GMP prepare to welcome 80,000 festival goers at Parklife this weekend

Greater Manchester Police along with partner agencies are preparing for around 80,000 festival goers to attend this year's Parklife festival at Heaton Park this weekend.

Superintendent Graeme Openshaw, from GMP’s Specialist Operations Branch, who will be overseeing policing at the festival, said: "We didn’t have Parklife last year due to Covid-19 restrictions and so we are expecting for there to be a lot of excitement among those attending following the long lockdown period.

"We are working closely with the organisers of Parklife, Manchester City Council and other partner agencies and our main aim of the weekend as always, is to keep the public safe.

"With Parklife and other events going on this weekend, there will be an increased amount of traffic and people travelling into Manchester with delays on the roads being inevitable in the coming days, so I'd like to remind people to be patient while travelling to and from the event.

"Public transport will also be very busy and we would ask people to follow the messages and advice from our colleagues at Transport for Greater Manchester, so you can plan your journey accordingly.

"I'd also like to remind those who are thinking about trying to bring drugs into the festival, that there is a dedicated operation in progress throughout the weekend which will include drugs dogs and specialist officers situated at the entrances, as well as a heightened police presence around the local community.

"Ultimately, we want everyone to enjoy the festival and have a great weekend.

"We are very experienced in dealing with high profile events like this and festival-goers can expect to see police officers on the ground in and around the event, so if anyone needs assistance please don’t hesitate to come and speak to us.

"In the event of an emergency always dial 999."