Belfast Vital 2025: PSNI’s safety and traffic guide for Sam Fender and Fontaines DC concerts

As Belfast gears up for the highly anticipated Belfast Vital 2025 concerts at Boucher Road Playing Fields, featuring performances by Sam Fender on Thursday, 28th August, and Fontaines DC on Friday, 29th August, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has issued a comprehensive safety advisory to ensure attendees enjoy the events responsibly and safely.

The annual music festival, a highlight of Belfast’s cultural calendar, is expected to draw thousands of music fans to south Belfast. To ensure a smooth and safe experience, the PSNI has outlined key guidance for concert-goers, alongside details of significant traffic disruptions in the area due to the events.

Police emphasise safety and respectful behaviour

District Commander Superintendent Allister Hagan stressed the importance of responsible behaviour, urging attendees to prioritise safety and respect for others. “We want everyone attending the concert to have a great night, to stay safe, and remember the event for all the right reasons,” he said.

The PSNI has been working closely with event organisers and other agencies to plan for the concerts, with officers set to be visibly present at Boucher Road Playing Fields to ensure public safety.

Superintendent Hagan advised attendees to plan their travel in advance, ensuring pick-up points are safe and legal.

“Make arrangements for your travel to and from the event in advance. Make sure your pick up point is in a safe place and, if you’re driving, please park your vehicle legally and ensure that it is not causing an obstruction to road users, pedestrians or local residents,” he added.

Practical tips include ensuring mobile phones are fully charged or equipped with a portable charger to stay in contact with friends or those collecting them.

The PSNI also reminded attendees that alcohol cannot be brought into the venue, and event staff will confiscate alcohol from anyone under 18 years of age.

“We want to make sure that everyone in attendance drinks responsibly,” Superintendent Hagan noted.

Strong stance against illegal drugs

Addressing recent concerns about drug-related activity, Superintendent Hagan issued a stern warning about the consequences of illegal drug use or supply.

“I’m aware of recent concern, and want to reassure the community that we, as a Police Service, are committed to tackling the illegal supply and use of illicit drugs.

“Anyone tempted to become involved in the supply or use of these items should be under no illusion; we will seek to identify them, arrest them and place them before the courts,” he stated.

The PSNI encouraged attendees to act responsibly, stay with friends, and look out for one another. “If you need help during the evening, or have any concerns, speak with event staff or the police,” Superintendent Hagan advised.

Traffic disruptions in South Belfast

Concert-goers and local residents are also being warned of significant traffic disruptions in south Belfast on Thursday, 28th August, due to the concerts and other planned events in the area. The PSNI has outlined the following road closures:

•  City-bound lane one of Boucher Road, between its junction with Shane Retail Park and Balmoral Road, will be closed from 3pm to 9pm.

•  Boucher Road will be closed between its junctions with Tates Avenue and Stockman’s Lane from 9pm to midnight.

•  Stockman’s Lane will be closed between its junction with Kennedy Way roundabout and Lisburn Road from 9pm to midnight.

•  M1 off-slips (northbound at Kennedy Way and southbound at Stockman’s Lane) will be closed from 9pm.

Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes during these times to avoid delays. The PSNI also highlighted the dangers of stopping, parking, or walking on the hard shoulder of motorways, which is strictly for emergency use only.

Last year, officers issued penalty tickets to motorists and pedestrians after some attendees were dropped off on the motorway and walked along the hard shoulder to reach similar events.

The PSNI reiterated that fixed penalty tickets can be issued to pedestrians engaging in such behaviour.

Plan ahead for a safe and enjoyable experience

With large crowds expected for both Sam Fender’s and Fontaines DC’s performances, the PSNI is urging attendees to plan their journeys carefully and leave sufficient time to account for traffic disruptions.

“We want all those attending the festival and the football to have a safe night and to remember the event for all the right reasons – stay safe, leave sufficient time for your journey, and plan your route in advance,” the PSNI stated.

As Belfast Vital 2025 promises two nights of unforgettable music, the PSNI’s message is clear: prioritise safety, respect the community, and enjoy the concerts responsibly.