Major gigs due to take place in Belfast this summer, including performances by Sam Fender and Fontaines DC, are at risk of cancellation due to a disagreement over “health and safety concerns”.
The Boucher Road Playing Fields – capable of boasting audiences of over 40,000 – has faced issues due to a neighbouring site usually used as an emergency exit point not being available this year.
@northernirelandtraveller Liam Gallagher @Liam Gallagher tonight at Belfast Vital at Boucher Road Playing Fields. Performance form @kasabianofficial #belfastvital #belfast #liamgallagher #northernireland #ireland #norniron #oasis #definitelymaybe #irish #boucherplayingfields #concert #belfastcity #vital #belfasttiktok #northernirelandtiktok #belfasttiktoker #belfastfood ♬ original sound – Northern Ireland Traveller
Belfast City Council, who own the site on Boucher Road, have previously found an agreement to use the neighbouring field which is held by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Services (NIFRS).
However, this year the fire services have not given the Council their consent to use the field as an exit point. Without a clear emergency exit, safety and security matters are thrown into turmoil.
Fans will be hoping the issue is resolved quickly, as Sam Fender takes the stage on August 28 just one day before the highly-anticipated Fontaines DC and Kneecap show on August 29. The fields will also host a couple of festivals – Farmers Bash on the weekend of August 9 and Emerge 2025 kicking off on August 23. Get ticket information for all events here.
The NIFRS vacated the premises last year after opening a new training facility just outside Cookstown, County Tyrone. Due to them no longer using the site, the fire services are looking for the Belfast City Council to take over the lease in order for the gigs to take place.
In a statement, the NIFRS claimed that the site is “currently going through a process of divestment” and they worry that the use of the field would impact on a rates discount for unoccupied properties.
A spokeswoman said in the statement: “NIFRS has vacated the site and would be supportive of an agreement that would see the lease revert to Belfast City Council control, enabling the necessary health and safety arrangements to be put in place for the summer shows.
“NIFRS continues to engage with Belfast City Council and other stakeholders, around the divestment process and the events scheduled at Boucher Playing Fields.”
With still three months until the shows, hope remains that this issue will be sorted. A Council spokeswoman reiterated the desire to find an agreement, saying: “The council has been engaging with NIFRS with a view to ensuring that the necessary health and safety arrangements can be put in place for these concerts.”
These are not the first music events put at risk due to legal issues this year. South London’s Brockwell Park lost a legal battle against local residents due to the nuisance and impact on the park.
It was found that the park exceeded the maximum allowed 28 days of closure a year for events, however every festival due for the park this summer – including Mighty Hoopla and Field Day – insist that the show will go on.
Wide Awake took place at the South London park this past weekend, where Kneecap rocked the festival with a powerful headline performance despite calls for their performances to be cancelled due to recent controversies.
Keep an eye on mxdwn for any further announcements regarding the big Belfast gigs this summer, as fans pray that the health and safety issues will be resolved by August.
