Sports fans, music lovers and event goers are in for a summer of fun, with the return of full capacity events across Greater Manchester.

The city-region is gearing up to host hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors over the next few weeks, as the Premier League, international cricket, gigs, festivals – and, of course, Manchester Pride – make a long-awaited return.

The attractions will mean roads and public transport services are likely to be busier than they have been for a long time, and people are being encouraged to plan their journey in advance and allow extra time when travelling – especially while ongoing improvement works are taking place across some of the region’s roads, train and tram networks.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) will have bespoke customer information pages for all the major events and say it will be working with operators to bolster services as much as possible to help keep people moving.

But with more than 100km of cycling and walking routes being delivered this year, people are encouraged to think about walking and cycling where possible.

TfGM say it has also been working with operators and transport partners to make more data available to travel app developers, resulting in journey planning apps like Transit, Citymapper and Moovit providing planned and real time disruption information, enabling passengers to make informed travel choices before and during their journey.

TfGM’s Head of Customer Experience, Sean Dyball, said: “After 18 months, I’m pleased to say that events are well and truly back in Greater Manchester.

“We’ll have lots of customer information available on our website and across our social media channels to help people make informed journey choices, but with crowds of this size we know roads and public transport services will be busier than they have been for a very long time.

“We’re working closely with organisers and operators to help keep people moving, but whether going to an event or not, the main thing people can do to ensure their journey is as smooth as possible, is to check and plan in advance.

“Manchester United’s next two home games, this weekend and next, are particularly challenging due to ongoing road and Metrolink works in the area and I’d urge people to visit our events information page for help planning their journey. If travelling from the city centre, please board a tram at least one hour before kick-off to ensure you don’t miss the start of the match.”

Despite the lifting of coronavirus restrictions, passengers on the Metrolink are still legally required to wear a face covering unless exempt, while bus and train operators are also continuing to encourage the use of face coverings on services and at stops and stations.

Hand sanitiser dispensers have been installed at bus stations, at interchanges and on the busiest Metrolink stops.

Commonly touched surfaces across the public transport network, including rails, handles and doors, are also still being disinfected and cleaned regularly. 

TfGM say it is also working with operators to ensure people with hidden disabilities are being supported to give them confidence to travel safely, while police and TravelSafe officers are regularly patrolling the public transport network to promote safe travel and engage with passengers.

Key upcoming events include:

• 7 August: Manchester United vs Everton, Old Trafford
• 10 August: Manchester Originals vs London Spirit, Emirates Old Trafford
• 14 August: Manchester United vs Leeds United, Old Trafford
• 21 August: Manchester City vs Norwich City, Etihad Stadium
• 27 – 30 August: Pride, Manchester City Centre
• 28 August: Manchester City vs Arsenal, Etihad Stadium
• 4 September: Soccer Aid, Etihad Stadium
• 10 – 14 September: England vs India, Emirates Old Trafford
• 10 – 12 September: Parklife and New Order, Heaton Park
• 11 September: Manchester United vs Newcastle, Old Trafford
• 18 September: Manchester City vs Southampton, Etihad Stadium
• 25 September: Manchester United vs Aston Villa, Old Trafford
• 25 September: Courteeners, Emirates Old Trafford
• 26 September: Greater Manchester Run