OASIS GIG LEAVES LASTING MARK ON PRESTWICH BEER GARDEN – AND BIG BOOST FOR CHARITY
It has been exactly a year since Oasis staged their huge reunion concerts at Heaton Park. But one Prestwich pub is still feeling the effects. And it’s likely to continue as the band are set for a record-breaking run of gigs in 2027, including a residency at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium.
The Ostrich, which boasts one of Manchester’s largest beer gardens, sits directly opposite Heaton Park and overlooked one of the main entrances used for the gig.
Over 400,000 fans attended the band’s five sold-out homecoming concerts at Heaton Park on July 11, 12 16 and 19
During the period of the concerts The Ostrich became a magnet for fans from across the UK and around the world as they stopped at the pub for a pre or post-concert drink. Thanks to its proximity to Heaton Park, the huge beer garden also provided a place to listen to the concert for those unable to get tickets. It was also an for Oasis-themed parties, drawing fans from across the globe.
However the Oasis gigs, which saw the once warring Gallagher brothers reunite, have left a legacy that extends far beyond the final encore.
According to landlady Julie Maloy, The Ostrich’s 750-capacity beer garden is, constantly booked for parties, anniversaries and community events, thanks to interest fuelled by the venue’s association with the iconic Manchester band.
However the concerts have also meant that the pub, which is owned by the Joseph Holt brewery has been able to raise thousands for charity.
Each year Joseph Holt runs a charity appeal aims to raise £250,000 for a range of good causes.
The 2025/26 children’s charity appeal supported four organisations: Wood Street Mission, Derian House, Francis House Children’s Hospice and the Fylde Kids Foundation.
Each of Joseph Holt’s 127 pubs was challenged to raise £2,000.
Says Julie, The Ostrich far exceeded that target, raising an impressive £10,000 through a programme of fundraising events, boosted by the surge in visitors during the Oasis concert period.
“It was such a remarkable time when Oasis were here,” she says. “But the knock-on fact of raising so much money for charity has been fantastic. It goes without saying that if Liam, Noel and the rest of the band ever want to pop in the drinks are on us.”
Now the pub is inviting everyone who helped make that achievement possible to a special “Thank Fest” celebration on August 1 in its beer garden.
The event will feature live music from highly popular indie cover Indietweeners, who will perform a “Sounds of Manchester” set, including many favourites from the Oasis back catalogue.
Added Julie: “Obviously the Oasis concerts were an extraordinary experience. The pub was flooding with people who wanted to come in before or after the concert or to listen from outside the park. The atmosphere was incredible as was the spirit of generosity as people make donations to our appeal.”
Julie says the pub will also continue to host lots of events that show case its role as a community resource. These include outdoor rock fit sessions which take place each week.
Mark Norbury, director of pubs for Joseph Holt added: “The Oasis concerts were such a buzz for the area and really highlighted the role of pubs in their communal role. The atmosphere was fantastic and we were so thrilled with the generosity of customers in supporting the fundraising appeal.
“But what really stood out was how our pubs became true community hubs. Locals and tourists alike felt the warmth of a Joseph Holt welcome.”
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