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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Lauren Harte

Ed Sheeran: Concert promoter issues apology and advice to Belfast fans attending on Friday

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran was back in Belfast on Thursday night with the first of two shows on his major Mathematics tour.

But some fans said they were left disappointed as they faced delays in accessing the venue at Boucher Road Playing Fields.

There were reports of "chaotic scenes" at the entrance to the site and that "thousands were being refused entry" over issues with verifying tickets.

Read more: Ed Sheeran plays Belfast: First night photos of singer's Mathematics tour

One reader told Belfast Live on Thursday night: "My son bought tickets and transferred two of them to my daughter. My son went in ahead of her as she was at work

"She's been outside Boucher playing fields for almost an hour waiting in a queue to print off her tickets! She's been told that no digital tickets are working to allow entry.

"No other explanation has been given. It's ridiculous."

Despite this 40,000 braved the wind and rain to watch the 'A-Team' and 'Castle on the Hill' singer perform in Northern Ireland for the first time since his record-breaking ‘Divide Tour’ in 2018.

With a further 40,000 people expected at the site again on Friday night, a spokesperson for Aiken Promotions, the organisers of the event, said: "At times there were some issues with connectivity.

"Concert goers are reminded to download the ticket app before arrival to the site.

"Also some of the food outlets do not have credit card facilities so we recommend people bring cash.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

After putting on sold-out performances in the Republic of Ireland, starting things off on a high at Croke Park, Sheeran still delighted fans when he took to the stage after 8pm on Thursday.

A number of traffic provisions have been put in place again on Friday to ensure everyone arrives and leaves safely.

For more information on getting to the gig, see here.

Read more: Road closures for Ed Sheeran concerts at Boucher Road Playing Fields

Read more: Snow Patrol's Johnny McDaid and Ed Sheeran win copyright battle

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