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Manchester Evening News

What happens to the Heaton Park cows during Parklife and Oasis?

Council bosses have spoken to an expert

Highland cattle among the animals that call Heaton Park home
Highland cattle among the animals that call Heaton Park home(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)

Day in, day out, in rain or shine, they roam acres of land within Heaton Park.

They catch the eye of thousands of passers-by every day, winning the hearts of parkgoers old and young.

A herd of highland cattle frequently capture the attention of visitors to the north Manchester park, often filmed and photographed as they graze on the fields.

They share the land with other cows, while several donkeys can often be seen alongside them.

Despite the many families and pets that pass them by, they never appear ruffled as they meander the fields behind a protective fence.

But with tens of thousands of music fans set to descend for Parklife next weekend and Oasis next month, council bosses have had to make plans for the cattle that call Heaton Park home.

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Cows roaming the field inside Heaton Park
Cows roaming the field inside Heaton Park(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)

More than 100,000 music lovers are expected to hit the park next weekend, with Catfish and the Bottlemen performing on Friday (June 13) before Parklife takes place on the following two days, headlined by 50 Cent and Charli XCX.

Then all eyes will be fixed on the park across July 11, 12, 16, 19 and 20, when Oasis perform their first Manchester concerts since 2009.

Up to 400,000 people are expected to see Liam and Noel Gallagher reunite in their home city across the five July dates.

Manchester city council says it has consulted an expert farmer on the safety of the cattle in the field - and the animals won't have to leave their home.

A council spokesperson said: "We've recently partnered with a local farmer who has advised there is no need to move our cattle due to the size of the fields they are in with plenty of tree cover.

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"A member of staff, who is responsible for the feeding and care for all the animals in the park is on duty every day."

The gigs will be performed in the Papal Field area of Heaton Park, where large fences have already been erected as preparations take shape.

A number of footpaths and gates are now closed, including the iconic Grand Lodge entrance on the corner of Sheepfoot Lane and Bury Old Road, in Prestwich.

Several road closures and parking restrictions have already been confirmed, while some park gates will be closed off during events.

Full details on arrangements for use of the park during the gigs are yet to be confirmed.

A council spokesperson added: "Heaton Park is one of the largest municipal parks in Europe with approximately 640 acres for visitors and residents to enjoy.

"A small proportion of the park - between 10 and 15 per cent of it - will be used to create the concert venue for Parklife and the Oasis concerts, which will both take place in the same part of the park.

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"We're currently working with partners to finalise arrangements in relation to the concerts and once finalised these will be shared widely."

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