Manchester is gearing up for its busiest weekend of the year, with a bumper few days’ worth of events looming.
Around 300,000 people will descend on gig venues and festival sites across the city this weekend, as some of the world’s biggest artists perform on our home turf.
At the Etihad Stadium, Ed Sheeran will be performing four shows in a row, while American rockers The Killers take over the enormous Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground.
Then the AO Arena will host superstar Alicia Keys on Saturday, and Heaton Park will once again be taken over by Parklife festival.
TfGM has urged people to plan their journeys to and from concerts well in advance, as transport links throughout Greater Manchester will be extremely busy.
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Tens of thousands will attend Parklife festival at Heaton Park. Credit: Parklife
Commuters are being encouraged to avoid Great Ancoats Street and the Mancunian Way after 3pm on both Thursday and Friday, when the crowds will start to head towards the Ed Sheeran gigs.
The Metrolink is also expected to be very busy on the Bury line – TfGM says that more than half of Parklife attendees use public transport to get to the festival site and back each day, and although a lot will opt for the dedicated shuttle bus service, many will pile onto the trams.
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People should avoid travelling in the Bury direction towards Heaton Park between 10am and 3pm, and then back the other way after 9pm, on Saturday and Sunday to dodge the pre- and post-festival rush.
Trams on the Altrincham line, which services Emirate Old Trafford Cricket Ground, are also expected to be busy on Saturday from 5pm.
The Killers and Ed Sheeran are both performing in Manchester this weekend
Those with tickets for The Killers are encouraged to also use Firswood and Wharfside tram stops (on the East Didsbury/Airport line and Trafford Park line respectively) and walk the short extra distance to the venue.
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If you’re heading to one of these massive events this weekend, you’re urged to plan ahead, allow plenty of time, check the last tram and train times, and have a back-up plan in case of any disruption.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) says it’s working with operators and partner agencies to boost services as much as possible.
That will include extended running hours and extra double trams on the Bury and Altrincham lines.
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.”
People are urged to avoid Bury-bound trams while the Parklife crowds head to the festival.
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.
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“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.
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“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.”
TfGM’s travel safety tips for this weekend in Manchester
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.
Temporary Metrolink stop closures on Saturday and Sunday
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
For live travel updates please follow @OfficialTfGM or visit tfgm.com.
What's On
Where to watch Tyson Fury vs Oleskandr Usyk 2 in Manchester city centre
Danny Jones
Tyson Fury vs Usyk 2: ‘Undisputed’ is nearly upon us with the two contenders fighting to become unified heavyweight champion, and as the biggest fight of the year (at least since the last one), you might rightly be wondering where in Manchester is best to watch it.
With a homegrown albeit controversial talent on one side in Fury and a no-nonsense, not to mention undefeated Ukrainian on the other, there’ll be Mancs cheering for both sides but regardless of who you want to win, we can assure you town is going to be absolutely rammed with fight fans.
That being said, much like getting in the ring itself, you’re best having a game plan if you haven’t already sorted out where you’re going to watch the Fury vs Usyk rematch.
Now, you’re going to want to bank on big rooms with plenty of space for those coming last minute; don’t worry, we’ve got a few ideas and they’re decently spaced out in terms of area too.
Where to watch the Fury vs Usyk 2 fight in Manchester city centre
1. Tank and Paddle – Printworks
Spread across too large floors, it still has all the appeal of the old place and more. (Credit: The Manc Eats)
First up on the list is the newest addition to the Printworks entertainment complex: Tank and Paddle, which has taken over the old Yates site. Specialising in craft beers, cocktails, big pizzas and big screens for live sport, if you used to head here for the boxing before you have even more reason to now.
2. BOX – Deansgate
Next up is arguably the current king of Manchester’s live sports bar scene. Famous for great food, live music, shuffleboard, big steins of beer and even pornstar martinis (yes, whole pitchers of the stuff), as well as its giant jumbotron screen, it’s literally impossible for you to miss a single punch thrown here.
ln at number three is what we refer to as old faithful but, to repeat its true title, is The Brotherhood of Pastimes and Pursuits. We never ever say that name in full but we what do on a regular basis is head here after work, as well as pre and post-matchday to watch the rest of the action and play some games whilst we’re at it. It will be heaving for the fight but if you can book or get there early, you’ll have a ball.
Speaking of reliable after work and weekend haunts, they don’t get more tried and tested than Roxy Ball Room as we simply like to call her, our lovely lady Roxy. Shuffleboard, bowling, darts, pool, table tennis, basketball machines, beer pong, curling – oh yeah, and you can look up to watch the boxing if you want…
Fifth and finally, Mother Mary’s is the unsung hero of our list. It’s fast becoming one of our favourite places to watch sport anywhere in town. It’s popped over on New Wakefield St where Manc institution The Font used to be and it won’t stay the city centre’s best kept secret for long, so make sure you grab a table, one the cheapest pints of Guinness around and a seat in front of the big screens whilst you can.
Honourable mention…
Shooters/Bierkeller
Last but not least, we had to throw another suggestion (or two in there) because besides Tank and Paddle in Printworks, there also happens to be the legendary Bierkeller beer hall and the American sports and gaming bar attached it, Shooters, both of which will promise a great crowd for this title fight.
If all else has truly failed, O’Neill’s and Walkabout are just around the corner too – you’ve got to get in somewhere and you really don’t want to miss this clash.
If you were still wondering where to watch to watch the Fury vs Usyk rematch in central Manchester this Saturday, that handful of suggestions should just about do you in a pinch, just keep in mind that the earlier the better when it comes to events like this.
The two boxers are expect to begin their ring walks at around 10:25pm UK time, so you should have plenty of time to find a good spot to watch the carnage.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/TNT Sports (screenshot via YouTube) BOX (via Instagram)
What's On
Spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display confirmed for Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Manchester will celebrate New Year’s Eve with a spectacular FREE fireworks display, the council has confirmed.
This year, the dazzling display to ring in the new year will be set off from the roof of the city’s landmark Central Library building.
Mancs will be able to gather in St Peter’s Square as the city waves goodbye to 2024 and welcomes a new year.
The family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration has never taken place at St Peter’s Square before, nor has the iconic Manchester Central library hosted any sort of fireworks display.
The fireworks spectacular and New Year countdown will take place on Tuesday 31 December between 10pm and 12.30am, hosted by local radio presenter and DJ Joe McGrath.
With a rough capacity of 20,000 people, there’ll be a festive atmosphere in the city centre – but Manchester City Council has stressed that alcohol is not permitted at the New Year’s Eve fireworks event.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said: “If there’s something we do well in Manchester, it’s getting together for a big celebration – and there’s no better time for a big do than New Year’s Eve.
“This is the time to remember the year we’ve just had and to look ahead to the new one and all it may bring, surrounded by the people we love.
“Mancunians of all ages love a party, and this New Year’s Eve is going to be fantastic – a chance to dance the night away, with one of the biggest fireworks displays in the region for everyone to enjoy.
“All you need is your dancing shoes, party spirit and your nearest and dearest. Grab hold of those and we can’t wait to see you in St Peter’s Square for the last party of 2024.”
Spectacular New Year’s Eve firework display confirmed for Manchester. Credit: Unsplash, designecologist
There are a few things you need to know ahead of the event – attendees are asked to limit bag sizes to no larger than A4 in size, with bag searches in operation at the entrances.
It will be a standing room only event though there’ll be a managed designated accessible viewing area located on the Metrolink tram platform closest to Central Library, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Portaloos, public toilets until 1am, and hot drinks and food will all be available on site.
Event staff will make sure St Peter’s Square is cleared promptly after the event and once the fireworks are over to minimise disruption to local residents.
Councillor Pat Karney added: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy New Year’s Eve, including the growing number of local residents who live in town.
“I will therefore be working closely with local councillors and others to ensure that we minimise any nuisance for city centre residents.”
Important road closures and event information for the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Manchester
A number of temporary but necessary traffic management measures will be put in place in the run-up to and on the day itself so the event can go ahead.
Road closures – 31 December 2024
7.30pm–2am
Peter Street westbound (Mount Street to Lower Mosley Street)
Peter Street eastbound (Deansgate to Lower Mosley Street)
Oxford Street (Peter Street to Portland Street)
George Street (Oxford Street to Dickinson Street)
St James Street (Oxford Street to Dickinson Street)
Bale Street (Lower Mosley Street to Hall Street)
Hall Street (Bale Street to Oxford Street)
9pm–2am
Lower Mosley Street (Windmill Street to St Peter’s Square)
Princess Street (Cooper Street to George Street)
Back George Street (Princess Street to Dickenson Street)
Parking suspensions from 8am on 29 December until 6am on 2 January
Peter Street (Mount Street to Lower Mosley Street)
Parking suspensions from 6pm on 30 December until 6am on 1 January
Oxford Street (Lower Mosley Street to Portland Street)
Lower Mosley Street (Windmill Street to St Peter’s Square)
Princess Street (Cooper Street to George Street)
George Street (Oxford Street to Princess Street)
Back George Street (Princess Street to Dickenson Street)
Museum Street (Windmill Street to Peter Street)
Southmill (Windmill Street to Bootle Street)
Accessible parking
Unreserved accessible event parking is available on Mount Street.
Daisy Jackson -
9th June 2022 
