Red-hot gig signals start of summer

More than 100,000 people will converge on Dublin's Phoenix Park today for one of the biggest gigs ever staged in Ireland, and which will herald the start of the summer for many of them.

However, with weather forecasters predicting rain, raincoats rather than sunscreen may prove the essential accessory for revellers at the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert.

But with some of the finest Irish and international musical talent on stage for almost nine hours, it will take a lot more than a drop of rain to ruin the party.

The Hothouse Flowers kick off proceedings at 2 p.m., some 2½ hours after the concert site opens. Next up, at 3.30 p.m., is the UK dance act Groove Armada. The Thrills, from Blackrock in Dublin, one of the most promising acts to emerge from Ireland in recent years, take the stage at 5 p.m. Fresh from a string of hit singles and massive album sales in the UK and Ireland, they are sure to get the warmest of receptions at what, for them, must be a dream hometown setting. At 6.30 p.m., Boston band The Pixies, widely regarded as one of the most influential groups of the 1980s, will complete the latest chapter of their comeback with a set likely to whip older members of the crowd into a frenzy.

The icing on the cake is, of course, the band most people will have forked out €59.50 to see - the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The Californian funk-metal band have always been a huge live draw in Ireland, and today will be their biggest live show. They are due on stage at 8.15 p.m.

However, it won't all be fun and games. Because of the massive crowd expected gardaí have put in place severe traffic restrictions around the Phoenix Park (see panel). Concert-goers travelling to the venue by car are urged to plan their journey carefully and to use car parks and park-and-ride facilities laid on around the city.

Gardaí are warning that any vehicles parked illegally will be towed. Those who have not yet bought tickets are urged to do so from official sources only. Gig-goers have also been warned not to bring umbrellas, flag poles, alcohol, or cans or bottles, as these items will be confiscated at ticket barriers on the way into the venue. Cameras and recording equipment are also prohibited. Those who crowd surf, mosh or pyramid-build will be removed without refund.

Concert promoters MCD have urged people to dress appropriately for all weather conditions and to co-operate with the directions of stewards and gardaí. Catering and official merchandising will be available inside the venue.

Met Éireann forecaster Mr Michael Cleary said Dublin may escape the summer showers predicted for much of the country.