We went to Heaton Park to speak with representatives from Greater Manchester Police ahead of Parklife this weekend
Heaton Park ahead of Parklife 2025(Image: Kit Roberts / MEN Media)
With Parklife festival now rapidly bearing down on Heaton Park, preparations are entering their final stages.
But while stages are set up, food stands and bars take deliveries, and soundchecks begin more work is going on in the background to keep the festival safe.
We spoke with representatives from Greater Manchester Police about some of their work to ensure the weekend goes as smoothly and safely as possible, and they tell us they’re “ready for anything”.
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Chief Superintendent Andy Sidebotham is GMP’s “gold” commander for Parklife, meaning he has overseen the strategy and planning for the event.
“GMP are really proud to support Parklife, we’ve been doing it for many years,” he said.
“We work really closely with the event organiser, the local authority, Transport for Greater Manchester to make sure it’s a safe and secure festival.
Chief Superintendent Andy Sidebotham at Heaton Park ahead of Parklife 2025(Image: Kit Roberts / MEN Media)
“Our planning is particular, it’s happened over several months and weeks leading up to this. We all work together to try and make it the best festival it can be so those people coming here feel really safe.
“We have close contact with people travelling by public transport and the road network to make sure it’s as seamless as possible.”
He added: “Every year is different, we never rest on our laurels, last year we had thunder and lightning which paused the festival for a number of hours, but we’re ready for anything.
Superintendent Phil Spurgeon at Heaton Park ahead of Parklife 2025(Image: Kit Roberts / MEN Media)
“We test our plans carefully. We’re looking forward to it. We want people to come and have a good time and be safe.”
He is joined by Superintendent Phil Spurgeon who is the “silver” commander for the weekend, meaning he will be overseeing the more on the ground operations.
“We essentially deliver a massive public safety operation in conjunction with the event organisers and partners,” he said.
“We have hundreds of staff working in unique roles just roles just to make sure that we are safe.
“We also have significant investment in trying to minimise disruption. Having 60,000 mostly young people on and off site can present some challenges.”
Superintendent Spurgeon has probably been to Parklife more times than some regular attendees, telling us that this is his tenth time at the festival including six “on the ground” and four overseeing.
He said: “I just think it’s such a good event for Manchester. It’s an important part of our cultural offering for young people especially, and it’s important for the economy of the region.”