which will act as dedicated boarding points for people heading to Parklife.

Temporary daytime closures will also be in place at the following Metrolink stops on Saturday and Sunday, which will reopen in the evening once the festival ends:

Exchange Square – closed at 12pm, reopens 9pm

Shudehill – closed from 6am, reopens 9.30pm

Market Street – closed from 6am, reopens 9.30pm

Piccadilly Gardens – closed from 3pm, reopens 9.30pm

Heaton Park – closed from 6pm, reopens following day

Parklife attendees can purchase the Express Pass which offers the greatest flexibility and the quickest route to the festival, allowing travel on either the direct Parklife shuttle bus or Metrolink services from the city centre.

Detailed information about Parklife can be found on TfGM’s dedicated travel advice page.

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 for all emergency services and our partners across the region.

“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.

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

“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 TfGM, and that those attending plan their journeys accordingly.

“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.”

For live travel updates please follow @OfficialTfGM or visit: tfgm.com

---

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.