Tennent's Vital: What you need to know

The countdown is on to the biggest ever T Vital on Belfast's Boucher Road.

Tens of thousands of fans will descend on to the playing fields this week.

Q Radio got a sneak peak at the venue before the legendary Red Hot Chili Peppers take to the stage on Thursday 25th of August.

They're supported by Fall Out Boy, Labrinth, Cage the Elephant and Otherkin.

On Friday 26th August, Avicii will play in front of massive crowds before retiring from touring.

Along with the Swedish DJ, special guests include Jess Glynne, Duke Dumont, Galantis, SEEB and Zak Abel.

10,000 people are expected to travel to Belfast from other countries outside the island of Ireland for the gigs.

We are backstage at @tennentsvital the stage is set and the grounds are looking the part!! #TennentsVital #SneakPeek pic.twitter.com/pMReMu2gm1

— goQradio (@goQradio) August 23, 2016

Brian Spollen is concert promoter with MCD.

Victoria Brown, Tennent's Brand Manager, said: "It's all shaping up to be the best ever Tennent's Vital and the excitement is already building up as the final touches are put in place.

"We're ecstatic to have global superstars The Red Hot Chili Peppers and to also host Avicii's penultimate gig"

— Maria McCann (@journomaria) August 23, 2016

GATE TIMES

Getting there and home again

Translink’s Claire Vaux says public transport is the smart move to get to and from the events:

“Tennent’s Vital is one of Northern Ireland’s flagship music events always attracting the most popular acts so we’ve put in place attractive travel options for convenient and reliable journeys to and from the festival site.

RAIL

There will be late night NI Railways services from Balmoral in both directions as far as Portadown and Coleraine.

These trains will operate following the concert from 10.45pm until 11.45pm subject to demand.

Translink say special return train tickets are still available to buy in selected stations with prices from £5 - £16.

COACH

Special festival coaches are also running from locations right across Northern Ireland including:

• Derry-Londonderry, Claudy, Dungiven, Maghera, Castledawson, Toomebridge
• Newry, Banbridge
• Strabane, Omagh, Ballygawley, Dungannon, Tamnamore

Coach tickets are £17 and available to buy online only until 11am on the day of each concert subject to availability.

Special return Ulsterbus coaches will depart from the former B&Q site after the concerts at approximately 11pm.

Special Coach Tickets are not available to buy in person from Ulsterbus Stations or from the coach driver.

METRO

There will also be an enhanced Metro bus service (92) travelling between Belfast City Centre (Donegall Square East) and Boucher Crescent on each concert day.

Passengers can pay on board the service – £1.05 with a Smartlink card or £2 for a cash single fare.

Metro services to the event will be available every 10 minutes from 3.20pm – 7.20pm (outward) and from 10.45pm – 11.30pm (return) subject to demand. 

There's also an important message from the PSNI for those attending the concerts.

Superintendent Bobby Singleton said: "Enjoy the music, have a good time, but most importantly, stay safe.

"If you're 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." he added.

"There is designated car parking allocated at the King's Hall Complex, with designated coach parking at the 'Fruit Market' Boucher Road. For those using taxis, the taxi pick-up point after each event will be on Apollo Road.

"Anyone planning on driving to the event is advised to park their vehicle legally and to ensure that it is not obstructing the driveway of any residential or business properties.

"If you are planning on drinking at the concert, do not drive. It only takes one drink to impair your decision making ability. The only right decision is to leave the car at home if you’re drinking."

The weather forecast

It's expected to be largely dry on both Thursday and Friday evening.

There's a small risk of a shower or two so bring your wellies just in case!

SOME FUN FACTS:

Did you know?

• At 60m x 40m, Tennent’s Vital is the biggest festival stage in Northern Ireland
• The Tennent’s bar, set up to cope with thirsty music-lovers, has the equivalent of 23 bus lengths of counter space!