Manchester passengers should plan journeys ahead of Man Utd v Nottingham Forest, Pride and Noel Gallagher gig

The August bank holiday weekend is almost here, and it is set to be a busy one in Manchester. Sports and music events are planned, as well as the weekend-long Manchester Pride. 

Manchester United welcome Nottingham Forest to Old Trafford for a 3pm kick off on August 26. Also taking place on that day is Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds gig at Wythenshawe Park. 

Taking place across the weekend is the Manchester Pride Festival. August 26 is also the day of the parade, which will see many roads in the city closed. 

Rail and bus services will be impacted by strike action over the weekend. A very limited service will operate on the rail network due to RMT Union strikes on Saturday, while only a handful of First Manchester buses will run between Friday and Monday. Some risk of disruption has been removed with news that Stagecoach drivers who are part of Unite the Union have called off planned industrial action for the weekend. 

Ahead of the busy weekend, Transport for Greater Manchester have urged passengers going to any of the events to plan their journeys well in advance. TfGM anticipates the busiest time on the transport network to be between 12pm and 2.30pm on Saturday, particularly around the St Peter’s Square, Deansgate and Old Trafford areas and again between 5pm and 7pm.

Passengers are advised that using the Metrolink tram is the best way to avoid congestion and road closures in the city centre. Services to the Noel Gallagher gig will be improved with increased services on the Airport line.  

Sean Dyball, TfGM head of customer experience, said: “It’s shaping up to be a fantastic bank holiday weekend in Greater Manchester and we want everyone to enjoy it to the full – whatever they’re doing.

“That’s why we’re urging people to plan ahead for their journeys and allow plenty of time to get to their destination, whether that’s the city centre, Wythenshawe Park, Old Trafford or somewhere else. While it’s good news that Stagecoach has called off its industrial action, it’s still really important people follow our advice to avoid disruption and congestion and make the most of their long weekend.”