Chaos at the Parklife festival: a huge brawl breaks out and over 50 people are arrested

A mass brawl broke out at a music festival in Manchester, with a large group of men throwing fists as the crowd tried to avoid a fight.

Greater Manchester Police said a total of 52 people were arrested during the event for both drug-related and violent offenses on and off the Parklife festival site.

The video, which has since been shared on TikTok and Facebook, shows a group of revelers pushing and punching each other, with one person falling to the ground as music continues to play in the background.

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Of those arrested, 33 were suspected of possession with intent to supply drugs, two of assault, two of being drunk and disorderly, and two of possessing weapons. Other offenses included robbery, dangerous driving and breaching a dispersal order.

Performers performing at the event included Doja Cat, Kaytranada, Peggy Gou and Sugababes. The police are now reviewing the video that appeared on social media.

A spokesman for Parklife Festival said: “Isolated events can always occur where large groups of people gather.

“Working with our operational partners across Greater Manchester Police and other local authorities, we are pleased to see a significant reduction in the number of arrests and anti-social incidents both on and off the festival site this year.

“In the face of difficult weather conditions, we would like to thank the vast majority of festival participants for responsible behavior throughout the weekend.”

Chief Superintendent Andy Sidebotham, who led Parklife policing this year, said: “I want to thank the vast majority of participants who enjoyed themselves responsibly during two wonderful days at Heaton Park. Many people approached our officers, asked them questions and posed for photos, and our officers were very happy to interact with revelers from all over the country.

“The illegal drugs and weapons seized over the weekend could have had serious and deadly consequences had they managed to enter the festival site.

“The vast majority of these 52 arrests were the result of proactive work between GMP and event security staff and a thorough search system at the entrance gates to Heaton Park.”