Bruce Springsteen: Everything you need to know ahead of Boucher Playing Fields gig

Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band will play Boucher Playing Fields Belfast on Thursday May 9, the New Jersey superstar's first Belfast concert since playing the King's Hall in 2013.

Springsteen is to perform four shows across Ireland next week as part of his world tour, with Belfast the first stop.

It is set to be one of the biggest gigs of the year in Northern Ireland - here's everything you need to know ahead of the big day.

READ MORE: Bruce Springsteen: The Boss to return to 'second home' for first Belfast gig in ten years

What time will the concert start?

The show starts at 7pm.

What time do gates open?

The gates open at 5pm.

Is there any support act?

There is NO support. Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band will take to the stage at 7pm sharp

Can I arrive early?

Early queuing will not be permitted in the streets around the venue. These are residential areas and the promoters have asked ticket holders to respect the privacy of the residents and business in the local community.

Are there any tickets left for Bruce Springsteen?

There is limited availability for tickets now on the Ticketmaster websiote.

Aiken Promotions have advised that Ticketmaster is the official and only legitimate ticket seller for this event.

Beware of bogus ticket sellers and tour operators, the promoters have urged people not to buy tickets from unofficial sources.

If you have any queries regarding your tickets, please contact Ticketmaster via MYACCOUNT help section and they will be able to assist you.

Is there parking at the venue?

There is no parking in the vicinity of the venue. Bus and Rail transport options can all bring you within walking distance of Boucher Playing Fields. The promoters strongly encourage concert goers to use public transport and allow yourself sufficient travel time.

There are no parking, drop off or collection areas in the immediate vicinity of the venue.

How to get there?

Boucher Road is 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 rail services. It is anticipated that there will be some congestion following the concert with traffic being diverted from the area.

Thursday is a busy day in Belfast, particularly in the Boucher Road retail parks and Shane’s Park shopping areas. Please allow yourself plenty of time to get to the venue so as to get in well before the start of the show.

Are there any special transport services in place?

Translink has released details of some special transport services in place on the day of the concert

Those taking the train to Boucher Playing Fields are advised to book tickets in advance to Balmoral train station.

It is important to note that the closure of Great Victoria Street train station will NOT impact the concert as the closure doesn't come into place until Friday 10 May.

Translink has released the following details about return journeys from Balmoral after the show:

• Shuttle services will operate between 22:45 & 23:45 from Balmoral Train Station to Belfast Great Victoria Street Station (GVS) and also selected stops on the Portadown line

• Onward rail travel from GVS is available to Larne Harbour (23:25), Bangor (23:57), Coleraine (23:45) - ensure to change at GVS for your onward service

• Customers wishing to catch these onward connections are advised to leave sufficient time to transfer between Balmoral and GVS on the shuttle services

Further details of rail services.

Normal bus services will be in operation in Belfast on the day of the concert.

A special concert bus service from Derry was available with Translink but is now sold out - for more information on this please visit Translink's website.

What is the weather forecast?

This is an outdoor event so please watch the weather forecast prior to the show day and dress accordingly. Belfast has had a lot of rain in recent weeks, please keep this in mind when choosing footwear.

Current forecasts suggest that it will be a dry, cloudy day on the day of the concert with temperatures of up to 18 degrees.

What can I bring into the venue?

Aiken Promotions says: "PLEASE do not bring a bag unless it is absolutely necessary. People without bags will be fast-tracked. If you must bring a bag it needs to be less than A4 size . Bags under A4 size will be subject to a search which will result in queueing.

"No bags larger than A4 size will be allowed into the venue, nor will you be allowed to leave them unattended anywhere in or near the venue so please adhere to the above advice.

Prohibited articles and items are as follows: any article that may be used as a weapon, any person deemed to be offensive or abusive, or who may compromise public safety, will be reported to the police.

Professional cameras and recording devices (this will apply to cameras that have detachable lenses) Bottles, glass vessels, cans, flasks, frisbees, and related items, dangerous or hazardous items, illegal substances, scooters, skateboards, or other skates, flag poles and flares, laser devices, prams/push chairs, inflatable and folding chairs, large suitcases, laptops, illegal merchandise items, umbrellas, hampers, and cold boxes, air horns, alcohol, drinks, selfie sticks, food, and animals (except service dogs and guide dogs).

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