It was the young parents’ first ‘night off’ in three years
19:32, 21 Jul 2025Updated 19:32, 21 Jul 2025
David Hayward (left), his partner Katie Stratford, brother and sister-in-law at Heaton Park for Oasis on Wednesday (July 16)(Image: Supplied)
A group who spent more than £1,000 to see Oasis at Heaton Park had their night ruined after a dad of two was taken off by security.
David Hayward, 29, was at the gig with his partner brother and sister-in-law on Wednesday (July 16). His partner Katie Stratford, told the Manchester Evening News that it was the first ‘night off’ for the young parents from Banbury in Oxfordshire for three years.
They enjoyed the first half hour of the Oasis reunion gig before security ‘grabbed’ David and took him away, according to Katie.
The 29-year-old dog groomer told the M.E.N. that David was searched for drugs and was later accused of being involved in a fight.
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However, Katie claims that when she asked what had happened, security refused to help and would not provide any information.
The incident occurred on the same night that Oasis superfan Lewis Burnage from Wakefield was wrongfully removed by security.
They are all parents of young children(Image: Supplied)
Katie said: “We were just dancing because we’ve been waiting for this moment for so long.
“Then nine to 10 blokes walked over and just grabbed David. No one knew anything. They didn’t care at all.
“We’re all parents. It’s our first night off in three years. The whole thing was just wild.
“We cooperated. We were really pleasant. They were swearing at us, telling us we were pissing them off.
“We just wanted to get back to the event. They just wouldn’t help me at all.
“I’ve never been to an event that was so disgusting in my whole life. They were vile.”
David was taken away by ‘nine to 10 blokes'(Image: Supplied)
Katie told the M.E.N. that she rushed over to the bar to find David’s brother after security took him away. She then went to find David.
When she eventually found him in a cordoned off area, David told her that he had been searched for drugs but nothing was found.
He was then accused of being involved in a fight and was told that security were deciding whether to arrest him or escort him off site.
Katie said she went over to speak to the police but they could not help. She was told she could go back into the event without David.
However, her mobile phone was with her sister-in-law and she was worried that she wouldn’t be able to find the rest of the group.
Katie claims the group spent more than £1,000 on tickets and accommodation, as well as paying for childcare, dog sitters and travel.
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The couples, who are mostly self-employed, also took two days off work while Katie’s parents took time off to look after the kids.
She added: “It ruined it for my sister-in-law and brother-in-law as well. They missed about 30 minutes trying to get information.”
Katie has now complained to the event organisers. According to emails seen by the M.E.N., SJM Concerts are looking into the case.
The 29-year-old says she is hoping to either get a refund or be given tickets for another date on the Oasis reunion tour.
SJM Concerts has been approached for comment.