300,000 music-lovers are set to attend concerts in Greater Manchester this week by some of the world's biggest musical acts, and members of the public travelling in the area are advised to plan ahead.
To help people keep moving, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is working with operators and partner agencies to boost services as much as possible. The latest travel guidance is available on the TfGM website.
On the Bury and Altrincham lines extended running hours and extra capacity are being provided.
At Heaton Park, Bowker Vale, and Victoria, Greater Manchester and British Transport Police will be on hand to help passengers leave the Parklife site safely.
At St Peter's Square and Victoria, safe queuing systems will be in operation, with dedicated boarding points for people heading to Parklife.
On Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th June, temporary closures will also be in place at the following Metrolink stops:
- Exchange Square – closed from 12 pm to 9 pm;
- Shudehill – closed from 6a m to 9.30 pm;
- Market Street – closed from 6 am to 9.30 pm;
- Piccadilly Gardens – closed from 3 pm to 9.30 pm;
- Heaton Park – closed from 6 pm, reopens the 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.
Thursday, 9th to Sunday, 12th June
Ed Sheeran is appearing at the Etihad Stadium from Thursday, 9th to Sunday, 12th June. From 3 pm each day, the Inner Ring Road will be particularly affected by fans travelling to the concert. Commuters who can work flexibly are encouraged to travel before 3 pm or re-route their journey to avoid Great Ancoats Street and Mancunian Way.
Saturday, 11th, and Sunday, 12th June
Parklife, one of the UK's biggest music festivals, is being held at Heaton Park just north of Manchester, on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th June. Bury line Metrolink services are expected to be very busy in both directions from 10 am to 3 pm and after 9 pm on both days.
Saturday, 11th June
On Saturday, 11th June the Killers and Alicia Keys will play the Emirates Old Trafford and the AO Arena respectively Trams on the Altrincham line will be busy from 5 pm. Those heading to the Killers should use the Firswood (East Didsbury/Airport line) or Wharfside (Trafford Park line) for quieter journeys.
Sacha Lord, co-founder of Parklife and Greater Manchester's Night Time Economy Adviser, added:
“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.”
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.”
Stephen Rhodes, Customer Director at TfGM, added:
“With extremely high and potentially record numbers of people expected to be travelling on the network this week, I'm appealing to all our passengers to take extra care when using the network and to look out for your friends and other people around you.
“We're encouraging people making shorter journeys to think about walking and cycling where possible.
“I would strongly encourage anyone travelling by bus, tram or train during the coming weekend to use contactless payments where possible in order to help keep queues moving. When paying by contactless on Metrolink, please remember to touch-in and touch-out with the same device on the smart readers at the start and end of each journey, and Metrolink will work out the best fare for you.
“We are constantly updating the customer information available on our website and across our social media channels to help people make informed journey choices; to save them time and avoid disruption to their journey.”
