Work under way to prepare Heaton Park for Oasis

Sarah Spina-Matthews
BBC News, Manchester
Getty Images Cranes and other heavy machinery is used to set up a large stage in a wide, open park. Getty Images
Heaton Park is set to house about 400,000 fans over five shows

The transformation of Heaton Park into the site of the highly-anticipated run of Oasis hometown gigs, is under way.

New images of the site - which is set to house about 400,000 fans over the five sold-out shows on 11, 12 16, 19 and 20 July - showed heavy machinery setting up barriers and what will become a huge, open air stage.

Manchester has been preparing for the boys from Burnage to bring their reunion tour home, with merchandise stalls and murals already taking over the city centre.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said it had been preparing for the shows for six months to ensure safety and "minimise disruption" in the area.

"A highly visible policing operation will be in place in Heaton Park across the five gigs," the force said.

Security barriers have been set up around the park as the building goes on behind the screens.

Fans have been warned of extremely warm weather at the gigs and are advised to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen and hats.

Temperatures are set to get as high as 30C (86F) and 32C (90F) respectively on Friday and Saturday.

They were told on Wednesday they would be allowed to bring in a sealed bottle of water - up to 500ml - which could be refilled at water stations around the park.

Reuters A person driving a forklift carrying metal barricades drives out between large barriers in a park. Reuters
Barriers and fences are being put up for the much-anticipated hometown gig
Reuters Posters of Oasis tour up at trams stop in Manchester Reuters
It feels like the whole city has been waiting for the band's return

Oasis reunited after 16 years in front of a crowd of about 74,500 at Cardiff's Principality Stadium last Friday night.

The Heaton Park gigs will be followed by a UK and then world tour.

Transport for Greater Manchester said travelling by tram was the "best option" to get to Heaton Park.

A shuttle bus is also being put on from the Northern Quarter of the city centre.

Police officers will be stationed in the area around Heaton Park, as well as in the city centre to help with traffic management, GMP said.

Reuters People walk on the road next to Heaton Park. Large black panels of fencing have been put up around the park. Reuters
Temporary security fencing has been put up around Heaton Park
Reuters People walk past a mural of the Gallagher brothers in ManchesterReuters
An Oasis mural has been painted in Manchester ahead of their concerts in Heaton Park

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle said the force was "highly experienced at supporting the safety" of large events at the venue.

"Our advice to fans attending is to enjoy yourselves but to remain vigilant, keep your belongings safe and report anything suspicious to police or security staff so we can act on it," he said.

"Make sure you have planned your journey and are prepared for hot weather."

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