The first massive outdoor gigs of the *ahem* summer will kick off this evening at Croke Park where One Direction will their first of three successive dates inside Ireland's largest stadium.
Around 240,000 screaming teenagers will be on hand over the course of the three concerts this weekend and, due to the massive numbers who'll attend, certain security restrictions are on hand to make sure the event goes swimmingly.
What time are the bands on stage?
One Direction will hit the stage at 8.30pm until 10.15pm
Support act 5 Seconds of Summer will perform at 6.30pm
The doors to Croke Park will open at 5pm.
Any health & safety notices we should know about?
If you're under 14 years of age, you will not be allowed on the pitch under any circumstances! Under 16's must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who will take full responsibility for them at all times. Age checks will be in place and if there are any doubts as to a punter's age, security age checks will be in place. Oh, and don't bother queuing up for hours outside Croke Park before the gigs - due to the standing section being segregated into quadrants, the time you arrive won't have a massive influence on where you end up standing. There will also be a 'tag-a-child' facility at Croke Park to help you keep track of your young 'uns.
How should we get to Croke Park?
Driving there isn't recommended as there will be serious traffic restrictions in place BUT there will be car parks on Clonliffe Road, O'Connell's School on North Richmond Street, Q-Park Clery's, Mater Hospital Car Park, Park Rite at Parnell/Irish Life/IFSC/Fleet Street and Arnott's. Public transport is your best bet. Irish Rail and DART services will be running at extra capacity to handle the droves of Directioners.
Look at them there, aren't they only gorgeous?
There'll be food there, right?
Yes there will. There'll be various food stands throughout the venue to keep your belly from rumbling.
This is an outdoor gig. What will the weather be like?
We're glad you asked. Friday's gig will be punctuated by outbursts of rain, which will be heavy at times so make sure to dress for the occasion. Saturday and Sunday's shows will also operate under the considerable risk of rain but www.met.ie also has a little sunshine icon in their forecast, so you never know. You gotta love these Irish summers though.
What's this about an app?
MCD and MyGigApp have produced a companion smartphone app for everyone going to this weekend's gigs. It will include maps, information on lost child checkpoints and even a selfie competition. Download it here for iPhone and here for Android.
I'm a parent. What have I let myself get into?
Don't worry, the chances of these gigs turning into a Lord of the Flies style tween revolution are slim. Bring earplugs. Your writer has been to a One Direction concert before and it's the loudest single event that I have ever attended - and that includes some pretty heavy duty metal concerts in my youth. Oh, and there won't be any bars open on site. Sorry about that. Just take a few deep breaths and everything will be okay.
And for jaysus' sake lads, don't forget the long suffering Croke Park residents having to put up with all these gigs this summer. Don't be too loud when you're leaving and, for heaven's sake, would you pick up your litter after yourselves. C'mere 'til we wipe your face with our hankie...
