Gig attendees in Manchester were left disappointed when a surprise event featuring popular Dutch DJ duo ANOTR suddenly ended, prompting them to evacuate. ANOTR, known for their hit track “Talk To You,” were scheduled to perform at an undisclosed location in the city on Friday, May 29.
Fans eagerly secured complimentary tickets online before learning that the event would take place at Projekts MCR Skatepark, located beneath Mancunian Way on London Road. However, during ANOTR’s performance on Friday, the show was unexpectedly interrupted as individuals who couldn’t access the impromptu venue began scaling fences in an effort to enter, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Reports suggest that more tickets were distributed than the venue could accommodate, with the DJs clarifying that entry was on a “first come, first served” basis. Videos shared on TikTok captured people attempting to climb over the fences before calls were made for those outside to disperse.
A student named Peter Gallagher, who arrived early for the event, managed to enter but observed the venue quickly reaching capacity before being sealed off, leaving ticket holders stranded outside. The situation escalated as individuals outside the skatepark started becoming unruly, climbing fences and causing the event to halt prematurely.
Despite being a free event, attendees were frustrated by the turn of events. Peter mentioned that similar free events hosted by ANOTR in other cities like Milan and Rio proceeded smoothly. During a 30-minute pause without music, attendees hoped for ANOTR to resume their set. However, some resorted to climbing onto structures in an attempt to breach the fences, while others who left for the restroom were reportedly denied re-entry, leading to further discontent.
After a prolonged wait, attendees began disconnecting equipment from the DJ booth, and an announcement confirmed the cancellation of the event. In online footage, Jesse van der Heijden, one half of ANOTR, could be heard urging the crowd outside to move away to avoid a shutdown.
A witness at the scene mentioned to the Manchester Evening News that a few individuals caused disruptions, resulting in police intervention to disperse fence jumpers. Concerns were raised regarding ticket distribution, although a TikTok user stated that there was still ample space inside the venue.
Addressing allegations of overselling tickets, ANOTR emphasized that they did not distribute an excessive number of tickets for the free event, reiterating that entry was on a first-come, first-served basis as communicated on the tickets.
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