EMERGE Belfast road closures confirmed as PSNI issue drop off and pick up warning

“Please be aware that fixed penalty tickets can also be issued to pedestrians”

Northern Ireland has been graced with a bumper summer of music once again.

Over 30,000 concert-goers are expected to flood to South Belfast this Bank Holiday weekend for EMERGE 2025.

The two-day, multi-stage festival is the largest event of its kind in Ireland and is bringing some massive names in dance and electronic music to the Boucher Road Playing Fields on August 23 and 24.

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

The PSNI has issued some advice for concert-goers about traffic and travel to and from the concert.

A spokesperson said: “City-bound lane one of Boucher Road, between its junction with Shane Retail Park and Balmoral Road, will be closed between 3pm and 9pm.

“Boucher Road will be closed between its junctions with Tates Avenue and Stockman’s Lane between 9pm and midnight.

“Stockman’s Lane will be closed between its junction with Kennedy Way roundabout and Lisburn Road between 9pm and midnight.

“The M1 off-slips – northbound at Kennedy Way and southbound at Stockmans Lane – will be closed from 9pm. Please seek an alternative route at these times.”

After young people were spotted walking onto the motorway hard shoulder for collection after the event last summer, police have issued a stern warning about pick-ups and drop-offs.

The spokesperson continued: “Officers would also like to remind those attending the festival that it is illegal to stop, park or walk on the hard shoulder of motorways.

“The hard shoulder is for emergency use only.

“Last year, officers issued a number of penalty tickets to motorists after attendees were dropped off from vehicles queuing on the motorway, and making their way to the event by walking down the hard shoulder.

“Please be aware that fixed penalty tickets can also be issued to pedestrians.

“We want all those attending the festival to have a great night and to remember the event for all the right reasons -be safe, leave sufficient time for your journey, and plan your route in advance.”

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