It was one of the busiest nights for Manchester since the pandemic began. Alongside Parklife in Heaton Park, The Killers were performing in Old Trafford, Alicia Keys at the AO Arena and Ed Sheeran at The Etihad.
And, as many would have expected, many found the return trip after all gigs ended to be ‘absolute bedlam’. Reports of taxis charging up to seven times the usual fare, delayed trams, and gridlocked traffic meant that many people did not get home until the early hours of Sunday morning.
“Whoever planned to have Ed Sheeran, Alicia Keys, The Killers and Park Life all in one weekend in Manchester need’s to give their head a wobble,” @williambyrne_ tweeted alongside a picture of traffic in the city centre. “The road closures are causing havoc for residents across the city, with diversions few and far between!”
READ MORE: 'How much to Fallowfield mate?': The mad scramble to get home after Parklife
Parklife fans took to Twitter to share their dismay as they waited outside ‘two hours since the festival ended’ for a way home, while others even went as far as claiming there had been a ‘breakdown in planning control and execution’. “Absolute shambles,” @tashjones_x added.
Sharing their experience on the M.E.N’s Facebook page, Kat Heaton said the usual taxi fare of around £6 from Heaton Park to Middleton had sky-rocketed more than seven times to £46.50. “Lots of people not going to be able to get home safe,” she added.
@miaday777 tweeted: “got stuck outside parklife for hour and half has t pay £80 4 taxi.”
Another found the direct trip from Heaton Park to Cheers bar in Prestwich had risen from £5.69 to £35. Some also reported black cabs were asking for £30 upfront as they attempted to take on stragglers looking for a way home.
When trams arrived in the city from Heaton Park, many of those enjoying Alicia Keys at the AO Arena or other events in the city centre were faced with packed-out services at Victoria and St Peter’s Square.
Some people reported a number of Metrolink services were also cancelled. “Doesn't help that metrolink are cancelling trams like they did after Ed Sheeran last night (Friday),” Abby Hannum said. “You'd think with all the festivals and gigs going on they would put more trams and buses on.”
Kaz Gaffey replied: “My 17 year old was stuck in Manchester ( not been to any of the concerts ) and no trams running to Rochdale so drove to Manchester to pick her up at midnight, so yes they should put more trams on.”
Train passengers also reported similar problems. In a tweet to Northern Rail, @ace1mum asked: “Why only 2 carriages on the last train out of Piccadilly Manchester to Chester? Jesus Mary Joseph and the Wee Donkey. Stationary at Altrincham 00.40pm.”
@Kitkat9773 replied: “We could not get on with a ticket. Fight on the platform. Madness they knew 3 concerts on tonight. Now stuck & having to try and get a taxi.”
Meanwhile, passengers at Deansgate station were reportedly 'locked out' of the station just after midnight, with people struggling to get home.
Parklife will continue for a second night tonight, while Ed Sheeran will also conclude his four-night residency at The Etihad. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has asked members of the public to 'plan ahead and stay safe' in case their planned route is disrupted.
TfGM said it was continuing to work with operators and partner agencies to boost services as much as possible to help people keep moving. Metrolink services will continue for ‘extended running hours’ and extra capacity on the Bury and Altrincham lines.
Officers from Greater Manchester Police and British Transport Police will also be on hand at key stops – Heaton Park, Bowker Vale and Victoria – to help passengers leave the Parklife site safely. Superintendent Andy Sidebotham, GMP’s gold commander for the weekend’s events, said: “This weekend will see thousands of people visiting and staying in the centre for what will be a busy weekend for all emergency services and our partners across the region.
“We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable weekend and music-goers should expect to see police officers on the ground in and around the events and will be on hand to help anyone who needs it. We’ve been working alongside partners for months for these events and our main aim is as always, to keep everyone safe.
“Those planning to visit or live nearby are asked to be patient when travelling to and from the events as there will no doubt be an increased amount of traffic. Public transport is expected to be very busy and we would ask that people follow the messages and advice from our colleagues at TfGM, and that those attending plan their journeys accordingly."
Stephen Rhodes, Customer Director at TfGM, added: “With extremely high and potentially record numbers of people expected to be travelling on the network this week, I’m appealing to all our passengers to take extra care when using the network and to look out for your friends and other people around you.”
TfGM continues to provide up-to-date travel advice on its website.
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