News

Council leader calls for ‘compassion and solidarity’ after protests in Manchester

"There is no place for hate in our city."

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 6th August 2024

The leader of Manchester City Council has called for “compassion and solidarity” after protests across the country.

After a weekend that saw widespread far-right protests and counter demonstrations in towns and cities throughout the UK – predominantly here in the north, and in Greater Manchester – following the devastating killing of three young girls and the injuring of several others during a knife attack in the Merseyside seaside town of Southport at the end of last month, the leader of Manchester City Council insists disorder “will not be tolerated in our streets”.

Cllr Bev Craig says there is “no place for hate” in Manchester.

Hundreds of people have been detained and arrested by police nationwide over last few days following the riots – including 19 people in Manchester city centre, according to GMP.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer called an emergency COBRA meeting in response to the ongoing unrest, and said his Government “utterly condemns the far-right thuggery” displayed, adding that “those who participated in this violence will face the full force of the law.”

And now, Manchester’s Council leader has had her say.

Addressing the Manchester public in a statement, and calling for “compassion and solidarity” moving forwards, Cllr Bev Craig wrote: “We know that our communities will be feeling understandably anxious and uneasy, but we would like to reassure our residents that we will not tolerate disorder in our streets.   

“Manchester’s diversity is our strength, and it is now more important than ever that we support one another with compassion, understanding and solidarity.

Council leader Bev Craig has called for ‘compassion and solidarity’ after protests in Manchester this past weekend / Credit: GMP

“I am deeply conscious that some of our communities, especially minority communities, are anxious about discrimination, abuse, anti-Muslim sentiment and racism, much of which is playing out on social media, alongside misinformation and other forms of hate.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe in their community, and we will continue to work with colleagues at GMP to monitor local concerns and make sure that Manchester remains a welcoming and safe place.

“As such, there will be an increased police presence in our neighbourhoods, and we want to be clear that officers are there primarily to provide visibility and reassurance.”

Looking ahead to how the region plans to manage the situation going forward, Cllr Craid added: “We fully support GMP in taking robust action against anyone who is intent on bringing violence to our city.

“Swift action is needed to bring people to justice, and we would also like to thank Council staff, officers at GMP, and other partners who helped to keep Manchester safe this weekend under very challenging circumstances.”

Cllr Craig closed out her statement insisting that “there is no justification for criminal behaviour”.

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“The actions of the perpetrators undermine everything that Manchester stands for,” she added. “We are proud to be a vibrant, tolerant, and accepting place – and we know there is more that unites us than divides us.

“Now is the time we come together to show what this means.”

Featured Image – GMP

News

Bee Network trams and buses hit by first wave of delays as thousands flock to Oasis gigs

Danny Jones Danny Jones Tram and Bee Network delays Manchester Oasis Heaton Park gigs

Greater Manchester’s Bee Network is now facing its first wave of congestion and delays as thousands of Oasis fans travel into the city region and towards Heaton Park by tram.

An approximate 80,000 fans are expected at each of the Live ’25 homecoming shows, with countless Oasis die-hards not just travelling from across the boroughs but up and down the county, as well as from overseas.

While additional tram services and bus provision have been planned way in advance of the huge music and cultural event, the delays and crowds are starting to gather as the show’s start times edge ever closer.

The official Bee Network social media team has now informed commuters and gig-goers of the current situation on the Metrolink lines.

As you can see, with Manchester hitting temperatures of 30C today, while it makes for the perfect weather for an outdoor gig, there are growing concerns for those on public transport and queuing to get into the park.

Warnings of “very hot weather” have already been issued by the Met Office and more, with even the band themselves urging fans to drink plenty of fluids and bring bucket hats in full force.

In terms of the trams and buses, extra services are being put on throughout the city, especially on the direct line from Victoria Station to Heaton Park along the already packed post-work Bury line.

Shuttle buses – which can be boarded from Lever Street in the Northern Quarter – are also getting progressively busier.

With “double-trams leaving full from Victoria every six minutes”, according to officials, while things are getting increasingly busier, they insist that things “are moving.”

An Oasis travel ‘masterplan’ was announced earlier this week to help deal with the hordes of fans; however, reports of those heading to Heaton Park being told to walk amid “hour and a half” wait times are already circulating online.

With more Manchester dates coming this month, and the stage times for each concert now confirmed, authorities are once again urging Oasis fans to get there as early as possible – especially if they hope to get the best spot to watch the reunion shows.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have also urged attendees to “remain vigilant” as an increase in anti-social behaviour and more is expected.

It goes without saying that we hope everyone has an incredible time, but we can only echo their statement and would remind you all to stay hydrated, seek shade from direct sunlight when/where possible and look after each other.

And finally, for anyone with any questions ahead of Oasis’ Live ’25 reunion tour shows here in Manchester, you can find our full Heaton Park gig guide down below.

The ULTIMATE guide to the Oasis Live ’25 reunion tour at Heaton Park – tickets, times, setlist and more
Tram delays aside, don’t worry: you’ll make it there – and here’s all the info you need on Oasis’ Manchester homecoming tour dates.

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Featured Images —Megan Sheraton (via X)/Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM)

News

Oasis issue official ‘severe weather advice’ ahead of Manchester gigs

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Oasis issue official 'severe weather advice' ahead of Manchester gigs

Two things are inescapable in Manchester this week – one, it’s VERY warm, and two, Oasis are back.

The Gallagher brothers will officially reunite on stage in their home city on Friday and Saturday night, for the first two of their five Heaton Park gigs.

And they’ve been greeted by incredibly un-Manchester weather – scorching sunshine and soaring temperatures.

It’s lead to Oasis themselves now issuing an official statement with ‘severe weather advice’.

And yes, they have now said that we should all be wearing bucket hats for our health. Brilliant.

Temperatures will hit 29ºC on Friday and 30ºC on Saturday, with very high UV warnings issued by the Met Office for both Oasis gigs.

Oasis have shared ‘severe weather advice’ for their Manchester gigs in Heaton Park, warning fans to ‘prepare for extreme sun and heat’.

They shared tips such as ‘wear sun screen’ and ‘stay hydrated’ both at the gigs themselves and when travelling back and forth.

Oasis also said ‘wear a (bucket) hat’ and to stick to the shade where you can.

They also added: “Look after yourself and look after each other.”

TfGM has teamed up with NOBL to provide free bottles of water at Manchester Victoria and St Peter’s Square to help with hydration levels.

There are shuttle buses running to Heaton Park with tickets available on the Bee Network app.

Otherwise you can get the tram up to the concert from Manchester Victoria, or follow the official walking route (but it’s a long walk in the heat).

Allow plenty of time for travel.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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