Legendary rocker Bob Dylan is expected to draw a combined crowd of more than 30,000 to Belfast and Galway this weekend for a two-legged concert tour.
The indefatigable singer-songwriter makes his first appearance in Northern Ireland tonight, playing the Odyssey Arena, Belfast. A capacity crowd of 8,000 is expected with a large supporting cast, including the Thrills.
Up to 25,000 people are expected in Galway's Pearse Stadium tomorrow, the first major outdoor musical event in the city for many years, and the first at the GAA venue since its renovation. Major traffic restrictions will be in place around the Salthill area of Galway city from noon tomorrow. Additional gardaí have been drafted in to manage traffic and parking as well as dealing with any public order incidents. Supt Michael Curley of Salthill Garda station said: "We are not expecting trouble, but we are prepared for it if it does happen. Obviously the concert involves a lot of inconvenience for residents."
The gates to the concert open at 2 p.m. and it will start an hour later, finishing at about 11 p.m. Dylan will take to the stage at about 9 p.m. From noon tomorrow, all the main junctions to the streets surrounding the stadium in Dr Mannix Road will be closed. Residents will be allowed access only if they have permits. Tickets for both concerts were still available yesterday from Ticketmaster and all usual outlets.