​Hundreds Gather As AJ Tracey Announces 'Surprise Gig' At Park Sparking Huge Police Attendance

Large crowds have gathered at a park in Manchester after rapper AJ Tracey announced a 'surprise gig', sparking a huge police presence in the area.

The BRIT Award nominee announced the impromptu performance earlier today, having issued an invite on social media.

"Next stop manny!" he wrote, sharing a map with Platt Fields in Manchester's student-friendly area Fallowfield tagged.

"Come link me Platt Fields Car Park 4pm."

The West London rapper had shared his plans to visit fans last night, saying in an Instagram Story: "Might come link some of u tomorrow. Where should I pull up? Comment on my last post."

He then posted details of his surprise mini-tour, saying he planned to stop off at Birmingham at 12pm, followed by Manchester at 4pm, finishing off with Bristol at 8pm.

Large crowds were seen gathering in Platt Fields Park ahead of his performance, prompting police presence in the area.

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A statement from Greater Manchester Police, provided to Manchester Evening News, said: "We are aware of a large gathering at Platt Fields Park on Wilmslow Road Manchester. Officers are in attendance."

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Just before 5pm, the outlet reported: "Looks like stage getting set up. The crowd has got even larger."

Another update added that Tracey was also seen 'entertaining the crowd by throwing them a basketball' ahead of his performance.

While lockdown restrictions have started to ease, 'large events and performances' still remain banned under the government's 'road map', with hopes that they may be permitted from 21 June.

The general public is also being urged to continue practicing social distancing.

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Responding to news of Tracey's gig on Twitter, someone wrote: "Anyone who follows me will know I love AJ Tracey but this is absolute bulls*** and a massive slap in the face to those who've worked day and night trying to help those with the virus and to help stop the spread."

Someone else said: "Legitimate protestors get arrested. AJ Tracey gets an escort into his impromptu live gig. Shameful."

Others were simply baffled by what was going on, with one person tweeting: "Why is AJ Tracey playing basketball in Platt Fields Park?"

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has since confirmed that organisers of the event have been fined.

Topics: UK News, Entertainment, Celebrity, News

Jess Hardiman

Jess is a journalist at LADbible who graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Film Studies, English Language and Linguistics - indecisiveness at its finest, right there. She also works for FOODbible and its sister page Seitanists, which are both a safe haven for her to channel a love for homemade pasta, fennel and everything else in between. You can contact Jess at [email protected].

@Jess_Hardiman