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The Sun
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The 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 watching Sunday's show from 'Gallagher Hill' in Heaton Park, Manchester. 8 8 8 Insiders said they were warned officials would pull the plug on their final sell-out Manchester show after thousands descended on 'Gallagher Hill' to hear the concerts for free. Those close to brothers Noel, 58, and Liam, 52, said they were incensed by the threat and went all out to give fans a night to remember on Sunday — including paying for 1,000 limited-edition free T-shirts. Their generous gesture came days after Manchester Council ordered a fence to be erected in the city's Heaton Park, blocking the view of several large screens near the stage from a nearby knoll — which has been dubbed Gallagher Hill. A source said: 'Noel and Liam got word that Manchester City Council were threatening to pull the plug on their final night at Heaton Park because of fans without tickets gathering on Gallagher Hill. 'They were incensed and went all out to make them feel welcome. They won't be dictated to by some woke, pen-pushing drones on Manchester City Council.' 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. "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 get their hands on a ticket. 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.' 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 Man United fans.' 8 8 8 8 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. 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. 'For them, these concerts are all about connecting with their fans. ' Not everyone got tickets but that doesn't mean they should be stopped from enjoying the music.' 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.' 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. '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 music fans who don't have tickets for the concerts is to head into the city centre instead. '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 five gigs at London's Wembley Stadium. 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
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Acts of defiance, flares and a committed audience bring a rock 'n' roll spirit to Heaton Park for third Oasis gig
The day started with reports of fences, felled trees, and travel warnings - but it ended with a night of fan adoration, jubilant spirits and even an occasional bit of sunshine at Heaton Park. This evening, Oasis continued their triumphant homecoming show at the Prestwich beauty spot following two big shows last weekend. The first, and only, mid-week show for the band in Manchester, fans were advised ahead of time to expect journeys to take longer due to big queues and advised to completely avoid a two-hour window if possible. READ MORE: "We have waited for the Oasis reunion for years... our £700 was essentially spent on thin air" READ MORE: Oasis Heaton Park LIVE: Fans party in streets as Gallagher brothers perform triumphant third show- latest updates But an effective queuing system at Victoria Station meant that whilst some fans did line the streets, they were swiftly sent upon their way to Heaton Park without much fuss. Tonight's show (July 16), which had a reduced capacity of 50,000 compared to 80,000 at the weekend gigs, was also marked by acts of defiance from the council. An area close to the stage area at Heaton Park, affectionately named 'Gallagher Hill' by fans, became a hotspot for ticketless fans at the weekend. But those wanting to recreate their own renditions alongside restricted views of Liam and Noel through gaps in trees were told by Manchester Council to avoid the area completely if they didn't have a ticket. Steel fencing was also erected in the large area within the cattle field in the main park, which is currently being developed as a new woodland area. It led some fans to accuse organisers of 'gatekeeping at its finest'. The erection of the fencing was put in place both 'to protect the environment from further damage' and to 'dissuade people from gathering there', with the concert no longer viewable from the area for non ticket-holders. But, despite the council's pleas and despite being unable to see any of the stage, fans still gathered by the fences to enjoy the sounds of the Gallagher's as they belted out the likes of megahits Live Forever and Rock N Roll Star - with those in attendance bringing out deck chairs, picnic blankets and even deck chairs for the occasion. Ellie and Ethan have differing opinions on the barriers that have been installed. Ellie didn't get tickets, she said: 'I'm not bothered [about the fences]," fan Ellie said at 'Gallagher Hill'. "Those people paid for their tickets so they should see it.' Ethan, who was at Friday's show and has returned to camp out at the gathering spot added: "It's rubbish, nobody was doing any harm." Halfway through the show, 'Gallagher Hill' lit up with colourful flares as fans took their adoration for Oasis to the next level. At pubs across the road from Heaton Park, fans were also seen in beer gardens singing and dancing along to the sounds of the band. Despite it being a Wednesday, fans with tickets to today's show turned up in town early once again to soak up the atmosphere in the city. With bars hosting Oasis-themed takeovers, and pop-ups continuing to sell the band's latest merch, alongside much-less-rain than yesterday, the rock and roll attitude was in full effect. Alongside seas of bucket hats, fans also got creative with their outfits with one fan, Eri Fukamachi, having flown all the way from Osaka in Japan for tonight's show. Making most of the occasion, Eri was also dressed in her very own custom-made Oasis kimono for the gig. Fan Megan, who attended the show with her friends Elizabeth, Lauren, Nicole, Holly and Alison, said she was always going to be seeing the band in Manchester for this tour - and was prepared to do whatever it took to do so. "I've said that if I had to sell a kidney to watch them again I'd do it," she joked outside the venue ahead of the show. "I've still got my kidney but I've paid over the odds for this.' Another fan, Andy, who was enjoying the all-day Oasis party at The Woodthorpe pub on Bury Old Road before heading to Heaton Park for the show, also celebrated his birthday today - having travelled from Wrexham for this evening's show despite only getting his tickets at the weekend. "I've been waiting 30 years for this," he explained. "I paid a lot of money for the tickets. We only got them on Saturday, but it's worth every penny!' As Oasis headed out on stage bang on 8.15pm this evening, Liam started with his usual roll call of 'Oasis vibes in the area, Manchester vibes in the area', before breaking out into songs like Hello, Morning Glory, Some Might Say and Cigarettes & Alcohol, it was a romp through 23 hits made up of classic anthems, B-sides and fan favourites. Like at the last Oasis show, Liam also took a moment to throw some banter towards Manchester United fans as he told crowds it was 'Poznan time', encouraging them to join in a salute which has become commonly associated with City. He said: "United fans, just get ****ing involved. Stop sulking." He then added: "Let's have it."
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Oasis fans STILL find clever way to see Heaton Park screens from outside after 'Gallagher Hill' closed off
Oasis fans STILL managed to see the screens from outside the huge Heaton Park gig on Wednesday night (July 16) - despite the 'Gallagher Hill' being closed by the council. At the weekend, ticketless fans joined forces at a space next to the concert area which has now been aptly named 'Gallagher Hill'. Crowds still managed were able to hear the on-stage action and catch glimpses of the band through trees. But those hoping for a similar experience on Wednesday were told not to come to the venue without a ticket, whilst Manchester Council also erected new fences blocking access to the hill spot. READ MORE: 'An email I got just before going to see Oasis' Heaton Park gig made me throw up' READ MORE: The seaside towns near Greater Manchester named among 'best in the UK' Stay connected with our City Life newsletter here Despite this, some fans still arrived at the north Manchester park, with some camping out and having picnics ahead of the show, and others scaling trees and fences in a bid to catch a glimpse of the show. But it seemed another group of hopefuls without tickets managed to score possibly the best view from outside - by climbing atop a wall on the outskirts of the park and using their mobile phones to zoom in on one of the stage screens to see it clearly. 'F***ing hell that's mega" one person said as a group of men scaled the fences and raised their arms above the barriers surrounding the stage area. Whilst fans were warned by Manchester Council not to head to Heaton Park if they didn't have a ticket, some people still gathered at the nearby 'Gallagher's Hill' despite it being fenced off to block off views of the stage. Large crowds also gathered and sat on walls and pavements along Bury Old Road, sitting on deck chairs, dancing and enjoying drinks outside while they sang along to the music echoing across the area. Join our Oasis WhatsApp group HERE Red flares were also let off in the grounds of Heaton Park, as other ticketless fans gathered to climb trees and the fences to enjoy the evening together. The band are continuing their five-night run of shows here in the city this evening, with a further two shows set to take place this weekend. --- Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it. That's why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable, highlighting the best of what we do - bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don't miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News. And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North. You can also sign up for that here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street. If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it. And finally, if there is a story you think our journalists should be looking into, we want to hear from you. Email us on newsdesk@ or give us a ring on 0161 211 2920.
The Sun
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Fury as killjoy ‘b******s' take drastic step to stop clever Oasis fans from watching band's reunion tour gigs for FREE
A FENCE has been put up to stop fans watching Oasis gigs for free. At the weekend hundreds of people without tickets realised they could see large screens near the stage in Heaton Park from a nearby hillock. 2 2 Some brought picnics while others enjoyed a drink as they danced the night away for free - while those inside Heaton Park had paid up to £400 for a ticket. Yesterday the vantage point — dubbed Gallagher Hill — was screened off with a large green fence. It sparked anger online from those hoping to see tonight's gig and others on Saturday and Sunday. One said on X: 'B******s. 'It's not as if the concerts are losing money.' 'All the shows sold out", fumed someone else. Manchester council said the site has been fenced off to 'dissuade people from gathering there and to protect livestock and newly-planted trees'. At last weekend's gigs ticketless fans tried to get over security fences with a ladder.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Yahoo
Manchester council rakes in over £440k from just SIX junctions in a year
Manchester council raked in more than £440,000 worth of fines from just SIX junctions last year, in a crackdown on offences in 'high-risk' yellow box areas. According to new figures released by the RAC following an FOI request, the authority dished out 13,130 penalties in 2024, more than anywhere else in the UK. The equivalent of 36 fines a day, this brought in £446,706. That figure accounts for nearly half of all yellow box-related revenue outside London and Cardiff. READ MORE: 15 years ago he made a prediction about Manchester that proved correct - now he has made another READ MORE: Teenager disappears after boarding flight at Manchester Airport In 2023, councils received additional powers from the government to enforce rules relating to 'moving traffic offences', most notably including box junctions. The RAC has previously issued warnings that the disproportionate number of fines issued by a small number of councils, including Manchester council, could suggest there are problems with the design or location of the boxes. Offences enforced by the fines include ignoring yellow box markings, making a right or left turn when prohibited, or driving the wrong way down a one-way street. The fines are enforced with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, which allow the council to issue the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). Drivers are fined £70 for a contravention, which is reduced to £35 if the sum is paid within 21 days of it being issued. Manchester council told the Manchester Evening News restrictions which could only be enforced by the police were take on by the authority following a consultation in 2022. It added that it was 'pleased to see that the majority of motorists using these junctions obey the rules of the road and help prevent unnecessary gridlock'. Kirkmanshulme Lane at its junction with Mount Road, close to Belle Vue train station, made the most money. The six junctions in Greater Manchester at the centre of the fines are understood to be: Cheetham Hill Road / Elizabeth Street – No right turn Ashton Old Road / Chancellor Lane / Fairfield Street – Yellow box Princess Parkway / Palatine Road – Yellow box Great Ancoats Street / Oldham Road / Oldham Street – Yellow box Kirkmanshulme Lane / Mount Road – Compulsory left turn / Yellow box Wilmslow Road / M56 junction 6 – Ahead Only Manchester council accounted for 49 per cent, just under half, of all the revenue from yellow box fines outside London and Cardiff. During the same period, Reading Borough Council, which has eight junctions it can enforce compared to Manchester City Council's six, issued 1,638 fines. Meanwhile Gloucester County Council raised just £945 from 30 fines on their single yellow box over the same period - less than a single day's fines for Manchester council. Manchester council was also well ahead of the second highest authority, issuing nearly three times as many fines as the 4,433 by Medway council. Before May 2022 only councils in London and Cardiff could enforce yellow box junctions, but freedom of information requests sent to councils which applied for these powers has revealed that 36 boxes outside London and Cardiff are now being enforced. These laws were still in effect in those authorities before the new rules, but only the police and not local authorities had powers to enforce them. According to the Highway Code, drivers must not enter a yellow box unless the exit from the box is clear or they are waiting for a gap in oncoming traffic so they can safely turn right. Guidance issued to councils says that during the first six months of a box being operational they should issue warning notices to drivers the first time they break the rules, instead of a fine. This allows drivers to familiarise themselves with the box rather than springing it on motorists, though if they do it again or after that six month period then they will receive a fine. A spokesperson for Manchester council said: "Following a consultation in 2022 the Council took on board powers to enforce against moving traffic contraventions (MTCs) in a select number of locations throughout the city. "Up until that point these were restrictions which could only be enforced by the police, which meant that a minority of motorists were able to break the rules of the road without any consequence. "Cameras were put in place to monitor specific junctions for manoeuvres such as illegal right or left turns, or blocking yellow hatched boxes. We know the vast majority of motorists find these incidents extremely frustrating as they can snarl up traffic, cause delays and inflame tensions on the road. "These measures were put in place to act as a deterrent for this sort of behaviour and we are pleased to see that the majority of motorists using these junctions obey the rules of the road and help prevent unnecessary gridlock. "Before these measures were put in place a campaign was launched to advise motorists, and the junctions where cameras are in place are clearly signposted warning that cameras are in operation. "A six-week period of grace was also implemented to allow the scheme to take root without penalising drivers getting used to the new layout, and any first offences within the first six months were only sent a warning letter." RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said that the enormous disparity should sound 'alarm bells'. "The enormously high number of penalty charge notices being raised in just a few council areas suggests things are awry," said Mr Dennis. "The large number of penalties being dished out over a small number of locations and in a short space of time should send alarm bells ringing in council offices." He added that the massive disparity could mean that the boxes are not working properly in the councils issuing the most fines, and criticised their potentially being seen as an automotive golden goose for cash-strapped local authorities. 'As the data shows, not every council now enforcing yellow boxes is generating a huge amount of money from fines," he said. "In fact, a small number of fines – and a small number of appeals – indicates a yellow box that's working as it should. "This should be the ambition behind any yellow box that a council is looking to start enforcing, rather than being seen as a revenue-raising opportunity."
