Don’t lose your head over Ed...
Fans warned against putting themselves in danger trying to get a glimpse of superstar
ED Sheeran fans have been warned against scaling buildings and climbing trees in a bid to catch a glimpse of the singer as his string of Dublin gigs kick off.
The Sing hitmaker is set to take to the stage in the Phoenix Park tonight, Friday and Saturday, with 150,000 people expected to watch the final leg of his Irish tour. A number of fans were injured during Ed’s Irish dates in Cork, Galway and Belfast.
One teenager fell into a disused quarry while taking a shortcut to the concert and another woman fell from a warehouse roof, where she was trying to watch the sell out show. Speaking ahead of Ed’s first Dublin show, Aiken Promotions’ Sophie Ridley warned those who didn’t manage to get tickets against going to extreme lengths to see the show.
She said: “Please don’t climb buildings. Please don’t walk through the forest. Don’t climb the trees. Stay on level ground.
“We want people to be safe both inside and outside the venue.
“We attended one of those incidents within a stadium and we don’t want to attend to another situation like that.”
Ms Ridley added there will be plenty of emergency services in place at the venue in case of any issues.
She said: “We have security and stewards throughout – in the park and in the local residential areas.
“We will also have doctors, including emergency ambulances, paramedics and volunteers from the Order of Malta.”
Gates will open for each of Ed’s shows at 5pm, with music kicking off from 5.45pm with support act Beoga.
Jamie Lawson and Anne Marie will also perform before the big show, with Ed scheduled to take to the stage at 8.45pm.
And as with the Rolling Stones concert in Croke Park, concert-goers were urged to travel light.
Ms Ridely added: “If you don’t bring bags you’ll be fast-tracked.
“If you bring bags, they must be less than A4 – if you bring one bigger than that, it won’t be allowed in.”
Meanwhile, gardai also appealed to fans to keep in mind those living in the Phoenix Park area when making their way to and from shows.
Chief Supt Lorraine Wheatley said: “I’m sure they’ll have had enough of Ed Sheeran by that stage.
“It’s hugely important, because we have 150,000 people. The plan is to minimise disruption of the community and restore order quickly.
“People will be in high spirits after the concert, so just be mindful of the residents. Also, clearly the Phoenix Park is a lovely amenity. We’d ask people respect that.” As with all of Sheeran’s shows, concertgoers will have to provide a copy of an ID that matches the name printed on their ticket to gain entry.
Aiken said: “Whether you paid by cash or credit card your name will be printed on your tickets and you will be required to bring valid ID matching the name printed on the ticket, or a photocopy, to gain access to the show.”
Fans are also advised to plan their journey, opting for public transport where possible due to traffic.
There will be shuttle buses operating from the city centre, dropping fans to the entrance of Phoenix Park.
Parents attending the shows with their children can avail of TAG-AKID safety wristbands which will be available at all the customer care points outside and inside the venue.
Those attending with young kids are encouraged to use these, which have a space to write a contact number and seat number.