Oasis’ five reunion shows at Manchester’s Heaton Park in mid-July attracted around 300,000 fans, with the massive events ultimately inspiring the city council to establish a £250,000 fund to support local grassroots music venues. Alongside major concerts from artists like Billie Eilish and Charli XCX, these events have drawn approximately 1.3 million music tourists to Manchester in 2025, significantly boosting the local economy. The new fund aims to sustain smaller music venues and independent clubs, in recognition of their vital role in the broader music ecosystem. “Manchester City Council has taken the lead with this bold and innovative action, and we hope many more cities and towns across the country can join their efforts to secure the future of the UK’s grassroots music venue network,” says Jay Taylor of Music Venue Trust, the organization that will likely control the fund. (Consequence of Sound)