Oasis legend Noel Gallagher to reopen Manchester Arena

Noel Gallagher will headline a special concert to reopen Manchester Arena next month, in what will be the first event at the venue since it was hit by a terrorist attack earlier this year.

A suicide bomb attack on May 22 left a total of 22 people dead while scores more were injured and required treatment in hospital.

The venue has been closed since the tragedy but will reopen on September 9 with a special benefit event, which will feature the former Oasis star and his band, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.

Also set to play at the concert are indie bands The Courteeners and Blossoms, as well as 1980s pop icon Rick Astley and poet Tony Walsh.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Thursday) and will be priced between £25 (€27.50/$32) and £30, with all profits going to establishing a permanent memorial for those who lost their lives in the attack.

James Allen, general manager at Manchester Arena, said: “May’s events will never be forgotten, but they will not stop us – or Mancunian music fans – from coming together to enjoy live music.

“Manchester Arena has celebrated over 20 years hosting some of the greatest musical talent of all time, and the significant economic and cultural impact that this has on the city means that this legacy must continue.

“Public safety is always our priority and we are doing all we can to keep people safe at our venue. Doors will open at 5pm and we are asking all customers to arrive at the Arena in plenty of time and to keep personal items to an absolute minimum.”

All customers will be screened upon arrival, and any bags larger than 35cm x 40cm x 19cm will not be allowed inside the venue. Bag store will not be offered at the event.

Image: Christopher Johnson