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Travel warnings issued as Manchester’s busy bank holiday peppered with strike action

But of course it is....

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 22nd August 2023

This weekend will be one of the busiest of the year for Greater Manchester, with huge events taking place right across the region – and strikes happening right across the public transport network.

Tens of thousands will flock to the city for Manchester Pride Festival (with its iconic parade), for Noel Gallagher‘s High Flying Birds’ gig at Wythenshawe Park, and for Manchester United‘s game against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.

Saturday is expected to be the busiest day of the already very busy August bank holiday weekend, with TfGM warning of particular time frames where you can expect parts of town to become crowded.

They have said that they anticipate the busiest times on the transport network to be between 12pm and 2.30pm on Saturday, around the St Peter’s Square, Deansgate and Old Trafford areas and again between 5pm and 7pm.

Amidst all the celebrations and events around town will be industrial action on buses and trains, putting extra pressure on tram services.

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There’ll be very limited services on trains due to planned RMT strike action, and only a few First Manchester buses will run across the whole weekend. Stagecoach has called off its industrial action over the bank holiday.

People are being warned to avoid driving into the city centre because of congestion due to road closures and bus diversions.

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Noel Gallagher
Noel Gallagher. Credit: Publicity picture, Matt Crockett
Manchester Pride Festival
Manchester Pride Festival. Credit: Supplied
Major events happening this weekend as Manchester travel advice is issued

The Metrolink tram network will be best way to get around Manchester this weekend, with services on the Airport line to be ‘significantly boosted’ for the Noel Gallagher concert.

TfGM also stressed that ‘steps have been taken to ensure there is still adequate capacity and a stable, resilient service for those going to enjoy the Pride Parade or watch Manchester United – as well as for the overall network’.

Sean Dyball, TfGM head of customer experience, said: “It’s shaping up to be a fantastic bank holiday weekend in Greater Manchester and we want everyone to enjoy it to the full – whatever they’re doing.

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“That’s why we’re urging people to plan ahead for their journeys and allow plenty of time to get to their destination, whether that’s the city centre, Wythenshawe Park, Old Trafford or somewhere else.

“While it’s good news that Stagecoach has called off its industrial action, it’s still really important people follow our advice to avoid disruption and congestion and make the most of their long weekend.

To help everyone’s weekend go as smoothly as possible, Transport for Greater Manchester, promoters, local authorities, and the emergency services have all been involved in the planning and delivery of the transport operation for the events.

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Featured image: Manchester Pride

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Public urged to call the police if they see this wanted man

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Public urged to call the police if they see this wanted man

Cheshire Police are appealing for the public’s help in tracing a wanted man with links to Macclesfield and Alsager.

Joshua Wyatt, 34, is wanted on recall to prison, and officers are urging anyone who has seen him or knows of his whereabouts to come forward.

Wyatt is described as being 183cm (6ft) tall and of medium build, with a bald head and blue eyes.

Police believe he has links to both Macclesfield and Alsager.

Anyone who sees Wyatt or has information about where he may be is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or report information via the force’s website.

Information should be provided quoting reference number 26000809013.

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Featured image: Cheshire Police

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Huge shuttle bus effort laid on to get Manchester United fans to Old Trafford amid tram disruption

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Huge shuttle bus effort laid on to get Manchester United fans to Old Trafford amid tram disruption

Transport for Greater Manchester has announced a shuttle bus scheme to help Manchester United fans get to Old Trafford this week, amid major tram disruption.

Fans won’t be able to use trams to get to the ground as usual, due to huge improvement works which are in place until Monday 2 November.

There’ll be no trams at all on the Altrincham, Trafford Park, and Eccles lines, with Airport and East Didsbury trams only going as far as Firswood.

That means that fans heading to Manchester United’s home game against Bournemouth would have been a little stuck without this newly-announced shuttle bus service.

Frequent dedicated shuttle buses will run running Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham Interchange and the Trafford Centre, taking fans directly to Old Trafford before the game.

Frequencies range from five to 20 minutes depending on the route and time, with details available online. Return services will be in place after the final whistle.

TfGM staff will be at key stops and interchanges throughout the day to help fans get to the match and provide travel advice.

Huge shuttle bus effort laid on to get Manchester United fans to Old Trafford amid tram disruption. Credit: TfGM

Ian Davies, TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, said: “There is no good time to disrupt passengers to carry out these works, and this is the first time in over a decade that trams won’t serve Old Trafford on a match day, but these works are essential and will enable us to provide a better service in future. I am very sorry to fans who face disruption.

“We’ve put a range of alternative travel options in place, including dedicated shuttle buses, bolstered Bee Network bus services, rail options and ticket acceptance arrangements will help fans get to and from the game.

“Journey options will be different from usual, so we would encourage supporters to plan ahead, check their route and our website before they travel and leave plenty of time to get to and from the stadium.”

TfGM is advising supporters to leave around an hour earlier to help make sure they arrive in time for kick-off.

Full details of the shuttle buses, alternative routes and ticket acceptance arrangements can be found on the dedicated Manchester United v Bournemouth travel information page.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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