Oasis reunion tour drives major spike in drinks sales for Cardiff and Manchester venues

Drinks sales in Cardiff surged by 75% during the opening weekend of the Oasis reunion tour, according to new data from the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA). The figures, compiled in partnership with CGA by NIQ for the quarterly Night Time Economy Monitor, highlight the significant impact that major music events can have on local hospitality businesses.

The Oasis tour began in Cardiff on July 4 and 5, drawing large crowds to the city’s bars and late-night venues. The report shows that drinks sales on those dates were 75% higher than during the same period in 2024. The NTIA noted that sales spiked both in the afternoon and at night, indicating that concertgoers visited local establishments before and after the shows.

The tour continued in Manchester on July 11 and 12, where Oasis performed at Heaton Park. During this weekend, drinks sales in Manchester rose by 13% compared to the previous year. Notably, the increase was not limited to the city center. Suburbs and surrounding towns saw a 31% rise in drinks sales—almost three times higher than the growth recorded in central Manchester.

The report also observed a shift in consumer behavior during these weekends. Typically, weekend drinks sales peak around 6 p.m., but during the Oasis concerts, hourly sales peaked at 4 p.m., coinciding with venue gates opening. More than half of each day’s total sales were made by 5 p.m., suggesting that many fans chose to gather early before heading to the concerts.

Despite these positive trends, the NTIA pointed out some challenges. Some regular customers avoided Manchester and Cardiff during the tour weekends, anticipating larger crowds and busier venues. Additionally, while Manchester experienced a boost, it was outperformed by other parts of Britain on July 11 and 12. The NTIA suggested that warm weather elsewhere may have drawn people away from the city.

The findings follow similar trends seen during Taylor Swift’s UK tour in 2024, which generated an estimated £78.4 million (US$101.8 million) for the sector. However, the NTIA emphasized that while high-profile concerts can provide a substantial boost to local economies, their impact can vary depending on factors such as weather, location, and competing events. This variability can make it difficult for venue operators to plan staffing and promotions effectively.

The report also highlighted ongoing concerns for the industry. Since 2020, one in four late-night venues has closed across Britain. The NTIA stressed that while major tours like Oasis’ bring significant benefits, sustained support for smaller venues and emerging artists is crucial for maintaining a vibrant live music scene.

As Oasis continues its tour across the UK, hospitality businesses are watching closely to see how future dates will affect their sales and operations. The NTIA plans to monitor these trends throughout the summer as part of its ongoing analysis of the night-time economy.