Around 30 ticketless youths attempted to storm the Parklife festival in Manchester on Saturday, prompting police to issue a dispersal order. The group tried to force their way through the perimeter fence at Heaton Park before being driven back by security staff.
Footage circulating on social media shows the barrier being torn apart by the youths, who then launched kicks at the three-metre-high fence in futile attempts to break through. Screams rang out as a growing crowd tried unsuccessfully to force entry to the festival.
Police response and arrests
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) arrested 11 people on the first day of the festival for a range of alleged offences, including four for drug offences. A Section 34 dispersal order was authorised by a senior officer on Saturday, granting police the power to compel individuals to leave the area or face arrest. The order remains in effect until 11pm on Sunday.
A spokesman for GMP told the Manchester Evening News: "A Section 34 dispersal order was put in place after a number of incidents on Saturday, when around 30 people tried to get into the site without tickets. We are working closely with event organisers to prevent this happening again. The dispersal order will stay in place until 11pm on Sunday as a precaution."
Festival attendance and safety measures
Around 80,000 people from across the region are expected to attend the festival over the weekend. In the run-up to the event, GMP issued a safety reminder, urging attendees to heed guidance from Counter Terrorism Policing and report anything suspicious. Festival-goers returning for the second day were reminded they would still be subject to searches upon entering Heaton Park.
Comparison to previous years
In 2024, there were 52 arrests made after police confiscated illegal drugs and weapons. This year, police have emphasised their continued presence to keep people safe and support the local community.
The Manchester Evening News has contacted Parklife for comment.
