Oasis returns to popular celebrations in its hometown of Manchester

Central District, a lively neighborhood and Manchester's shopping mecca. Friday, June 11th, just hours before the first of five concerts Oasis is scheduled to play in Manchester, the city seems to be living for this event. The excitement is palpable. In the streets bathed in a scorching sun, brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher are omnipresent: posters cover buses, lampposts, and large shop windows, while their hits resonate in every pub and shop.

Advertising slogans from car and clothing brands twist the lyrics of Rock'N'Roll Star or Live Forever . Manchester comes alive above all with an unusual parade of T-shirts bearing the band's image, worn by a diverse crowd, different generations of fans happy and proud to celebrate today the return of their Britpop heroes.

Tonight at Heaton Park, Oasis is playing at home. While Cardiff, Wales, had the first look at the band's reunion on July 4 and 5 , the concerts in Manchester, the Gallaghers' hometown, are the ones celebrating their reformation. Here, the famously boisterous brothers are considered demigods. While the city boasts a rich musical heritage, from New Order to The Smiths to The Stone Roses, none have climbed the ladder of success as high as their champion, Oasis.

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