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.”
Canal Street cordoned off after ‘suspicious chemicals’ reported at hotel
Daisy Jackson
Canal Street and several other streets in the Gay Village in Manchester have been cordoned off this afternoon.
Greater Manchester Police are attending reported of a smell that’s believed to be chemicals coming from a hotel room in the area.
There’s a huge emergency services presence in the area, including vehicles from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, and the North West Ambulance Service.
Police have confirmed that they have detained a man who is believed to have been the occupant of the hotel room.
The hotel itself has been evacuated while the material is examined.
Thankfully, no one has been injured in the incident that has shut down part of Canal Street today.
Emergency services vehicles at the scene on Canal StreetThe cordon in place on Canal Street
GMP said in a statement: “We are currently searching a hotel room at a premises on Canal Street, Manchester. This follows a report of a smell – currently believed to be chemicals – causing suspicion.
“A man, believed to be the occupant of the room, has been detained and is currently in custody.
“As a precautionary measure, the hotel has been evacuated while specialist resources examine the material and conduct further enquiries.
“No-one has been injured and we are working to establish the full circumstances. We thank people for their patience as we continue with our work.”
England football fans warned as ticket scams skyrocket ahead of World Cup
Emily Sergeant
England football fans are being warned to remain vigilant, as ticket scams skyrocket ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup merely weeks from officially kicking off in the North America and Mexico on 11 June, football fans are being urged to guard against scams, as newly-released data from Lloyds has revealed that football ticket scams increased by more than a third (36%) during the current Premier League season.
The findings – which are based on thousands of scam cases between October 2025 and March 2026 – showed that fraudsters focused heavily on popular teams such as Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea.
Fraudsters also repeatedly targeted supporters looking for tickets to some of the most in-demand football matches in the UK, which is why, with the upcoming World Cup set to be one of the most speculated sporting events of the year, scam warnings are being issued.
It’s anticipated that fraudsters will target the big-name fixtures and attempt to exploit international demand, according to Lloyds.
England football fans are being warned as ticket scams skyrocket ahead of the World Cup / Credit: Picryl
On average, it was revealed that victims lost £215 during the current Premier League football season, but some fans even paid thousands of pounds for ‘season tickets’ or VIP seats that never existed.
Hopeful football fans are expected to pay much more for expensive World Cup tickets, meaning the potential loss for victims could be ‘devastating’.
As scammers know demand for World Cup tickets will be huge, it’s expected that they will mimic the methods seen in club level scams – including fake listings on social media, pressure to act fast, and requests for bank transfers.
“Fraudsters thrive on urgency and target fans looking for hard to get tickets for big name fixtures,” explained Liz Ziegler, who is the Fraud Prevention Director at Lloyds.
“Most of the football ticket scams we see start on social media, before the criminal moves the buyer onto WhatsApp and insists on a bank transfer to pay. It’s incredibly convincing, and we don’t want fans to lose their money trying to support their team.
“We’re urging supporters to stay alert and stick to official ticketing channels.”
Ahead of the World Cup, Lloyds and the Home Office have teamed up to take action to protect fans by highlighting how criminals will try to exploit the excitement – with Lord Hanson adding: “Our new fraud strategy sets out how we will use every tool at our disposal to disrupt and dismantle criminal operations, bring fraudsters to justice and strengthen support for victims.”
Daisy Jackson -
8th June 2023 
