Metrolink: Liam Gallagher to make tram announcements in celebration of Bee Network and new festival

If you’re getting the Metrolink on a certain line this week, you may get a bit of a surprise. This is because iconic Mancunian singer songwriter Liam Gallagher will be taking over the announcements on his favourite tram line. 

The former Oasis man is taking over the announcements in celebration of the region’s new Bee Network transport system as well as a brand new music festival. Beyond The Music kicks off in Manchester on October 11 and runs until October 14. 

The festival is designed to showcase grassroots and up and coming music talent from the UK and beyond. More than 100 artists will be performing at 17 grassroots venues across the city - including an entire day of free concerts in partnership with Lush, titled ‘Music for Everyone’ – culminating in a secret gig sponsored by The Face

A spokesperson for Liam Gallagher said: “Liam’s doing his bit to get behind the festival and encourage people to get into the city and support new up and coming talent.  

“When the request was first made by Bee Network champion Andy Burnham, Liam loved the idea of surprising tram users by doing the announcements and he was given the chance to choose his favourite line. You’ll have to get onto a tram into the city to find out which it is!”

Mayor of Greater Manchester, who has been a strong campaigner for the Bee Network as well as launching Beyond the Music Festival, spoke of his delight that Gallagher has lent his hand to support both projects. 

He said: “We are supporting it all the way and are confident that it will become a fixture in the city’s calendar. True to Manchester’s traditions, Beyond The Music is a cooperative endeavour which aims to give all players in the music industry an equal voice and equal say on the change it needs. 

“By doing that, our aim is to strengthen one of Manchester’s, and Britain’s, most important exports. There surely can't be any better way of marking the launch of the Bee Network and the first Beyond The Music than getting one of Manchester's most famous voices announcing the stops on his favourite Metrolink line."

Mr Burnham added: "It means a lot to us that Liam has agreed to do this and show his support for his home city. Supporting our music venues and giving people cheaper and better public transport to and from our gigs is what we're all about. I am sure that Liam's dulcet tones will wake up a few early-morning commuters, brighten up many a journey and produce a lot of smiles along the way."

Tickets for Beyond The Music can be purchased through the festival website. Here, you can also check out the line-up.