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Belfast won’t have witnessed anything like it before.
Around 20,000 fans are expected to flood into the city for the MTV EMAs show at the Odyssey, the special MTV concerts featuring Red Hot Chili Peppers and Snow Patrol, and to city centre bars on Sunday night.
But the huge influx of people coming into the city will pose a headache for police and transport chiefs who have to ensure people get to and from the events safely.
With the huge numbers involved and many streets closed around the venues, Translink is asking people to use public transport to get to and from the gigs.
Special coaches will run from Londonderry, Omagh, Dungannon, Armagh, Newry, Banbridge, Newtownards, Downpatrick, Cookstown and Magherafelt.
Late night return services will depart from the Europa Buscentre at 11pm after concerts finish.
Extra trains are scheduled to Bangor, Lisburn, Portadown, Carrickfergus, Larne, Antrim, Ballymena and Coleraine.
And an enhanced Metro Bus timetable will also be in operation.
Road closures will be in effect both today and tomorrow around the City Hall.
Reduced traffic lanes will be in operation around the landmark building — on Wellington Place, Donegall Place and Donegall Square West — between 6pm and 8pm, before closing completely between 8pm and midnight.
Police are also advising motorists to expect traffic congestion and reduced parking facilities around the Odyssey complex.
Tomorrow the area in front of City Hall will again be subject to road closures.
Between 10am and 2.30pm the same roads — Wellington Place, Donegall Place and Donegall Square West — will be closed, and again from 4pm to 6am on Monday morning.
Road closures will also be in effect around the Odyssey Arena — Sydenham Road and Queen’s Quay, from Queen’s Bridge to Queen’s Road, will be closed from 12pm to midnight.
Hundreds of police officers will be out on the streets of Belfast to ensure the MTV awards run smoothly.
Officers in high-visibility uniforms will be patrolling the city centre streets and around the music venues to “keep people safe and provide reassurance” for both local and international visitors.
Superintendent Nigel Goddard, the PSNI’s operational manager for Belfast, said: “Make plans. It’s no fun if you’re left waiting around town on your own and don’t know how you’re getting home.”
For more information and special return ticket prices, visit www.translink.co.uk/emaconcert or contact 028 9066 6630. Traffic and travel updates can be found on www.trafficwatchni.com or the Roads Service on 08457 123 321
