The Boucher Road Playing Fields have been transformed and EMERGE is finally here, with some huge names set to bring the buzz to Belfast.
This year's line-up of acts is something to behold, with something to suit all musical tastes on the bill.
To ensure you make the most of the festival this year we've put together this handy guide. So if you're wondering how to get there, where to eat and drink, and much more - look no further.
Read more: Full list of headliners coming to the new EMERGE festival in Belfast
When is EMERGE Belfast?
The new two-day festival kicks off at Boucher Road Playing Fields this Bank Holiday weekend on August 27 and August 28.
Who is headlining EMERGE Belfast?
Who is performing at EMERGE Day 1:
- Eric Prydz
- Peggy Gou
- Michael Bibi
- FJAAK
Who is performing at EMERGE Day 2:
- Disclosure
- Patrick Topping
- Mall Grab
- Kettama
Are there tickets left for EMERGE festival?
Yes, there are a number of full weekend, Saturday and Sunday tickets still available for EMERGE - however, organisers have warned that all three sets of tickets are close to selling out so be sure to get yours soon to avoid disappointment.
Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.ie only, be wary of tickets sold from other sites and via social media profiles.
There is a range of ticket types available including day tickets, weekend tickets and VIP upgrades.
For more information, see here.
What are the age restrictions EMERGE?
Emerge will be a strictly 16+ event / ID required. Over 16's only policy will be strictly enforced - persons who purchase and ignore conditions will be refused entry with NO refund.
If you are asked to provide ID when entering the concert to prove your age, you will need to provide one of the following:
- Official valid Passport
- Photo driving license
- Government-approved Proof of age card PASS, Citizen card or www.validateuk.co.uk
- Electoral Card
Please note that Student cards / Out of date / Photocopies/photos of ID’s are NOT accepted.
For all the latest event news and top recommendations for food and drink, follow our new Belfast Social pages on Facebook and Instagram.
What time do gates open for EMERGE?
Gates open at 4pm so please do not arrive on site until close to that time.
Curfew for the event is approx 11pm.
What are the stage times for EMERGE Belfast?
Set times for Saturday, August 27:
EMERGE stage
- Sarah Mooney - 4-4:30pm
- Cici - 4:30-5:45pm
- Cristoph - 5:45-7:15pm
- Michael Bibi - 7:15-8:45pm
- Eric Prydz - 9-11pm
Shine stage
- Schmutz - 4-5:15pm
- FJAAK - 5:15-6:30pm
- Perel - 6:30-7:45pm
- Peggy Gou - 7:45-915pm
- Special Request - 9:15-10:45pm
UFO stage
- Kick - 4-4:30pm
- Lucid - 4:30-5:30pm
- Nacy Live - 5:30-6:30pm
- BLK - 6:30-7:30pm
- Dense & Pika - 7:30-9pm
- DISFREQ - 9-10pm
- Mark Blair - 10-11pm
Set times for Sunday, August 28:
EMERGE stage
- Caoimhe - 4-5pm
- Dusky - 5-6:30pm
- DJ Seinfeld - 6:30-7:30pm
- Disclosure - 7:30-9pm
- Patrick Topping - 9-11pm
Shine stage
- Jenna Daley - 4-5pm
- Nikki O - 6-6pm
- Miley Serious - 6-7pm
- Shampain - 7-8pm
- Mall Grab - 8-9:30pm
- Kettama - 9:30-11pm
UFO stage
- Fionn Curran - 4-4:45pm
- Reboot DJs - 4:45-5:45pm
- Riot Code - 5:45-6:45pm
- Yasmin Gardezi - 6:45-7:45pm
- Rebekah - 7:45-9:15pm
- BLK - 9:15- 10:45pm
How do I get the Boucher Road Playing Fields for EMERGE?
Boucher Road is really accessible via public transport and those attending are asked to make use of this facility as there is no parking available in the vicinity of the venue.
Fans are advised to park in the city centre and either walk to the festival, or avail of the Translink Metro and rails Services. It is anticipated that there will be some congestion following the concert with traffic being diverted from the area.
Parking is available at the below car parks:
- Q-Park Saint Anne's Square – 24hrs
- Q-Park Victoria Square – 24hrs
- Corporation Square – 24hrs
- Cromac Street – 24hrs
- Corporation Street – 24hrs
- Dunbarr Street – 24hrs
- Exchange Street – 24hrs
- Frederick Street – 24hrs
- Kent Street – 24hrs
Translink is running special rail and coach specials to EMERGE at Boucher Road Playing Fields.
Rail
Your Outward Journey
- Buy online and travel on any scheduled service on your outward journey to Balmoral Train Station
- Your Day Return ticket will cover your outward and return train journey
Your Return Journey
- Shuttle services will operate between 23:00 & 23:45 from Balmoral Train Station to Belfast Great Victoria Street Station (GVS) and also stops on the Portadown line
- Onward rail travel from GVS is available to Carrickfergus and Bangor (ensure to change at GVS for your onward service)
- Onward rail travel from GVS is available to Coleraine at 23:35 (ensure to change at GVS for your onward service)
- Customers wishing to catch these onward connections are advised to leave sufficient time to transfer between Balmoral and GVS on the shuttle services
- Please retain your printed ticket for your return journey
Important Information
- Customers will be emailed their e-tickets and are required to print the email prior to travel OR show your email on your mobile device to the barrier staff or conductor
- Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable
- A strict no smoking policy is employed on services.
Shuttle Bus
A shuttle bus will operate from Derry to Belfast on both concert dates.
The stops are:
- Foyle St Buscentre
- Altnagelvin Main Road
- Drumahoe Park & Ride
- Claudy Express Stop
- Dungiven Express Stop
- Maghera Flyover
- Castledawson Park & Ride
- Toome Park & Ride
Buying Your Ticket
- Services are available to buy online ONLY and close at 11am on day of event
- Customers will be emailed their e-tickets and are required to print the email prior to travel OR show your email on your phone
- Strict no smoking & no alcohol policies operate on Translink services
- Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferrable
- Please wear a face covering if you can
Your Return Journey
- Bus departs at 23:00 from The Fruit Market
- Please ensure you are aware of the return departure point from Belfast by asking the driver before departing the bus on arrival in Belfast
For more information on Translink travel, see here.
Taxi
Taxi drop-offs will not be permitted in any areas in the vicinity of the concert venue.
It is anticipated that there will be traffic congestion and traffic diversions on Boucher Road after the concert. There will not be any ‘pick up’ points close to the Event Site.
Is there an ATM at EMERGE Belfast?
There are no cloakroom, locker or ATM facilities on site - vendors and bars will have the option to pay by card.
Some DO NOT points:
- Do not drink alcohol on board buses as it is illegal to do so. Enforcement and Seizure Operations will be in place at various locations on main roads to the venue & along pedestrian routes within the immediate vicinity of the venue. Offenders will be liable for £1000 fine.
- Do not bring alcohol, food, glass, cans, fireworks, flags, laser pens or pointers, spikes, studs or anything dangerous, umbrellas, poles, fold up or blow up chairs or garden furniture, professional audio or visual recording equipment – you will not be allowed in with any of these items and there are no lockers for storage. Prohibited items will be confiscated and disposed of accordingly
- Football or GAA tops will not be permitted on the concert site, so please don’t wear these to the event.
- Do not park illegally.
- Please follow signs to designated car parks.
- Do not buy tickets from unofficial sources.
- Do not rush the exits after the concerts.
- Do not crowd surf, mosh or partake in antisocial behaviour as you will be removed from the venue without refund and relevant authorities will be notified.
Is there parking at EMERGE?
No, there is no designated parking on-site at EMERGE. Organisers advise that concert-goers avail of public transport where possible.
Hotels near Boucher Road Playing Fields:
- AC Marriot Hotel - see here
- Maldron Hotel - see here
- The Merchant Hotel - see here
- Grand Central Hotel - see here
- Radisson Blu Hotel - see here
Will there be security checks?
If you are attending please be advised of additional security measures for all events. The safety of guests is of paramount importance and an increased search regime will be in place.
Organisers would like to advise all guests to arrive at the venue in good time, as there will be enhanced personal searches on entry.
In order to allow easy access, and cause minimal delays, they would like to discourage all guests from bringing bags to the event, and no luggage or large electronic devices (for example laptop computers) will be permitted.
Small personal cameras will be permitted, though guests will not be able to bring professional photography equipment into the venue. Please note that you may also be asked to remove coats or jackets in the search queue.
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