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Manchester’s live music scene has received a major boost, and it’s all thanks to Oasis.
The Gallagher brothers’ long-awaited ‘Live ‘25’ tour rolled into Manchester earlier last month, with five back-to-back sold-out shows at Heaton Park in Prestwich. Over the course of the week, around 300,000 fans packed into the park to see Liam and Noel perform together once again, marking a triumphant return for one of Britain’s most iconic bands.
The shows were more than just a nostalgic celebration for fans. They also delivered a huge economic boost for Manchester, with the city council confirming that part of the profits from hiring out the park, as well as business rates from major venues, will be reinvested directly into the local music community.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, the council has announced the creation of a £250,000 fund designed to help grassroots music venues across the city. These small, independent venues can apply for grants to support everything from upgrading sound equipment to improving accessibility, ensuring they can continue to nurture the next generation of talent.
The Oasis gigs in Manchester played to more than 320,000 fans - Credit: BBC
A spokesperson for Manchester City Council said:
“Live music is part of the beating heart of this city, and Oasis’ homecoming shows have given us the opportunity to invest in its future. Grassroots venues are where new artists cut their teeth, and it’s vital we keep them alive and thriving.”
In addition to the funding for venues, some of the financial windfall will also be used to maintain and improve Manchester’s parkland, including Heaton Park itself, ensuring it remains a world-class location for future events.
The announcement has been warmly received by both music fans and venue owners, especially at a time when smaller venues across the UK are facing closure due to rising costs and competition from larger arenas.
The move feels particularly fitting given Oasis’ own history. Before conquering the world with hits like Wonderwall and Don’t Look Back in Anger, the Gallagher brothers were products of Manchester’s local music scene, playing in small clubs and bars across the city before their big break.
By investing in grassroots venues, the legacy of Oasis isn’t just about looking back, it’s about making sure the next generation of Mancunian artists has the same opportunities they did.
As the finer details of the grant scheme are finalised, it’s expected that the first funding applications will open later this year. And with the Gallaghers’ Heaton Park homecoming still fresh in the minds of fans, it’s a timely reminder of just how powerful live music can be, for a city’s culture, its economy, and its soul.
