Greater Manchester is bracing for one of its busiest weekends of the year, with more than 250,000 people expected to attend major events including Parklife Festival, Take That concerts, and the Women's Cricket World Cup. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has issued a major travel warning, urging attendees to plan ahead, allow extra time, and use public transport where possible.
Events Drawing Massive Crowds
Parklife returns to Heaton Park on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, with headliners Calvin Harris, Sammy Virji, Skepta, and Zara Larsson. Meanwhile, Take That will perform a series of shows at the Etihad Stadium on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The Etihad Campus will also host the Women's Netball Final at Co-op Live on Saturday at 3pm, while the Women's Cricket World Cup at Emirates Old Trafford on June 21 features South Africa versus India. Additionally, Lily Allen and the B52s will play three nights at the AO Arena.
Travel Advice and Busy Periods
TfGM warns that the Bee Network and local roads will be exceptionally busy from Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21. The busiest times are expected between 4pm and 7pm, and again from 10pm to midnight on both Saturday and Sunday. Journey times on roads around the city centre, particularly the northern Inner Ring Road, Cheetham Hill Road, Oldham Road, and Ashton Old Road, are likely to increase significantly.
Public Transport and Extra Services
To cope with demand, more trams will serve event venues, and operating times will be extended. Extra staff and TravelSafe Support Officers will be on hand to assist passengers. A dedicated webpage provides key travel and ticket advice for the weekend, including tram service patterns and closures. For Parklife, a specific travel ticket available on the Bee Network app is valid on trams and buses across Greater Manchester, including a shuttle bus running every ten minutes from Aytoun Street to Shudehill Interchange after the event.
Attendees are strongly advised to plan their journeys in advance, consider public transport, and avoid the busiest periods to ensure a smooth and safe experience.
