Manchester is gearing up for ANOTHER extraordinary year in 2025, with the highly anticipated Oasis reunion concerts.
But what will be the economic impact on the city?
As fans from around the world flock to see the iconic Manchester band perform at Heaton Park, the city’s hospitality and tourism sectors are poised to benefit in ways not seen since the height of the Britpop era.
Oasis, one of the many bands that helped shape Manchester’s global music legacy, will perform a series of shows at the city’s Heaton Park, attracting an estimated 400,000 fans over six nights.
The tickets, which sold out within hours, have not only rekindled excitement among fans but are also expected to inject millions into Manchester’s thriving economy.
A major boost to hospitality and tourism
The demand for tickets has been astronomical.
With 1.4 million tickets sold for the band’s 17 UK shows, Manchester has emerged as the prime destination, with Heaton Park leading the way as the most popular venue.
The city’s hotels, bars, and restaurants are gearing up for a busy summer, with thousands of music fans expected to descend on the city, many of whom will be staying multiple nights, dining out, and experiencing Manchester’s vibrant nightlife.
Sacha Lord, Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester, highlighted the significant impact these events will have on the city: “The Oasis reunion will create a hugely positive surge in hospitality.
“The impact cannot be underestimated, and we are expecting an estimated benefit to the Greater Manchester economy of around £20 million across the five events at Heaton Park.”
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, echoed these sentiments, emphasising how the city’s rich musical heritage will continue to drive tourism. “Manchester is known the world over for our fantastic music scene, and the additional boost to the city’s economy from music fans is huge. The whole city is set to benefit from the Champagne Supernova and Wonderwall effect.”
Record-breaking ticket sales
The return of Oasis has sparked a frenzy, with over 14 million people vying for tickets, marking a new chapter in the band’s storied history.
The energy surrounding the reunion is not just limited to ticket sales; searches for “Heaton Park capacity” hit an all-time high as fans eagerly planned their trips to Manchester.
Beyond the concerts themselves, the influx of visitors will generate substantial revenue for local businesses.
It’s estimated that food and drink sales at the Heaton Park events alone could reach nearly £10 million.
With 1.1 million pints expected to be sold, local suppliers and vendors are also set to benefit from this musical extravaganza.
Accommodation Demand Soars
Manchester’s hotels are already seeing a surge in bookings, with many reporting full occupancy during the concert dates. Searches for hotels in the city have increased by 40%, with fans from across the globe looking to secure accommodation.
Prices have risen accordingly, with some hotels charging significantly higher rates due to the unprecedented demand.
The total spend on accommodation could reach nearly £60 million, further boosting the city’s economy.
This surge in demand just goes to show the enduring appeal of Oasis and Manchester’s standing as a global music hub.
A Lasting impact
While the reunion concerts are a highlight, their impact will be felt far beyond the event dates.
The global attention Manchester will receive as fans and media converge on the city will strengthen its reputation as a must-visit destination.
This renewed focus is expected to continue drawing visitors long after the last note has been played.
As Councillor Craig noted, “After a 15-year-long wait for this reunion, we’re in no doubt that music fans will be flocking to Manchester next year.
“The city’s economy, already one of the fastest growing in Europe, is set to thrive with this influx of visitors.”
With Oasis returning to their hometown for what promises to be a series of legendary performances, Manchester is not just ready to celebrate its musical heritage but also to enjoy the significant economic benefits this reunion will bring.
From hospitality to tourism, the entire city is poised to profit from one of the biggest musical events in recent history.