Global talent Ed Sheeran will return to Belfast this week for the first time since 2018 his highly anticipated shows at Boucher Road Playing Fields.
The singer-songwriter is bringing his +–=÷x (Mathematics) Tour to Northern Ireland on May 12 and 13.
After putting on showstopping performances in the Republic of Ireland, starting things off on a high at Croke Park - we are no doubt in for a treat when he takes on the Belfast crowds.
Read more: What is the setlist for Ed Sheeran's Mathematics tour in Belfast
To save you having to stress about all the finer details and plan your night easily, we've put together this handy guide which includes: how to get there, stage times, rumoured set list, and even the weather forecast.
Here's the essential information we think you'll need:
How to get there?
Boucher Road is really accessible via public transport and those attending are asked to make us of this facility as there is no parking available in the vicinity of the venue.
Fan are advised to park in the City Centre and either walk to the Concert, or avail of the Translink Metro and rails Services. It is anticipated that there will be some congestion following the concert with traffic being diverted from the area.
Parking is available at the below car parks:
• Q-Park Saint Anne's Square – 24hrs
• Q-Park Victoria Square – 24hrs
• Corporation Square – 24hrs
• Cromac Street – 24hrs
• Corporation Street – 24hrs
• Dunbarr Street – 24hrs
• Exchange Street – 24hrs
• Frederick Street – 24hrs
• Kent Street – 24hrs
Translink are running special rail and coach specials to Ed Sheeran at Boucher Road Playing Fields as well as a limited number of Metro shuttle bus services which will operate from the city centre.
Metro
Metro Service 9B will operate an enhanced timetable to/from Donegall Square East and Lisburn Road (Kings Hall)
Metro Nightmover Services will operate at 11:30pm from Belfast City Centre across the network.
| Service No. | Destination | Departs |
|---|---|---|
| 901 | Antrim Rd, Doagh Rd and Shore Rd | Upper Queen Street |
| 902A | Holywood Rd | Donegall Square West |
| 903 | Cregagh Rd and Castlereagh Rd | Donegall Square West |
| 904 | Ormeau Rd, Saintfield Rd, Newton Pk and Cairnshill | Howard Street |
| 905 | Malone Rd and Lisburn Rd | Donegall Square East |
| 906A | Falls Rd and Glen Rd | Wellington Place |
| 907 | Shankill Rd, Ballygomartin Rd, Crumlin Rd and Oldpark Rd | Chichester Street |
Standard late evening Glider G1 services will operate serving McKinstry Road departing May Street and Dundonald Park & Ride departing Wellington Place.
For more information, see here.
Rail
You can buy your travel ticket online and travel on any scheduled service to Balmoral Train Station. Your day return ticket will cover your outward and return train journey.
Return journeys will operate between 22:45 to 23:45 from Balmoral Train Station to Great Victoria Street Station and also stops on the Portadown line.
Please see below onward travel from Great Victoria Street Station (ensure to change at Great Victoria Street Station for your onward travel)
From |
Times |
Fares |
Belfast Great Victoria Street |
Rail Shuttle Services |
£5 |
Finaghy, Dunmurry, Derriaghy, Lambeg, Hilden & Lisburn |
Rail Shuttle Services |
£7 |
Holywood, Bangor West & Bangor |
Rail Shuttle Services (change at GVS) |
£10 |
Whiteabbey, Jordanstown, Greenisland & Carrickfergus |
Rail Shuttle Services (change at GVS) |
£10 |
Moira & Lurgan |
Rail Shuttle Services |
£10 |
Portadown |
Rail Shuttle Services |
£13 |
Ballymena, Ballymoney & Coleraine |
Rail Shuttle Services (change at GVS for 00:05 service) |
£14 |
Mossley West & Antrim |
Rail Shuttle Services (change at GVS for 00:05 service) |
£10 |
For more information or to book any of the transport to Ed Sheeran visit the Translink website.
Taxi
Taxi drop offs will not be permitted in any areas in the vicinity of the concert venue.
It is anticipated that there will be traffic congestion and traffic diversions on Boucher Road after the concert. There will not be any ‘pick up’ points close to the Event Site.
What time do gates open?
Venue gates will open at 4pm. No early queueing will be permitted and promoters are asking concert goers to respect the privacy of the residents and respect the local communities.
Under 16s should be accompanied by a person 18+. No children under 5 will be permitted entry even with a ticket.
One Adult can accompany up to 4 children.
There will be FREE-TAG-A-KID safety wristbands which will be available at all the customer care points both outside and inside all venues.
Parents/Guardians attending with young children or those with learning disabilities are encouraged to avail of these white wristbands which have a space for Parent/Guardian to write a contact number and seat number, if applicable.
The purpose of these wristbands is to help reunite lost children with parent/guardian should your child become separated from you within the venues. Any kid /adult of any age from 5 and over can avail of this option. Don’t get separated from your friends or family.
Check your digital tickets to be sure you are attending the correct venue on the correct date.
Please bring your fully charged smartphone.
Remember to download your tickets from your Ticketmaster account to your phone in advance of show day.
Please pay particular attention to the ticket information you received which includes details on ticket download & transfer. Detailed instructions have been emailed to you Alternatively please check via your Ticketmaster account.
Can I bring a bag with me?
Concert promoters are asking those attending not to bring a bag unless it is totally necessary. People without bags will be fast-tracked. If you must bring a bag it needs to be smaller than A4 size. Bags under A4 size will be subject to a search which will result in unnecessary queueing.
What items are banned?
Umbrellas are not permitted in the venue. In the event of adverse weather conditions, organisers advise bringing a rain mac or disposable rain coat.
• Any large lens professional cameras or any form of video recorder WILL NOT be admitted. Only small 35mm cameras will be permitted.
• Flag poles, selfie sticks, sticks for banners are not allowed. Only small banners of other (A4 or A3 size) will be permitted into the events as anything larger can obstruct the views of other customers.
• Prohibited articles and items are as follows: any article that may be used as a weapon, Bottles, glass vessels, cans, flasks, Frisbees, and related items, dangerous or hazardous items, illegal substances, scooters, skateboards, or other skates. Laser devices, prams/push chairs, inflatable and folding chairs, suitcases, laptops, illegal merchandise items, hampers and cold boxes, air horns and animals (except service dogs and guide dogs).
Will there be food and drink?
There are great food and drink facilities in the venue.
Please note the following:
- No glass, alcohol nor flasks will be allowed
- Only plastic cutlery will be allowed
- All soft drinks must be unopened with the seal intact
- No BBQs including disposable are allowed
REMEMBER - Proof of age will be required if you wish to purchase alcohol.
Drinking water fountains will be available at various points throughout the venue.
Please note, this is a non-smoking event. Persons found smoking will be escorted from the venue and not be allowed to re-enter the concert. The same restrictions apply to Vaping.
There will be First Aid areas within the venue, this includes the pitch. These will all be clearly marked and all stewards will be able to direct patrons in the direction of the nearest medical point.
Any person deemed to be offensive or abusive, or who may compromise public safety, will be reported to the police.
Who are the support acts?
Maisie Peters will be supporting Ed at his two Belfast performances.
She is an English singer-songwriter who, after gaining popularity on YouTube, signed with Atlantic Records.
Denise Chaila will also be performing - she is an Irish and Zambian rapper, singer, poet, grime and hip hop artist based in Limerick.
What are the stage times?
Here's the predicted stage times for Ed and all the support acts although please be aware these are subject to change.
6pm Denise Chaila
7pm Maisie Peters
8pm Ed Sheeran
What's the weather going to be like?
Let's face it, we live in Northern Ireland so the chances of having an evening of completely dry weather is rare.
But be prepared, this is an outdoor event that will go ahead regardless of the weather so please dress appropriately.
According to the latest forecast from the Met Office, a mainly dry and bright start on Thursday but windy with further showers later. Heading towards the weekend it will start getting warmer, more sunshine and lighter winds.
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