Greater Manchester Police has revealed arrest numbers from the first of Oasis’s long-awaited homecoming gigs at Heaton Park, and issued a warning to anyone thinking of flying drones over the venue. Officers confirmed that the huge event on Thursday night passed “without incident,” with nearly 80,000 fans gathering to see Liam and Noel Gallagher reunite in their home city.
Police made six arrests, including four people for being drunk and disorderly, one person on suspicion of fraud, and another on suspicion of possession with intent to supply cannabis. The men, aged between 20 and 55, are currently in custody, according to Manchester Evening News.
GMP also confirmed that specialist officers dealt with multiple breaches of restricted airspace during the concert.
Drone activity is banned around the park between 11am and 11.59pm on concert days, within a 1.5-nautical-mile radius.
Police said seven drone pilots were identified. Five drones were seized, and two people were given “words of advice.”
In a message clearly aimed at Oasis fans, a police spokesperson said: “Anyone thinking of attempting to get their drone ‘Up In The Sky’ within the restricted air space should be warned that we will not hesitate to act against you.”
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle also praised the safe and orderly behaviour of the crowd.
“We are really pleased to say that fans attending the concert tonight have been able to do so safely and without incident,” he said.
“We have had an extensive, highly visible presence at the venue and across the city today to ensure everyone’s safety, and a dispersal notice covering Heaton Park remains in place until 2am tomorrow morning to allow us to deal with any anti-social behaviour robustly.”
He also issued advice to those attending future shows: “We would advise all fans travelling to and from the coming events to ensure they keep an eye out for information from our partners about transport options and road closures, allow enough time to get to the concert, keep hydrated and look out for each other.”
The Heaton Park concerts are part of Oasis’s Live ’25 tour, marking 25 years since the release of their classic album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?
It’s the first time Liam and Noel have performed together in nearly 16 years.
The Manchester shows will continue until July 20, with thousands more fans expected in the coming days.
