Police warn gig-goers to be vigilant as thousands flock to Manchester for music events

Police have warned gig-goers to be vigilant as they attend a number of big music events across Manchester this weekend.

More than 400,000 fans are set to flock to gigs across the city-region over the coming days, with Ed Sheeran kicking off the first show of his four-night residency at the Etihad stadium tonight (Thursday). Parklife festival will return to Heaton Park on Saturday and Sunday, The Killers will perform at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground on Saturday and Alicia Keys will also be headlining the AO Arena on Saturday night.

Greater Manchester Police said that concert-goers can expect to see a heightened police presence around the gig venues, with officers 'on hand to help anyone who needs it'. People have been warned to be vigilant among the crowds and report anything suspicious.

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The force has also issued its own travel advice, with commuters and those not attending the Ed Sheeran gig tonight being urged to avoid Great Ancoats Street, the Mancunian Way or any travel before 3pm. Half of the people going to Parklife will be travelling on public transport, GMP said, so services are expected to be busy.

Superintendent Andy Sidebotham, GMP’s gold commander for this weekend’s events, said: "This weekend will see thousands of people visiting and staying in the centre for what will be a busy weekend that has been months in the planning. We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable weekend and music-goers should expect to see police officers on the ground in and around the events and will be on hand to help anyone who needs it.

"Those attending are advised to be vigilant and keep their belongings safe and report anything