Parklife Weekender confirmed for Heaton Park (From Prestwich and Whitefield Guide)
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Parklife Weekender confirmed for Heaton Park
9:10am Thursday 21st February 2013 in News By Dale Haslam
SOME OF the biggest names in showbiz will be flocking to Heaton Park this summer when a huge music festival takes place.
Chart-topping acts such as Rita Ora, Plan B and Example will headline The Parklife Weekender, which will take place on June 8 and 9, attracting 40,000 people each day.
Also on the 152-act bill is former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, as well as The Maccabees, The Horrors, Delphic. Wretch 32, Everything Everything and Jurrasic 5.
Among the top DJs on the bill are Jamie Jones, Mark Ronson and Maya Jane Coles.
More acts are due to be confirmed today.
There will be a seven performance areas on each day, as well as a hospitality area where bands will also play.
Details are to be confirmed, but it is expected the gates will open at midday and the curfew will be 11pm.
Organisers have been in discussions with Manchester City Council (MCC) bosses for months ahead of today’s announcement.
The park’s manager, Kirsten Warren, has called a private meeting of the Heaton Park Event Community Consultation Group for tonight so councillors and some park neighbours can find out more.
Last year’s event took part in Platt Fields Park in Fallowfield and MCC documents show the event can generate more than £100,000 in revenue for MCC and up to £3 million for local businesses, with 40,000 people spending an average of £75 each on food, drink, accommodation and other expenses.
Parklife is organised by a range of prominent Manchester-based music event promoters, such as The Warehouse Project, Mad Ferret and Now Wave.
Sedgley Cllr Alan Quinn, who is a member of the consultation group, said: “The investment will be welcomed by local businesses at a time when financial conditions are tough.
“However, many park residents raised serious concerns about anti-social behaviour after those concerts.
“It is absolutely vital that the needs of park neighbours are put at the very top of the priority list when planning these concerts.”
Privately, organisers have said they are aware of the views of some park neighbours about The Stones Roses shows and they are determined to work with people to ensure the event is a resounding success.
The event is open to over 16s and weekend tickets cost £69.50, while day tickets cost £45.
Visit parklife.uk.com or call Ticketline on 0844 888 999 to buy tickets.
