EMERGE Belfast stage times, line-up, age restrictions, travel advice and more for annual music festival

It is back for a fourth year in the heart of the city

EMERGE is back in Belfast for its fourth year this weekend.

Ireland’s biggest Electronic Music Festival is taking over the Boucher Road Playing Fields this August Bank Holiday and promises to be bigger, better and bolder than ever.

Headliners Fatboy Slim and Bicep are joined by an all-star lineup of international and local acts you will not want to miss.

READ MORE: EMERGE Belfast full line-up and stage information for 2025 festivalREAD MORE: What you can and cannot bring into the Boucher Road Playing Fields for EMERGE

To ensure you make the most of the festival this year we’ve put together a handy guide of what you need to know before heading to EMERGE 2025.

When is EMERGE Belfast?

The two-day festival kicks off at Boucher Road Playing Fields this Bank Holiday weekend on August 23 and August 24.

Who is headlining EMERGE Belfast?

Saturday, August 23:

• Fatboy Slim
• Sonny Fedora
• Marlon Hoffstadt

Sunday, August 24:

• Bicep
• Fantasm
• I Hate Models

Are any tickets left for EMERGE festival?

Yes, there are a number of full weekend, Saturday and Sunday tickets still available for EMERGE – however, there is low availability for full weekend tickets.

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 afterparty tickets.

What are the age restrictions EMERGE 2025?

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Please note that Student cards / Out of date / Photocopies/photos of ID’s are NOT accepted.

What time do gates open for EMERGE?

Gates open at 3pm 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 23:

Set times for Sunday, August 24:

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 will be operating additional bus and rail services, including special bus departures from Derry on Saturday 23rd August and Sunday 24th August for the Emerge Music Festival at Boucher Playing Fields.

Services are expected to be busy on both days, so they recommend planning your journey in advance using the Journey Planner and purchasing your tickets ahead of time via mLink or online.

Additional capacity will be provided on the existing services on the 9 corridor throughout Saturday 23rd August and Sunday 24th August during the Emerge Festival. These services depart from Donegal Square East.

We will also have extra capacity on evening services from Lisburn Road returning to Donegal Square East on both days.

Find out more about Translink’s EMERGE travel here

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.

For more information about EMERGE 2025, see here

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