Ed’s all set to win the west
The thousands of Ed Sheeran fans descending on Galway this weekend will face tight security and travel restrictions, as Gardaí and the concert promoters issued advice for music fans gearing up for what promises to be one of the busiest weekends of the year in the city.
Parking restrictions swing into place tomorrow evening and vehicular access will also be restricted with a 5km stretch of road around Salthill in lockdown for 53 hours.
But Bus Eireann will operate a shuttle bus service from Eyre Square to the Aquarium in Salthill and vice versa at the end of the concert. Drop-off point for taxis is the designated area on the Prom.
And there will be limited parking on the grounds of St Mary’s, St Enda’s and Salerno, in addition to normal public car parks – but those who park within the restricted area have been told their vehicle will be towed.
With up to 100 additional officers drafted in for the weekend, Gardaí have cautioned concertgoers to behave – and Aiken Promotions have warned fans without tickets to avoid touts or resale sites.
Those fans who purchased their tickets on line will have to produce the purchasing credit card or a photo/photocopy of the credit card and a valid form of ID to reflect family name.
And those who paid in cash will still be required to bring valid ID matching the name printed on the ticket, or a photocopy, to gain access to the show.
Trad group Beoga will warm up the crowd, before Jamie Lawson, whose single 'Wasn't Expecting That' is a worldwide hit, at 6.30pm – followed at 7.30pm by Anne-Marie, currently hitting the top of the charts with ‘Friends’ and before that with ‘Ciao Adios’.
And Ed Sheeran is expected to begin his 18-song set from 8.45pm.
See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.