I'm the so-called "lunatic" woman who has gone viral for offering up a camping spot in my back garden in exchange for an Oasis ticket. So, how did I get here?

Like many Oasis fans, I've been riddled with anxiety ever since the Gallagher brothers hinted something big was about to come out on Tuesday (August 27).

What if it was just a limited edition vinyl? Some never-before-heard demos? Even a picture of Liam and Noel in the same room would have sent us off into a frenzy, but we dared to believe it was actually happening.

I'm touched by the response I've hadI'm touched by the response I've had (Image: Newsquest, Olivia Bridge)

 

The date was significant, with Oasis breaking the nation's hearts on August 28, 2009, and this year was the 30th anniversary of their debut masterpiece, Definitely Maybe.

However, when the tour was confirmed for real, I said to my housemate I'd take the vinyl or old tapes over the possibility that Oasis might be performing near enough on our doorstep, because what if I don't get a ticket?

It's been a sleepless week to say the least, my nerves are ripped to shreds thinking about Ticketmaster's servers - coupled with the fact two per cent of the UK population attempted to get Oasis tickets more than 15 years ago, which will have exponentially increased with a whole new generation of fans who, like me for the past 30 years, missed out the first time around but grew up to them.

We now know a precious golden ticket for Heaton Park will put us back £148.50. It's not cheap.

 

 

So when I saw hotels were reportedly cancelling bookings to resell their rooms at inflated prices, or hiking costs for a room by more than three times as much, I thought it was unjust extortion. Yes, it's supply and demand, but unjust all the same for a devoted fanbase to have to cough up £500 or even a grand for a one night's kip in some grotty hotel on the outskirts of Manchester.

I hope I get to go with my mum who said Liam Gallagher was the 'best gig' she'd ever been toI hope I get to go with my mum who said Liam Gallagher was the 'best gig' she'd ever been to (Image: Newsquest, Olivia Bridge)

Besides, haven't we already suffered enough? I couldn't imagine being in a position where you've got a ticket and are then priced out of the chance to come to the gig because greedy hotels want your arm and your leg for it, too. 

Then I had an idea: I live near Heaton Park. What if I could strike a deal with a fellow fan? They can camp out in my garden, for free, under the condition that they come with an Oasis ticket for me, too, which I'll pay for.

I thought I'd sweeten the deal by offering up brews, breakfast and my driveway, and highlight the main amenities - a barbecue, seats, outdoor plug sockets, big Tesco, no check-in or out times and my housemate and I as entertaining hosts.

I'm also hoping to get a ticket for Josie, my top gig buddyI'm also hoping to get a ticket for Josie, my top gig buddy (Image: Newsquest, Olivia Bridge)

I did not think for a second my post on X (formerly Twitter) would go viral and reach more than five million people (and counting!)

The reaction has been incredible and I've been touched by the kindness of so many strangers, eager to ensure that I do get a ticket and that my offer actually happens.

I have to admit, my offer was driven by my own selfish need for a ticket, but I've been soaking up the compliments all the same.

My favourite responses have been the creative memes people have made, of hundreds of people camping out in my garden like a mini Glastonbury, and as someone said the "revolution" it has brought to inspire others across the country to do something similar. 

Naturally, I got my best friend an R'Kid Oasis baby grow, who coincidentally was born on the day the reunion was announcedNaturally, I got my best friend an R'Kid Oasis baby grow, who coincidentally was born on the day the reunion was announced (Image: Newsquest, Olivia Bridge)

I've heard from people from Portugal, Canada, New Zealand, Gambia, and all over the world who would be happy with a camping spot in my garden and who will try to get an extra ticket for me when they join the crush on Saturday morning.

Others just want to know how it all pans out.

There's also a business idea in the making for a spin-off from "Spare Room" called "Spare Grass", which exclusively offers garden spots for concertgoers to big events. I'd love to see this become a legitimate thing.

Some however completely missed the point and asked if they could use my drive for the gig or camp in the garden any old day of the year.

So, I had to clarify my glaring singular condition: No ticket, no entry.

No breakfast, no tea, no sing-songing together on the walk back from the gig without said ticket.

 

Still, we've all had a good laugh. And it does just go to show how music brings us all together. 

I'm still trying for tickets on Saturday as I have a list of people I'd love to go with.

I'd love to go with my housemate and my dadI'd love to go with my dad (Image: Newsquest, Olivia Bridge)

My dad, who raised me on Oasis in the first place and didn't manage to get me a ticket back in 2009, my best friend Hannah Duffield, who I share a "Live Forever" tattoo with and who has just given birth to her baby boy when Oasis announced the reunion tour, which puts her out of the Ticketmaster runnings, my mum, who was dubbed a 'legend' by the crowd at Liam Gallagher when she was at the barrier, and my other nearest and dearest pals and family members.

It means I need six tickets, but I'll settle for just the one - I'll tag along with anyone who's up for it.

My garden offer is very much still on the table, too. We'll certainly have a cracking story to tell and, who knows, maybe we'll even become lifelong friends.

No pressure.

See you at Heaton Park next year anyway.