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The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Oasis defiant response to ‘woke' council bosses who ‘threatened to AXE' Heaton Park show over Gallagher Hill row
COUNCIL bosses worried about ticketless Oasis fans harming young trees in a park threatened to axe one of their gigs. But brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher faced down the 'woke, pen-pushing drones' — giving 1,000 free T-shirts to people Advertisement 8 Fans gather on 'Gallagher Hill' in Heaton Park ahead of Sunday's Oasis gig Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia 8 Noel and Liam hit back at 'woke, pen-pushing drones' at the council by handing out 1,000 free T-shirts to fans on 'Gallagher Hill' 8 The fans' view of the stage from the free vantage point on the hill - which the council had taken issue with Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia Insiders said they were warned officials would pull the plug on their final sell-out Manchester show after Those close to brothers Noel, 58, and Their generous gesture came days after Manchester Council ordered a A source said: 'Noel and Liam got word that Manchester City Council were threatening to pull the plug on their Advertisement READ MORE MUSIC NEWS 'They were incensed and went all out to make them feel welcome. They won't be dictated to by some Those close to the band said Liam and Noel spent hours before the gigs on Saturday and Sunday nights working out how to help those fans on Gallagher Hill. Our source explained: 'One plan included putting a jumbo screen on a truck and putting it out for fans on Gallagher Hill but they came up against health and safety bores — so that was vetoed. 'Instead they had one of their videographers go up to Gallagher Hill for the last show, which was then beamed back into Heaton Park so fans inside the show could see them. Advertisement Most read in Music "Noel and Liam also personally paid for 1,000 T-shirts to be made overnight and then handed out to fans including young kids. 'The music was turned up extra loud for the final night, too. Oasis kick off first Manchester homecoming gig after 16 years away 'It was a gesture of defiance from them and they wanted to show the fans who came to Gallagher Hill each night they were just as important as those who were lucky enough to Noel and Liam were incensed ..and went all out to make ticketless fans feel welcome. Source close to band 'As far as Noel and Liam are concerned, Oasis is a band of the people. And that means everyone.' Advertisement Their two-fingered triumph was met with glee on Gallagher Hill. Liam made a point of mentioning fans on both nights before playing 1994 album track Bring It On Down. On Saturday he said: 'If you lot are listening on the hill . . . bring it on down.' And on Sunday night, Liam called out: 'I want you fans on the hill to be getting involved as well. Even if you're 8 Noel and Liam also personally paid for 1,000 T-shirts to be made overnight and then handed out to fans Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia Advertisement 8 A trio of fans get into the swing of things with cigarettes and alcohol Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia 8 A pair of pals show off their free T-shirts as they make their way to 'The Hill' Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia 8 A team in a golf buggy was seen driving to Gallagher Hill to hand out the free T-shirts created by Noel and Liam - with these three lads grabbing theirs Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia Noel added 'We're going live to Gallagher Hill,' as their videographer streamed footage on to the screens — the largest ever used at a concert in the UK. Advertisement A team in a golf buggy were also seen driving to Gallagher Hill to hand out the free T-shirts created by Noel and Liam. One lucky fan reckoned: 'Oasis isn't just a band, it's a culture.' Yesterday the Gallaghers asked for help identifying four youngsters pictured on Gallagher Hill — including one with a T-shirt. On Instagram they asked their millions of followers: 'If you recognise the young legends in these shots, DM us today.' An insider added: 'Noel and Liam's team want to reach out to these kids who were on Gallagher Hill but didn't get tickets. Advertisement 'For them, these concerts are all about connecting with their fans. ' I'm so happy Liam and Noel acknowledged those who went to Gallagher Hill to hear them. Oasis fan's tweet The pair's gestures went down a storm, with one fan tweeting: 'I'm so happy both Liam and Noel acknowledged those who went to Gallagher Hill to hear them. 'We all need music — rich or poor. I'm glad they know how much Oasis means to so many people from different backgrounds.' Advertisement Another said of the atmosphere on Sunday night, when the music could be heard five miles away: 'Thousands were there, all ages, bucket hats galore, all knew every lyric and were having a top time.' The council claimed they had put up the fence to protect livestock and newly-planted trees. A herd of Highland cattle spend the summer in the park, returning to their farm for the winter. Last week Councillor John Hacking said: 'The steps being taken ahead of the next concert regretfully mean the distant view of the large screens behind the event stage will no longer be there. Advertisement 'Unfortunately our hand has been forced in having to put these additional measures in place to protect the very recent extensive planting of young trees in that location as we try to establish a new woodland area in the park, and the well-being of our cattle herd in the field, as well as to keep people in the park safe. "Our advice to 'We've got some fantastic things going on with a real party atmosphere for everyone to enjoy, whether they've got tickets for the Oasis gigs or not.' The Oasis Live '25 tour resumes on Friday with the first of Advertisement The band will then play in Edinburgh and Dublin before heading to Canada, the US and Mexico. Two further Wembley gigs are lined up in September. 8 Liam and Noel on stage during their triumphant homecoming gig at Heaton Park Credit: Pacific Coast News
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
How Oasis defied ‘woke pen pushing' council to honour Gallagher Hill fans after kill-joys blocked view
NOEL and Liam Gallagher defied killjoy council bosses who tried to stop fans congregating on Heaton Park's 'Gallagher Hill' for Oasis' triumphant final concert. The pair went to special lengths to honour Advertisement 10 The reunion tour is seeing thousands of fans finally get to see the brothers perform - but not all fans were lucky enough to nab tickets Credit: Getty 10 Noel and Liam have defied killjoy council bosses Credit: AFP 10 The two brothers were united as they made a stand for their beloved fans Credit: Getty 10 Gallagher Hill is where fans have been attempting to view and hear the band in Heaton Park Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia 10 A security fence had been erected Credit: Reuters 10 Many revellers who attended were handed free 'Gallagher Hill' t shirts Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia 10 There was estimated to be in excess of 10,000, with some even climbing trees to try to get a better view Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia A source said: 'Noel and Liam wanted to do something to honour their fans who'd been given a kick in the teeth from the council. 'Their fans had gathered on the hill to listen to the show if they didn't have tickets and those in a good position could get a sight of the screens until the council bores tried to stop the fun. 'Noel and Liam wanted to make a point to their fans who couldn't get tickets so had these T-shirts made especially for them. Advertisement Read More about Oasis 'They could only get 1,000 printed in the short space of time they had but their teams pulled it off and their fans were delighted. 'It was a gesture of defiance from them and they wanted to show the fans who came to Gallagher Hill each night that they were just as important as those who were lucky enough to get their hands on a ticket.' Noel and Liam, who played five huge shows at Heaton Park, also made a point of calling out to their loyal supporters on Gallagher Hill. During the final two concerts over the weekend, Liam shouted out to those gathered there before playing their fifth track on the set list, 1994's Bring It On Down. Advertisement Most read in Music Exclusive On Saturday he said into his mic: 'If you lot are listening on the hill... bring it on down.' Last night, the pair also enlisted a videographer on their team to go to the hill and film the fans on Gallagher Hill. What's REALLY going on backstage at Oasis & Gregg Wallace scandal sparks ANOTHER BBC crisis They then beamed the live footage onto the record breaking big screens showing the concert to fans in the crowd. Liam said: 'And I want you fans on the hill to be getting involved as well. Advertisement 'Even if you are Man United fans.' Noel added: 'We're going live to Gallagher Hill.' Oasis - The Gallagher Feud Timeline Brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher have a long history of ongoing fights - both physical and verbal - here's the full history of the band and what they've said to each other. 1991 - Liam Gallagher forms Oasis with Paul Arthurs, Paul McGuigan and Tony McCarroll, later asking Noel to join. 1993 - The band sign to Creation Records and start work on their debut album. August 1994 - Oasis shoot to fame with their debut album, Definitely Maybe, with tracks including Rock n Roll Star, Live Forever and Supersonic. It's one of the fastest selling debuts ever for a British band. September 1994 - Noel temporarily leaves the band's tour after Liam smacks him in the face with a tambourine on stage in Los Angeles. 1995 - The band release their second album, (What's The Story) Morning Glory? which features Wonderwall, Don't Look Back in Anger, and Champagne Supernova. 1996 - Liam is forced to sit out a leg of tour shows due to laryngitis, but causes chaos when he was filmed heckling his brother from a balcony while a taping of MTV Unplugged. 2000 - Noel quits the band temporarily for a second time when, while partying in Barcelona, Liam riles Noel by questioning if his daughter, Anais, is actually his. The pair get into a fist fight. 2005 - Noel tells Q Magazine that he's 'never forgiven' Liam for his comments about Anais and he's 'never apologised. He tells the mag: "He's my brother. I hope he's reading this and realises that. He's my brother but he's at arm's length until he apologises for what he's done." 2009 - Noel admits in an interview with Q that he 'doesn't like Liam', branding him "rude, arrogant, intimidating, and lazy". "He's the angriest man you'll ever meet," he added. "He's like a man with a fork in a world of soup.' Liam later retaliates and tells NME: 'It takes more than blood to be my brother. He doesn't like me and I don't like him.' August 23, 2009 - Oasis pull out of a headline slot at V Festival in the UK due to Liam having laryngitis. August 28, 2009 - Ahead of the Rock en Seine festival, Noel and Liam get into another fight, during which time Liam breaks one of Noel's guitars after "waving it like an axe" according to Noel. August 28, 2009 - Noel quits the band for the third and final time, saying in a statement: "It's with some sadness and great relief to tell you that I quit Oasis tonight. I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer." 2010 - Oasis win 'best album of the last 30 years' at the Brit Awards for (What's the Story) Morning Glory. Liam picks up the gong, and thanks everyone except Noel. He later says this was misinterpreted as a dig. 2011 - Liam tries to sue Noel after he claims in the interview they cancelled their V Festival performance due to Liam being hungover. Liam disputed it said the comment "questioned my professionalism". He later apologised and the lawsuit was dropped. 2011 - Noel admits regrets at quitting before the Paris gig, telling Absolute Radio and admits if he did "we may never have split up." 2011 - 2014 - Liam and the other bandmates continue under new name, Beady Eye, while Noel forms new band, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. 2015 - After years of jabs online, especially through media and Twitter, Liam teases he's buried the hatchet with Noel by sharing an All Areas pass from a High Flying Birds gig. However, the fight would recommence two months later after Noel publicly dismissed suggestion Oasis would reunite for Glastonbury 2016. 2017 - Liam performs at Manchester's One Love concert after the bombing at Ariana Grande's show, with Don't Look Back In Anger becoming a unifying anthem for the incident. He then slams Noel for not attending. Noel later tells Sunday Times: "Young music fan were slaughtered, and he, twice, takes it somewhere to be about him. He needs to see somebody.' 2018 - Liam suggests a reunion for the 2018 World Cup on Twitter, writing: 'let's get the big O back together and stop f***ing about the drinks are on me'. When it fell on deaf ears, he added: "I'll take that as a NO then." 2019 - Noel speaks out after Liam sends 'threatening messages' to Anais after a comment made about then wife Sara McDonald. Liam later apologises publicly to Anais. 2020 - Liam urges Noel to reunite for a one-off charity gig. The gestures went down a storm with fans, with one writing on X this morning: 'I'm so happy both Liam and Noel acknowledged those who went to Gallagher hill to hear them. 'I understand why tickets can get as expensive as they are now, but we all need music - rich or poor. Advertisement 'I'm glad they know how much Oasis means a lot to so many people from different backgrounds.' Another lucky fan who got one of the T-shirts said: 'Oasis isn't just a band, it's a culture.' Last week They said they wanted to "dissuade people from gathering there,' with councillor John Hacking pushing fans to go to the city centre to see 'a real party atmosphere'. Advertisement Despite the limited view, fans still flocked there to listen to the show, with thousands of people of all different ages sitting there to listen. Our insider added: 'Oasis make music for their fans and they perform for their fans. 'They won't be dictated to by some woke, pen-pushing drones on Manchester City Council. 'Music is for everyone.' Advertisement The brothers now have a short break before their mammoth 41-show tour continues in London's Wembley Stadium on Friday. 10 Around 10,000 fans were thought to be in attendance Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia 10 The fans were loving their t shirts Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia 10 Thousands of fans looked overjoyed to be at the event Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia Advertisement
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
How Oasis defied ‘woke pen pushing' council to honour Gallagher Hill fans after kill-joys blocked view
The brothers were united in defying the killjoy council bosses NOEL and Liam Gallagher defied killjoy council bosses who tried to stop fans congregating on Heaton Park's 'Gallagher Hill' for Oasis' triumphant final concert. The pair went to special lengths to honour those gathered there, including paying for 1,000 special T-shirts which were handed out to delighted fans during last night's show. Advertisement 10 The reunion tour is seeing thousands of fans finally get to see the brothers perform - but not all fans were lucky enough to nab tickets Credit: Getty 10 Noel and Liam have defied killjoy council bosses Credit: AFP 10 The two brothers were united as they made a stand for their beloved fans Credit: Getty 10 Gallagher Hill is where fans have been attempting to view and hear the band in Heaton Park Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia 10 A security fence had been erected Credit: Reuters 10 Many revellers who attended were handed free 'Gallagher Hill' t shirts Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia 10 There was estimated to be in excess of 10,000, with some even climbing trees to try to get a better view Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia Noel, 58, and Liam, 52, made the effort after woke Manchester City Council chiefs decided to erect an enormous fence on the hill to stop fans without tickets from seeing the enormous screens that showed the brothers playing. A source said: 'Noel and Liam wanted to do something to honour their fans who'd been given a kick in the teeth from the council. 'Their fans had gathered on the hill to listen to the show if they didn't have tickets and those in a good position could get a sight of the screens until the council bores tried to stop the fun. 'Noel and Liam wanted to make a point to their fans who couldn't get tickets so had these T-shirts made especially for them. Advertisement 'They could only get 1,000 printed in the short space of time they had but their teams pulled it off and their fans were delighted. 'It was a gesture of defiance from them and they wanted to show the fans who came to Gallagher Hill each night that they were just as important as those who were lucky enough to get their hands on a ticket.' Noel and Liam, who played five huge shows at Heaton Park, also made a point of calling out to their loyal supporters on Gallagher Hill. During the final two concerts over the weekend, Liam shouted out to those gathered there before playing their fifth track on the set list, 1994's Bring It On Down. Advertisement On Saturday he said into his mic: 'If you lot are listening on the hill... bring it on down.' Last night, the pair also enlisted a videographer on their team to go to the hill and film the fans on Gallagher Hill. What's REALLY going on backstage at Oasis & Gregg Wallace scandal sparks ANOTHER BBC crisis They then beamed the live footage onto the record breaking big screens showing the concert to fans in the crowd. Liam said: 'And I want you fans on the hill to be getting involved as well. Advertisement 'Even if you are Man United fans.' Noel added: 'We're going live to Gallagher Hill.' Oasis - The Gallagher Feud Timeline Brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher have a long history of ongoing fights - both physical and verbal - here's the full history of the band and what they've said to each other. 1991 - Liam Gallagher forms Oasis with Paul Arthurs, Paul McGuigan and Tony McCarroll, later asking Noel to join. 1993 - The band sign to Creation Records and start work on their debut album. August 1994 - Oasis shoot to fame with their debut album, Definitely Maybe, with tracks including Rock n Roll Star, Live Forever and Supersonic. It's one of the fastest selling debuts ever for a British band. September 1994 - Noel temporarily leaves the band's tour after Liam smacks him in the face with a tambourine on stage in Los Angeles. 1995 - The band release their second album, (What's The Story) Morning Glory? which features Wonderwall, Don't Look Back in Anger, and Champagne Supernova. 1996 - Liam is forced to sit out a leg of tour shows due to laryngitis, but causes chaos when he was filmed heckling his brother from a balcony while a taping of MTV Unplugged. 2000 - Noel quits the band temporarily for a second time when, while partying in Barcelona, Liam riles Noel by questioning if his daughter, Anais, is actually his. The pair get into a fist fight. 2005 - Noel tells Q Magazine that he's 'never forgiven' Liam for his comments about Anais and he's 'never apologised. He tells the mag: "He's my brother. I hope he's reading this and realises that. He's my brother but he's at arm's length until he apologises for what he's done." 2009 - Noel admits in an interview with Q that he 'doesn't like Liam', branding him "rude, arrogant, intimidating, and lazy". "He's the angriest man you'll ever meet," he added. "He's like a man with a fork in a world of soup.' Liam later retaliates and tells NME: 'It takes more than blood to be my brother. He doesn't like me and I don't like him.' August 23, 2009 - Oasis pull out of a headline slot at V Festival in the UK due to Liam having laryngitis. August 28, 2009 - Ahead of the Rock en Seine festival, Noel and Liam get into another fight, during which time Liam breaks one of Noel's guitars after "waving it like an axe" according to Noel. August 28, 2009 - Noel quits the band for the third and final time, saying in a statement: "It's with some sadness and great relief to tell you that I quit Oasis tonight. I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer." 2010 - Oasis win 'best album of the last 30 years' at the Brit Awards for (What's the Story) Morning Glory. Liam picks up the gong, and thanks everyone except Noel. He later says this was misinterpreted as a dig. 2011 - Liam tries to sue Noel after he claims in the interview they cancelled their V Festival performance due to Liam being hungover. Liam disputed it said the comment "questioned my professionalism". He later apologised and the lawsuit was dropped. 2011 - Noel admits regrets at quitting before the Paris gig, telling Absolute Radio and admits if he did "we may never have split up." 2011 - 2014 - Liam and the other bandmates continue under new name, Beady Eye, while Noel forms new band, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. 2015 - After years of jabs online, especially through media and Twitter, Liam teases he's buried the hatchet with Noel by sharing an All Areas pass from a High Flying Birds gig. However, the fight would recommence two months later after Noel publicly dismissed suggestion Oasis would reunite for Glastonbury 2016. 2017 - Liam performs at Manchester's One Love concert after the bombing at Ariana Grande's show, with Don't Look Back In Anger becoming a unifying anthem for the incident. He then slams Noel for not attending. Noel later tells Sunday Times: "Young music fan were slaughtered, and he, twice, takes it somewhere to be about him. He needs to see somebody.' 2018 - Liam suggests a reunion for the 2018 World Cup on Twitter, writing: 'let's get the big O back together and stop f***ing about the drinks are on me'. When it fell on deaf ears, he added: "I'll take that as a NO then." 2019 - Noel speaks out after Liam sends 'threatening messages' to Anais after a comment made about then wife Sara McDonald. Liam later apologises publicly to Anais. 2020 - Liam urges Noel to reunite for a one-off charity gig. The gestures went down a storm with fans, with one writing on X this morning: 'I'm so happy both Liam and Noel acknowledged those who went to Gallagher hill to hear them. 'I understand why tickets can get as expensive as they are now, but we all need music - rich or poor. Advertisement 'I'm glad they know how much Oasis means a lot to so many people from different backgrounds.' Another lucky fan who got one of the T-shirts said: 'Oasis isn't just a band, it's a culture.' Last week Manchester City Council chiefs erected the wall after fans flocked to Gallagher Hill for the first night of their sold out run of shows in the city.. They said they wanted to "dissuade people from gathering there,' with councillor John Hacking pushing fans to go to the city centre to see 'a real party atmosphere'. Advertisement Despite the limited view, fans still flocked there to listen to the show, with thousands of people of all different ages sitting there to listen. Our insider added: 'Oasis make music for their fans and they perform for their fans. 'They won't be dictated to by some woke, pen-pushing drones on Manchester City Council. 'Music is for everyone.' Advertisement The brothers now have a short break before their mammoth 41-show tour continues in London's Wembley Stadium on Friday. 10 Around 10,000 fans were thought to be in attendance Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia 10 The fans were loving their t shirts Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia 10 Thousands of fans looked overjoyed to be at the event Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
My son Martyn was murdered in Manchester bombing… eight years on we'll celebrate as new law means he didn't die in vain
Devastated mum Figen says the pain of losing Martyn has never lessened - but reveals how she manages her grief MARTYN'S LAW My son Martyn was murdered in Manchester bombing… eight years on we'll celebrate as new law means he didn't die in vain Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A YEAR ago today, Figen Murray hobbled in agony along Downing Street, having marched 200 miles to demand tougher terror laws in memory of her murdered son. The grieving mum, 64 — whose lad Martyn Hett was among 22 killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing — bravely pushed through the pain to reach her destination and meet with then-Opposition leader Keir Starmer. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Martyn Hett was among 22 killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing Credit: PA 7 Now, on the eighth anniversary of the May 22 Manchester attack, Martyn's mum Figen Murray has the strength to smile over her triumphant campaign for change Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia At a key summit, the Labour chief vowed new legislation to combat atrocities like the one committed by Islamist terrorist Salman Abedi at an Ariana Grande gig in 2017. And he delivered on his promise, with Martyn's Law given Royal Assent last month. Now, on the eighth anniversary of the May 22 Manchester attack, Figen has the strength to smile over her triumphant campaign for change. The new legislation is officially called the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill and will require all venues with a capacity of more than 200 to have a plan in place in the event of an attack. Figen — who was supported on her crusade by murdered MP Jo Cox's husband, Brendan — will host a party at her home in the city this weekend for Martyn's pals to celebrate victory. She says: 'Martyn loved being with his friends and having a party. 'He died while doing that eight years ago. 'This Saturday, we will all gather and have a party for Martyn at our house, next to a tree we have planted for him — we'll have drinks, talk about him and rejoice in the fact that Martyn did not die in vain. 'I feel really guilty' 'This victory will save lives, I'm sure of it. 'This law will make everyone safer, whether at a large festival or a small recital.' Paul Hett, father of Martyn Hett, 29, who died in the Manchester Arena bombing says victims were 'failed on every level' She adds: 'People will not know their lives have been saved. 'Martyn's Law will be a silent saviour.' My self-care now is another way of honouring Martyn. I knew I couldn't address my grief until his law was passed Figen In an inspiring exclusive interview with The Sun, Figen reveals how she has now started having therapy, after putting her grief 'on hold' to campaign for new laws. She says: 'My self-care now is another way of honouring Martyn. 'I knew I couldn't address my grief until his law was passed.' Martyn's Law will see some of the country's biggest venues use pioneering 'mass screening technology' to scan crowds and identify potential threats who will be fully searched. Figen — who says big London sports stadia, as well as Manchester venues Bridgewater Hall and the Warehouse Project, are trialling the new system — adds: 'Mass screening technology is revolutionary for anti-terror security. 'Cameras trained on customers attending a venue can screen 1,000 to 2,000 people in one hour. 'It is a piece of equipment on either side of the entrance. 'You walk over a part that has a sensor underneath, and anybody with something suspicious lights up on a computer screen being looked at by a member of security. 'They then alert staff to search that person. 'They may have identified an umbrella, but it could equally have been a knife. 'I think this technology is brilliant. 'I think it will be widely available at all big venues in the years to come and will change everything.' Coronation Street superfan Martyn, 29, was on his farewell night out in the UK before he went travelling in America when tragedy struck. Evil Abedi, 22, detonated a bomb made of explosives, nuts and bolts that killed 22 Ariana Grande concert-goers, including Martyn, and maimed 1,000. Brave Figen made it her life's goal to change venues' anti-terror laws in the wake of the horror. Last month, after a gruelling six-and-a-half-year wait, the legislation was read out in the House of Commons before being rubber-stamped in the House of Lords. Martyn's Law will enforce anti-terror training for staff and tighter event security at venues, which includes more vigorous bag checks and body searches. 7 Islamist terrorist Salman Abedi at Victoria Station making his way to the Manchester Arena, on May 22, 2017, where he detonated his bomb Credit: PA 7 Figen and her husband Stuart, right, held talks with Keir Starmer last year Credit: Getty Premises that can accommodate more than 800 people will have to put in place measures such as CCTV or hire more security staff. Public premises where 200 to 799 people may gather — including nightclubs, churches and concert halls — must have plans to keep guests safe in the event of a terror attack happening at or near their location. Venues now have two years to get up to speed with the changes, which Figen insists will 'save lives'. I knew I had to do something to make sure other young people didn't suffer the same fate as my Martyn. After his death I went to one venue and was shocked at the lack of security. I thought: 'I need to do something – this isn't right Figen The determined mum retrained and achieved a degree in counterterrorism at the University of Central Lancashire before embarking on trips around the world to speak to others affected by terror attacks. She says: 'I knew I had to do something to make sure other young people didn't suffer the same fate as my Martyn. 'In the years after Martyn's death, I remember going to one venue in Manchester and being shocked about the lack of security there. 'I came away thinking, 'I need to do something, this isn't right'. 'In 2019, I started campaigning for Martyn's Law. 'I only intended it to be a six-month campaign.' The battle — aided by Survivors Against Terror founder Brendan Cox and former Met Police detective chief superintendent Nick Aldworth — took its toll on Figen mentally and physically, particularly her trek from Manchester Arena to Downing Street. She says: 'It was that walk that changed everything. 'It showed we meant business and that we were not going away. I sleep a lot better. However, I still struggle going to sleep before 11pm, because I just feel really, really guilty and ashamed that I was fast asleep and he was on the floor dying slowly, and I wasn't there to help him as a mum Figen 'I was promised that the law would be passed by Mr Starmer, and he kept his promise. 'However, I was in agony after that walk. 'I needed a hip replacement because of it.' Figen revealed that she has started sleeping better now as she is no longer troubled by concerns about whether Martyn's Law will be passed. But she still finds it hard to nod off before 11pm — which was roughly the time Martyn died — due to her lingering 'guilt'. She says: 'I sleep a lot better. 'However, I still struggle going to sleep before 11pm, because I just feel really, really guilty and ashamed that I was fast asleep and he was on the floor dying slowly, and I wasn't there to help him as a mum. 'I'm not sure that will ever change.' Figen has also started seeing a grief specialist, which she had avoided so she could channel all her energy into Martyn's Law. 'Raise a glass' She says: 'My self-care has to start now. 'I feel the counselling is also in memory of Martyn. 'I feel, after our victory, it's time to now slow down, grieve and help myself come to terms with what happened.' In the last couple of years, Figen has visited venues across the country to see how they intended to implement her son's law. She says: 'I get emails and messages from people saying, 'Oh, I am a teacher at a small school and we're talking about Martyn's Law in our staff meeting now'. 7 Figen at Downing Street last year after her 200-mile trek 7 Mourners united in grief for victims Credit: Rex 'Or people will say, 'We've just been to our small local venue, and they were talking about implementing Martyn's Law.' That's amazing. 'Bigger venues have got their act in order. 'It's not rocket science, is it? 'Get your CCTV sorted in big venues, and get your access control improved and more secure, and train yourself and your staff.' Figen said she was impressed by security at Manchester's new super-arena, the Co-Op Live. She also revealed the venue she had major concerns over — that inspired her crusade but which she is not naming — has 'cleared up its act'. Everybody felt their city was attacked. They have responded to Martyn's Law incredibly Figen Now, Figen wants the whole of the UK to follow Manchester's lead in already implementing steps to tighten security. She says: 'I think, when the attack happened, the Mancunians felt it as a personal attack on them. 'Everybody felt their city was attacked. 'They have responded to Martyn's Law incredibly. 'I urge venues to not wait for the whole two-year implementation period. 'Terrorists could strike at any time. 'Our terrorism threat level is substantial, which means an attack is highly likely — so let's not forget that. 'And the general public obviously don't understand. 'They're not bothered about threat levels, because it's not on their mind. 'It wasn't on mine before Martyn died.' She adds: 'My message is, 'Don't let terrorists pick your venue to attack because you haven't done what is needed'.' Figen said the pain of losing Martyn has never lessened. She reveals: 'I remember it as if it was last night. 'It was like slow motion. 'It doesn't feel like eight years ago, and the pain has not eased off. 'I've just not had time to indulge it or feel the emotions, because I didn't allow myself to until we had Martyn's Law. But I am now. 'There's a Martin-shaped hole in my heart now — deep, deep in my soul. 'It's like the abyss of grief. 'It never goes away.' Last weekend, Figen and her family gathered to watch the Eurovision Song Contest, a show which Martyn loved. But today's anniversary will be spent reflecting quietly at home. Then, on Saturday, friends and loved ones will gather in Figen's garden for a party in Martyn's honour. The proud mum said: 'I'll do a buffet, we'll sit next to the tree that we planted in his memory and we'll raise a glass to Martyn. 'And we'll say, 'This is the year we achieved something big in your name'.'
The Irish Sun
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
My son Martyn was murdered in Manchester bombing… eight years on we'll celebrate as new law means he didn't die in vain
A YEAR ago today, Figen Murray hobbled in agony along Downing Street, having marched 200 miles to demand tougher terror laws in memory of her murdered son. The grieving mum, 64 — whose lad Advertisement 7 Martyn Hett was among 22 killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing Credit: PA 7 Now, on the eighth anniversary of the May 22 Manchester attack, Martyn's mum Figen Murray has the strength to smile over her triumphant campaign for change Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia At a key summit, the Labour chief vowed new legislation to combat atrocities like the one committed by Islamist terrorist And he delivered on his promise, with Now, on the eighth anniversary of the May 22 Manchester attack, Figen has the strength to smile over her triumphant campaign for change. The new legislation is officially called the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill and will require all venues with a capacity of more than 200 to have a plan in place in the event of an attack. Advertisement READ MORE ON TERRORISM Figen — who was supported on her crusade by She says: 'Martyn loved being with his friends and having a party. 'He died while doing that eight years ago. 'This Saturday, we will all gather and have a party for Martyn at our house, next to a tree we have planted for him — we'll have drinks, talk about him and rejoice in the fact that Martyn did not die in vain. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Latest 'I feel really guilty' 'This victory will save lives, I'm sure of it. 'This law will make everyone safer, whether at a large festival or a small recital.' Paul Hett, father of Martyn Hett, 29, who died in the Manchester Arena bombing says victims were 'failed on every level' She adds: 'People will not know their lives have been saved. 'Martyn's Law will be a silent saviour.' Advertisement My self-care now is another way of honouring Martyn. I knew I couldn't address my grief until his law was passed Figen In an inspiring exclusive interview with The Sun, Figen reveals how she has now started having therapy, after putting her grief 'on hold' to campaign for new laws. She says: 'My self-care now is another way of honouring Martyn. 'I knew I couldn't address my grief until his law was passed.' Martyn's Law will see some of the country's biggest venues use pioneering 'mass screening technology' to scan crowds and identify potential threats who will be fully searched. Advertisement Figen — who says big London sports stadia, as well as Manchester venues Bridgewater Hall and the Warehouse Project, are trialling the new system — adds: 'Mass screening technology is revolutionary for anti-terror security. 'Cameras trained on customers attending a venue can screen 1,000 to 2,000 people in one hour. 'It is a piece of equipment on either side of the entrance. 'You walk over a part that has a sensor underneath, and anybody with something suspicious lights up on a computer screen being looked at by a member of security. Advertisement 'They then alert staff to search that person. 'They may have identified an umbrella, but it could equally have been a knife. 'I think this technology is brilliant. 'I think it will be widely available at all big venues in the years to come and will change everything.' Advertisement Coronation Street superfan Martyn, 29, was on his farewell night out in the UK before he went travelling in America when tragedy struck. Evil Abedi, 22, detonated a bomb made of explosives, nuts and bolts that killed 22 Ariana Grande concert-goers, including Martyn, and maimed 1,000. Brave Figen made it her life's goal to change venues' anti-terror laws in the wake of the horror. Last month, after a gruelling six-and-a-half-year wait, the legislation was read out in the House of Commons before being rubber-stamped in the House of Lords. Advertisement Martyn's Law will enforce anti-terror training for staff and tighter event security at venues, which includes more vigorous bag checks and body searches. 7 Islamist terrorist Salman Abedi at Victoria Station making his way to the Manchester Arena, on May 22, 2017, where he detonated his bomb Credit: PA 7 Figen and her husband Stuart, right, held talks with Keir Starmer last year Credit: Getty Premises that can accommodate more than 800 people will have to put in place measures such as CCTV or hire more security staff. Advertisement Public premises where 200 to 799 people may gather — including nightclubs, churches and concert halls — must have plans to keep guests safe in the event of a terror attack happening at or near their location. Venues now have two years to get up to speed with the changes, which Figen insists will 'save lives'. I knew I had to do something to make sure other young people didn't suffer the same fate as my Martyn. After his death I went to one venue and was shocked at the lack of security. I thought: 'I need to do something – this isn't right Figen The determined mum retrained and achieved a degree in counterterrorism at the University of Central Lancashire before embarking on trips around the world to speak to others affected by terror attacks. She says: 'I knew I had to do something to make sure other young people didn't suffer the same fate as my Martyn. Advertisement 'In the years after Martyn's death, I remember going to one venue in Manchester and being shocked about the lack of security there. 'I came away thinking, 'I need to do something, this isn't right'. 'In 2019, I started campaigning for Martyn's Law. 'I only intended it to be a six-month campaign.' Advertisement The battle — aided by Survivors Against Terror founder Brendan Cox and former Met Police detective chief superintendent Nick Aldworth — took its toll on Figen mentally and physically, particularly her trek from Manchester Arena to Downing Street. She says: 'It was that walk that changed everything. 'It showed we meant business and that we were not going away. I sleep a lot better. However, I still struggle going to sleep before 11pm, because I just feel really, really guilty and ashamed that I was fast asleep and he was on the floor dying slowly, and I wasn't there to help him as a mum Figen 'I was promised that the law would be passed by Mr Starmer, and he kept his promise. Advertisement 'However, I was in agony after that walk. 'I needed a hip replacement because of it.' Figen revealed that she has started sleeping better now as she is no longer troubled by concerns about whether Martyn's Law will be passed. But she still finds it hard to nod off before 11pm — which was roughly the time Martyn died — due to her lingering 'guilt'. Advertisement She says: 'I sleep a lot better. 'However, I still struggle going to sleep before 11pm, because I just feel really, really guilty and ashamed that I was fast asleep and he was on the floor dying slowly, and I wasn't there to help him as a mum. 'I'm not sure that will ever change.' Figen has also started seeing a grief specialist, which she had avoided so she could channel all her energy into Martyn's Law. Advertisement 'Raise a glass' She says: 'My self-care has to start now. 'I feel the counselling is also in memory of Martyn. 'I feel, after our victory, it's time to now slow down, grieve and help myself come to terms with what happened.' In the last couple of years, Figen has visited venues across the country to see how they intended to implement her son's law. Advertisement She says: 'I get emails and messages from people saying, 'Oh, I am a teacher at a small school and we're talking about Martyn's Law in our staff meeting now'. 7 Figen at Downing Street last year after her 200-mile trek 7 Mourners united in grief for victims Credit: Rex 'Or people will say, 'We've just been to our small local venue, and they were talking about implementing Martyn's Law.' That's amazing. Advertisement 'Bigger venues have got their act in order. 'It's not rocket science, is it? 'Get your CCTV sorted in big venues, and get your access control improved and more secure, and train yourself and your staff.' Figen said she was impressed by security at Manchester's new super-arena, the Co-Op Live. Advertisement She also revealed the venue she had major concerns over — that inspired her crusade but which she is not naming — has 'cleared up its act'. Everybody felt their city was attacked. They have responded to Martyn's Law incredibly Figen Now, Figen wants the whole of the UK to follow Manchester's lead in already implementing steps to tighten security. She says: 'I think, when the attack happened, the Mancunians felt it as a personal attack on them. 'Everybody felt their city was attacked. Advertisement 'They have responded to Martyn's Law incredibly. 'I urge venues to not wait for the whole two-year implementation period. 'Terrorists could strike at any time. 'Our terrorism threat level is substantial, which means an attack is highly likely — so let's not forget that. Advertisement 'And the general public obviously don't understand. 'They're not bothered about threat levels, because it's not on their mind. 'It wasn't on mine before Martyn died.' She adds: 'My message is, 'Don't let terrorists pick your venue to attack because you haven't done what is needed'.' Advertisement Figen said the pain of losing Martyn has never lessened. She reveals: 'I remember it as if it was last night. 'It was like slow motion. 'It doesn't feel like eight years ago, and the pain has not eased off. Advertisement 'I've just not had time to indulge it or feel the emotions, because I didn't allow myself to until we had Martyn's Law. But I am now. 'There's a Martin-shaped hole in my heart now — deep, deep in my soul. 'It's like the abyss of grief. 'It never goes away.' Advertisement Last weekend, Figen and her family gathered to watch the But today's anniversary will be spent reflecting quietly at home. Then, on Saturday, friends and loved ones will gather in Figen's garden for a party in Martyn's honour. The proud mum said: 'I'll do a buffet, we'll sit next to the tree that we planted in his memory and we'll raise a glass to Martyn. Advertisement 'And we'll say, 'This is the year we achieved something big in your name'.' 7 Emergency services on the scene at the Manchester Arena in 2017 Credit: PA:Press Association
