Final preparations for Tennents Vital 2014

Organisers have issued a guide containing essential information for fans attending Tennent’s Vital at Boucher Road Playing Fields on Thursday, August 21 and Sunday, August 24 – available at www.tennentsvital.com/info/essential_info

Tennent’s Vital 2014 kicks off on Thursday with one of the biggest bands in the world The Killers, 2013’s biggest breakthrough act Bastille and up-and-coming Belfast band Go Wolf take to the stage on the opening day.

David Guetta headlines bank holiday weekend Sunday and is joined by Steve Angello, Klangkarussell, Robin Schulz and Al Gibbs for an incredible night of EDM this August bank holiday weekend.

Sarah Shimmons, Beer Marketing Manager for Tennent’s NI, comments: “The final preparations are currently being made to the Tennent’s Vital site, as we get ready to welcome tens of thousands of fans to Boucher Road Playing Fields over the next few days.

“The site is looking fantastic and we have two days of brilliant live music in store, with some huge international artists heading for Belfast to play in front of the famous Tennent’s Vital crowd. Together with our partners MCD, we’re so looking forward to welcoming everyone on Thursday 21st and can’t wait to end the Bank Holiday weekend with a fantastic day on Sunday 24th.”

GATE TIMES: Thursday, August 24: Box office opens 1pm; Gates open 5pm; First act: 5.45pm. Bastille 6.45pm; Sunday; Box office opens 1pm; Gates open 4pm; First act: 4pm.

Fans are encouraged to use coach, bus and train travel to South Belfast including special late night return services to bring people safely home. Fans should purchase their return bus and rail tickets in advance at www.translink.co.uk or telephone 028 9066 6630. There will be no parking or collections in the immediate area of the concert site.

A significant police operation will be put in place to help ensure that people attending the concert remain safe as Chief Inspector Robert Murdie, PSNI, explains: “We have been working with organisers and a range of other agencies to help ensure that appropriate traffic management systems and security checks are in place to manage flows of people to and from the venue.

“Designated car parking has been allocated at the King’s Hall Complex, while designated coach parking is located at the ‘Fruit Market’ Boucher Road. This is the only drop off point for coaches. For those using taxis, the taxi pick up point after each event will be Apollo Road.

“Those driving to the event are advised to park legally and to ensure their vehicle is not obstructing the driveway of a residential property. If you are drinking at the concert, do not drive. It only takes one drink to impair your decision making ability.

“If you are planning on getting a lift home after the concert, please be advised that Boucher Road and Stockman’s Lane will be closed to through traffic each night between 10.15pm - 11.45pm approximately. This is to ensure the safe exit of people from the venue.”

Translink’s Ursula Kelleher said: “With Balmoral Train Station situated close to Boucher 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 a Metro shuttle bus service travelling between Belfast City Centre (Donegall Square East) and Boucher Crescent on each concert day. We would encourage anyone looking for a safe, reliable and hassle-free journey to click www.translink.co.uk/tennentsvital/ or call 028 90 66 66 30 and plan their travel now.”