The University of Bolton Stadium is going to be ‘reviewing the traffic management plan’ before Pink’s second show this evening, after gig-goers for her opening concert reported being stuck in the car park for hours.
Several fans reported still being in the car park into the early hours of this morning following the first of Pink’s two gigs at the venue.
One fan reported that their journey home took three hours instead of 40 minutes after being stuck in their car for so long.
Others slammed the ‘shambolic traffic management’ at the £25-per-vehicle car park, and described the gridlock as ‘an absolute joke’.
The University of Bolton Stadium, which will host Pink’s second show tonight, assured fans that they were working with the relevant authorities to improve fan experience.
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A spokesperson for the Bolton venue said: “Following an incredible opening night of Pink’s sensational Summer Carnival Tour 2023, at which we welcomed over 35,000 people to the University of Bolton Stadium, we are aware that some concert-goers experienced traffic and congestion issues when departing the site.
“Working closely with the relevant authorities, we are reviewing the traffic management plan in place ahead of this evening’s show, with a view to mitigating these issues and improving the experience for all those visiting the stadium for tonight’s second concert.”
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One concert-goer had posted: “Never coming to a concert at @UoBStadium ever again. Been stuck in the disabled car park £26 for an hour and a half not moving anywhere. The staff and security haven’t got a clue what they are doing.”
Never coming to a concert at @UoBStadium ever again. Been stuck in the disabled car park £26 for an hour and a half not moving anywhere. The staff and security haven’t got a clue what they are doing. pic.twitter.com/8H7uZBj4LU
Another wrote: “Anyone travelling to pink tomorrow! Don’t drive to the venue! 1.26am and we’re still in the car park! @pink was amazing but this is a joke now!”
Someone else said: “Over 2 hours waiting in a grid locked car park at stand still, not good enough. Concert finished at 11 and was still in the car park after 1am, absolute joke!”
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One person posted: “@Pink was absolutely AMAZING (as always!) However, @UoBStadium it took me nearly 2.5hrs to get out of the carpark (and there were still lots of cars left in). PLEASE get it right for the 2nd show. For the £25 that I (and everyone paid!) I would have expected a better system.”
Someone else tweeted: “Absolutely shambolic traffic management trying to get out!! We were stuck for nearly 2 hours without moving!!!!!”
The travel advice on the University of Bolton Stadium’s page points Pink gig-goers to shuttle buses as well as the car parking on site – and warns of delays leaving car parks.
The website states: “Stewards and marshals will be on site to provide any assistance as you arrive and leave the concert car parks.
“We anticipate that it is likely to take up to two hours for all cars to leave the car parks and surrounding area due to traffic.
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“We ask that for your assistance and patience as we get everyone out of the car parks, off site and on their way home as quickly and safely as possible.”
You can now have a private tour of Manchester Christmas Markets
Thomas Melia
Every year, Manchester Christmas Markets hosts its almost two-month long residency on the frosty streets of our lively city, but now you can enjoy the cute huts with an unbeatable luxury experience.
Travel agency, Viator, who are directly connected to TripAdvisor, have launched a one on one guided tour of Manchester and its stunning Manchester Christmas Marketsin all their glory.
This private tour of the festivities occurring in the city will last two hours and for the whole duration of your time, a city host will be on hand to offer undivided attention, catering to your every need.
A makeshift itinerary is already awaiting guests and can be tailored according to the individual taking the tour, everything is catered to your preferences.
Anyone who books onto the tour also receives a complimentary hot chocolate and that’s sweetened the deal for me, I’m sold.
How can you go wrong with these incredible options at Manchester Christmas Markets?You can recreate your very own gigantic cheese pull and your local host can snap a piccie.Scrumptious selection of food available as you venture through Manchester Christmas Markets in style.
There’s also the chance to keep your hands toasty with a free cup of mulled wine or a soft-drink for those who aren’t interested in the warm alcoholic beverage.
Manchester Christmas Markets are a phenomenal day or night-out regardless so this latest personalised opportunity will take your festive fantasies to a whole new level.
This private tour provides a one-of-a-kind exclusive treatment making your stroll down Manchester Cathedral, Exchange Square and Manchester Town Hall that little bit more special.
These tours are a great chance to immerse yourself in one of Manchester’s many selling points as you can choose to focus your time around art and culture, fashion, architecture or our personal favourite – food.
This exclusive tour package which highlights the best of Manchester Christmas Markets is definitely a present in itself with tickets costing a hefty sum of £100.
If you want to visit Manchester Christmas Markets while also living the high life with a private tour, ‘Christmas In Manchester: Private Experience With A City Host’ is running all the way until the huts shut shop on 22 December and tickets can be found here.
A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
8th June 2023 
