Belfast's Boucher Road Playing Fields to stop hosting music events

Belfast's biggest outdoor venue Boucher Road Playing Fields is set to stop hosting events. The playing fields are expected to return to community use as sport pitches in 2028.

The decision will be formally ratified at the Belfast City Council meeting, planned for Monday, February 9.

The playing fields, located in the south of the city have hosted big events in the past, including the Belfast Vital and electronic music festival Emerge. The venue can stage concerts for up to 40,000 people, and it has hosted artists like Bruce Springsteen, Liam Gallagher, Noah Kahan, Sam Fender, Fatboy Slim, Fontaines D.C., Snow Patrol, and Kneecap.

"I'm delighted that the playing fields will now return to their original purpose, alleviating significant issues faced by local residents during concert season as well as supporting local clubs," Sinn Féin councillor Natasha Brennan told BBC.

She also said that the move would be a boost to local sports clubs, with two full-size GAA pitches, and a soccer pitch available at the site.

“We do need more GAA pitches in the city, yes, but I have serious concerns about taking out the only 40,000-capacity outdoor venue in Belfast,” Green Party councillor Brian Smyth told the Irish News.

"This isn’t just about the economic impact, but the social and cultural impact also," he added.

This year's summer concert season will commence with Zach Bryan's gig in June, which will later follow into Vital and Emerge Festivals in August. Vital will host acts like Lewis Capaldi and Calvin Harris, with the line-up for Emerge yet to be announced.