Greater Manchester Police has issued a message urging people to 'stay vigilant' ahead of one of the busiest weekends of the year in the city-region.
Around 250,000 people are expected to be travelling to various events across Greater Manchester this weekend including Parklife festival, a three-night residency for Take That at The Etihad Stadium and Lily Allen and the B52s at AO Arena. Other events include the T20 Women's World Cup at Old Trafford and the Women’s Netball Final.
GMP said a huge police operation will be in place across the weekend, with officers deployed to Parklife at Heaton Park to help keep festivalgoers safe. The force urged people to 'remain vigilant' at the events, particularly around mobile phone thefts.
Police Operation Details
Chief Superintendent Andy Sidebotham, who is leading the policing operation for Parklife, said: "Parklife is a significant event for Greater Manchester, and we want everyone attending to enjoy the festival safely. Extensive planning has taken place alongside event organisers and partner agencies to ensure a safe and well-organised event."
"Our priority is to protect the public, support local communities, and maintain a safe environment throughout the weekend. We are confident the vast majority of attendees will act responsibly and enjoy the event."
"Last year, the most commonly reported crime was theft with mobile phones being targeted. With that in mind, we would ask those attending to remain vigilant, take care of their personal belongings, and report anything suspicious to police officers or event security staff so that appropriate action can be taken."
"We welcome everyone visiting Greater Manchester this weekend to attend events across the city. Please look out for one another, plan your journeys to and from events, take care, and enjoy your time here."
Transport Advice
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has said the Bee Network and local roads are expected to be extra busy between Friday 19 and Sunday 21 June. People have been encouraged to plan their journeys using public transport.
Danny Vaughan, Chief Network Officer at TfGM, said: "Greater Manchester is renowned for hosting major events, and this is no exception, with Manchester's biggest music festival and international sport just some of the attractions taking place across a blockbuster weekend."
"We’re expecting it to be very busy across the network, with more than a quarter of a million fans travelling to various sports and music events. We will have as many staff as possible on the network, running as many services as we can to ensure that the Bee Network is here to help you get where you need to go."
"So, for everyone looking to get out and about, please plan ahead, check the Bee Network app for updates and have a safe journey."
