Up to 30,000 music fans are set to descend upon Ward Park in the seaside town tomorrow - the home of band frontman Gary Lightbody and drummer Jonny Quinn.

Since their growing success over the past few years, the Northern Irish indie band has played huge shows at Belfast's Ulster Hall and Odyssey Arena, but it is understood that they were keen to organise a show on a similar scale in their home town.

Tickets for the show sold out within days of going on sale earlier this year.

It is the band's first show in Northern Ireland this year. They played to a sell-out show at the Odyssey Arena last December.

Joining Snow Patrol on the bill at Ward Park will be their friends, Downpatrick rockers Ash, local Bangor band Kowalski, US alt rock band We Are Scientists, Simple Kid and The Dead 60s.

Kowlaski bassist Tom O'Hare said the band was "thrilled" to be asked to support Snow Patrol.

Ash frontman Tim Wheeler said that he was looking forward to catching up with the Snow Patrol gang again.

With so many gig-goers heading to Bangor Translink has urged them to leave cars behind and use public transport.

The company will be providing enhanced capacity between Belfast and Bangor and are putting on several late-night rail services to help the public with their homeward journeys.

Tomorrow night, special late night concert shuttle rail services will run from 11.20pm with the last train departing Bangor at 00.45am. Fans wishing to travel beyond Belfast can then make their onward journeys via the Nightlink bus services, departing from Belfast City Hall at Donegal Square West.

Tickets are available from Translink outlets.

During the summer months Snow Patrol played Oxegen as well as a number of festivals in the UK and the US. It is understood the Ward Park gig will be their only Northern Irish date this year.

Mayor of North Down, Councillor Stephen Farry, said: "It is brilliant to see Snow Patrol playing to their home crowd in their home town. We hope everyone has an enjoyable day and travels to and from the event efficiently and safely."