AS excitement builds ahead of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers' Tennent's Vital appearance at Boucher Road Playing Fields tomorrow night, we have compiled your essential guide to the hottest ticket in town.
The legendary American rockers will be joined on stage by special guests, Fall Out Boy, Labrinth, Cage the Elephant and Otherkin, and, with an estimated 40,000 music fans expected to descend on the city, plans are well in place to make sure everything goes smoothly and safely for those attending.
Friday night's headline act, Avicii, will literally mark the end of an era, as the Swedish superstar DJ announced earlier this year that the Belfast gig would be his last, and fans are expected to fly in from across Europe.
Gate Opening Times
Thursday August 25 - Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Box office opens 1pm
Gates open 4pm
First act on stage 4.45pm
Main acts 9pm
Friday August 26 - Avicii
Box office opens 1pm
Gates open 4pm
First act 4pm
Main acts 9pm
Transport Arrangements
Designated car parking is available at the King's Hall Complex, while coach parking is located at the Fruit Market on the Boucher Road.
The taxi pick-up point will be on Apollo Road.
Anyone planning on driving to either event is advised to park their vehicle legally and to ensure that it is not obstructing the driveway of any residential or business properties and police urged concert goers to "enjoy the music, have a good time, but most importantly, stay safe".
PSNI Superintendent Bobby Singleton continued: "If you are going to drink, please do so responsibly and show respect to local residents, businesses and their property on the way to and from the events. Enjoy the concert, look out for each other, and follow the directions of the event security staff and police who are there to keep you safe.“
For music fans using public transport, a timetable of rail and coach specials will run on both days from locations throughout Northern Ireland, including an enhanced Metro service between Donegall Square East, Belfast City Centre and Boucher Crescent.
Translink’s Ursula Henderson said: “With Balmoral Train Station situated close to Boucher Road Playing Fields, we will operate late night NI Railways services from Balmoral in both directions travelling as far as Portadown and Coleraine. Special festival coaches will run from locations right across Northern Ireland as far away as Derry~Londonderry, Omagh and Newry.
"There will also be an enhanced Metro bus service travelling between Belfast City Centre (Donegall Square East) and Boucher Crescent on each concert day. So, for safe, reliable and hassle-free travel click www.translink.co.uk/tennentsvital/ or call 028 90 66 66 30 and plan your journey now.”
Shades or umbrellas?
A raincoat would be a wise addition to your Tennent's Vital packing for tomorrow night's Red Hot Chilli Peppers gig, as there may be an increased risk of showers as the evening goes on, although the overall forecast looks generally good at this stage, with a mix of bright and sunny spells and only light winds.
An increased risk of some wet weather for @chilipeppers at @tennentsvital in Belfast. A mac might come in useful. pic.twitter.com/riWrJ6P466
— Barra Best (@barrabest) August 24, 2016
Looking ahead to Friday, the weather looks set to be bright, with a scattering of showers in some places.
Limited tickets still available
While the Friday night show is completely sold out, a limited number of tickets are still available for the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Fall Out Boy, Labrinth, Cage The Elephant and Otherkin.
Tickets are priced at £49.50 including booking fee and are available via Tennent’s Vital’s official ticket partner www.ticketmaster.ie
Tickets are also available in person from 100 Ticketmaster outlets nationwide or via the 24hr Telephone hotlines: (NI &UK) 0844 8472455/ (ROI) 0818 719 300.
Tickets should be bought only from official Ticketmaster outlets and not from unofficial sources.
Tennent’s Vital is an over 16s event. However, a parent aged 25 and over can take up to two under 16s to the show. Parents will be required to show age identification and sign a consent form in order to gain admission on the day.
Under 16s must be accompanied by their parent at all times. Bars will operate a strict Challenge 25 policy.