The Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground has addressed claims that the venue was ‘dangerously overcrowded’ at recent concerts.
The Manchester venue has hosted Harry Styles, The Killers and Red Hot Chilli Peppers in the last few weeks as the city’s huge summer of music kicked off in earnest.
With crowds of up to 50,000 for live music event, it’s one of the region’s largest venues.
But fans say their recent gig experiences have been marred by poor organisation and overcrowding.
Dozens of negative reviews and complaints have been filed online from the Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground, saying it’s been ‘overcrowded’, ‘poorly staffed and unsafe’.
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Credit: Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground
The venue has since insisted that ‘guest safety will always be at the heart of the events’ held there.
One video shared by a gig-goer showed a person slumped over on a tarpaulin while another appeared to argue with a steward.
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They wrote: “I cannot believe you sold this many tickets and didn’t even check who had seating. I had to help people get out because your stewards were brushing them off as drunk when having a panic attack.”
This is what it looked like from our perspective. I cannot believe you sold this many tickets and didn't even check who had seating. I had to help people get out because your stewards were brushing them off as drunk when having a panic attack. pic.twitter.com/hZnmWzTS5L
Someone else wrote on Twitter: “@EmiratesOT is the worst stadium I have ever been too. Awful organisation, poorly staffed and imo unsafe. Lucky not to get trampled on whilst leaving a gig. Overcrowded.”
Another said: “Worst venue I’ve ever attended. Nearly got crushed. Leaving one SINGLE gate unattended for everyone getting in and out. The stewards attitude was disgusting. No crowd control at all. Clearly oversold.”
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On TripAdvisor, one person wrote: “Amazed a venue in 2022 could be so dangerous. Massively oversold for the size. From the second you clear security it was absolute chaos and people trapped with no where to move around. Completely trapped and more and more fans pouring in behind.
— The Coolgang Foxtrots (@Teamcoolgang) June 23, 2022
“We witnessed numerous fans come into medical trouble and the untrained staff just waved them away as if they were drunk. Disabled and families had no way of getting to seating area. Nowhere near enough exits. And then stopping people exiting after the show! If an incident were to have happened this would have been a disaster.”
Another reviewer claimed: “If I could give minus I would! Avoid this venue at all costs if attending a concert. Just been to see the Red Hot Chill Peppers and I can honestly say I have never been to a worse venue.
“The organisation was a complete disgrace. They dangerously oversold it and packed so many people in there was no room to move. Anywhere!!
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“We attend gigs regularly all up and down the UK and I have never experienced anything like this! If this is how they run all concerts then it’s a disaster waiting to happen.
“If you want to see your favourite artist perform pick another venue on the tour – one that knows how to run such an event safely. I will never go back there.”
A spokesperson for Emirates Old Trafford said: “All events at Emirates Old Trafford are reviewed continuously to improve the guest experience by working alongside all stakeholders that are involved.
“Our guest safety will always be at the heart of the events we host at Emirates Old Trafford.”
Featured image: The Manc Group
News
Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielderJoe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
A man who epitomised our club's values ❤️
We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi
Very sad news, to battle cancer once is extremely brave but to battle it three times is not just brave but you need a strong mindset and obviously Joe had that to keep fighting. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
There’s a farm in Greater Manchester where you can meet Lilo and Stitch
Thomas Melia
Any fans of the Disney classic Lilo and Stitch are in luck because there’s a farm in Greater Manchester which is hosting a special meet and greet event.
Who doesn’t love a sci-fi comedy drama film, especially one where the lead character’s sidekick is none other than the adorable little blue experiment with a voice we still imitate to this day?
Originally released in 2002, the Lilo and Stitch film is receiving a live-action version in 2025 and we’re sure to fall in love with Lilo and her little blue fur ball pal over again, 23 years later.
Ahead of the new live adaptation, Cockfields Farm in Greater Manchester is hosting a meet and greet event dedicated to this huge Disney film.
This is the perfect opportunity for little ones and grown-ups alike to come and meet two of their favourite Disney characters while also getting a chance to venture around the farmland as well.
As the event is taking place at a farm, this means that the Lilo and Stitch experience won’t be the only event guests will be able to take part in; there’s also a handful of fun farm-based activities to try your hand at too.
There are tractor rides, a giant bouncy pillow and a carousel running all throughout the day for any kids looking to let off some steam.
And those after a quieter and less energetic itinerary can head on over to the cuddling corner, feed meerkats and handle some reptiles too, this farm is catering for all.
With the meet and greet experience occurring during May, meaning more chance of that gorgeous sunshine, anyone attending is also advised to come dressed in their ‘Hawaiian best’.
Lilo and Stitch are coming for a special meet and greet at Cockfields Farm in Ashton-under-Lyne on 17 and 18 May, with tickets already live HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
28th June 2022 
