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.”
NHS says it’s battling with ‘worst case scenario’ as flu cases surge nationwide
Emily Sergeant
Flu hospitalisations have surged by more than half in just one week, plunging the NHS into the ‘worst case scenario’.
Shocking new figures have revealed that an nn average of 2,660 patients per day were in a hospital bed with flu last week, which is the highest-ever for this time of year and up 55% up on last week – which, when put into perspective, means there are enough flu patients each day to fill more than three whole hospital trusts.
NHS bosses have warned that the total has already increased sharply since the week covered by the data, and at this time, there is thought to be no ‘peak’ in sight.
These new figures come as demand for A&Es and ambulance services are already soaring.
The number of patients in hospital with flu has risen by over 50% in the last week, reaching a record number for this time of year – and numbers continue to grow.
New monthly figures showed that A&E attendances were a record for November at 2.35 million and more than 30,000 higher than November 2024, while there were 48,814 more ambulance incidents compared to last year.
The record-breaking demand also comes just ahead of thousands of resident doctors going on strike this week from 17-22 December – with ‘major disruption’ expected for patients ahead of Christmas.
The public are advised to attend any planned appointments scheduled during the strikes, unless they have been contacted to reschedule.
Primary and urgent and emergency care services will continue to be available for those who need them, during the industrial action.
NHS says it’s battling with the ‘worst case scenario’ as flu cases surge nationwide / Credit: Pxhere
The public should use 111 online as their first port of call for urgent but not life-threatening issues so that they can be directed to the best place for their needs, while patients who need emergency medical care should continue to use 999 or come forward to A&E as normal.
“With record demand for A&E and ambulances and an impending resident doctors strike, this unprecedented wave of super flu is leaving the NHS facing a worst-case scenario for this time of year – with staff being pushed to the limit to keep providing the best possible care for patients,” commented Professor Meghana Pandit, who is the NHS National Medical Director.
“Even worse, it continues to rise and the peak is not in sight yet, so the NHS faces an extremely challenging few weeks ahead.
“We have prepared earlier for winter than ever before, and stress-tested services to ensure people have a range of ways to get the help they need and avoid needing to go to A&E.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the flu surge as a ‘tidal wave’.
“We are working with the NHS to make sure it is able to cope with this as best as possible,” he concluded.
Featured Image – Stephen Andrews (via Unsplash)
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Erling Haaland dresses up as Santa and hands out Christmas presents in Greater Manchester
Danny Jones
Manchester City star Erling Haaland has doubled as Father Christmas in his latest YouTube stunt, dressing up as Santa and handing out presents to local kids in the new episode.
We’re starting to think he might be one of the most likeable footballers on the planet right now.
The Norwegian footballer recently surpassed Alan Shearer’s ‘fastest to 100 goals record’ in the Premier League and has been well and truly back to his best as Man City continue to rediscover their form, but the big blonde number nine has been delighting both on and off the pitch of late.
For starters, even before any of the season’s givings began, we got the giggle just from our first glimpse of the thumbnail.
Yes, Haaland definitely has a habit of leaning into the humorous side of his celebrity status, having already dressed up as the Joker for Halloween in one of the first episodes published on his still relatively new YouTube channel.
However, the 25-year-old got up to some more heartwarming activities this time around, swapping the face paint, green wig and stripey suit for a red coat, hat, some little glasses and a big white beard.
With the video itself showing him getting into character and loading his car with a sack full of presents, he then goes on to visit multiple houses to dish out the surprise gifts.
While the title and description state that he drove around the streets of 0161, it’s hard to tell where exactly he went, but we’d guess it was more around Alderley Edge and/or the Cheshire side of the Greater Manchester borders.
One particular interaction between the disguised Blue and a young Red certainly produced a harmless little bit of comedy…
Either way, on the whole, this particular instalment was more wholesome than it was funny, and it’s always nice to see sports personalities and famous people spreading kindness.
Obviously, not everyone can afford to be as generous as a Premier League and world-famous international athlete, but it’s nevertheless a nice touch.
Daisy Jackson -
8th June 2023 
