Police tell ticketless Fatboy Slim fans to stay away

Fans of the acclaimed DJ Fatboy Slim were today urged to be on their best behaviour when they attend his beach concert in the North this weekend.

With 15,000 people expected to flock to the Co Antrim seaside resort of Portrush, Chief Inspector Nicky Thomspon said his officers were looking forward to welcoming concertgoers on Saturday to the East Strand carpark in Causeway Street.

But he also appealed to fans without tickets for the event to stay away.

“We have been working closely with the event organisers and Coleraine Borough Council, in an effort to make sure that the concert passes off peacefully and without incident,” he said.

“And, while we will have additional officers on duty throughout the day, I am calling on those who will be attending the event to act responsibly, and to help us maintain the jovial atmosphere that has been a prominent feature of other major events that have taken place in the resort.”

Fatboy Slim is one of the biggest names in dance music with a number of chart hits including ‘Right Here, Right Now,’ ‘Weapon of Choice’ and ‘Praise You’.

His beach party in Brighton in July 2002 attracted around a quarter of a million people – causing a major security headache for Sussex Police.

The concert was marred by the tragic deaths of a man in his forties from a heart attack and a 25-year-old Australian nurse who fell from railings at the sea front.

The DJ has also performed at a street carnival in Salvador, Flamengo Beach in Rio de Janeiro and Mount Fuji in Japan.

Fatboy Slim, real name Norman Cook, is married to broadcaster Zoe Ball.

Chief Inspector Thompson warned concertgoers his officers would be enforcing on-street drinking by-laws and making full use of CCTV to record evidence of any disorderly or unruly behaviour.

He also urged people driving to the event to park their vehicles sensibly.

“Such is the popularity of Portrush that parking spaces in the town are often at a premium and I would remind drivers not to park in restricted areas or where their vehicle would obstruct private or commercial entrances,” he said.

“Concertgoers are asked to make full use of a park and ride facility that will be operating from the official car park at the Coast Road between Portrush and Portstewart.

“Motorists are also advised that a one way traffic system will be in operation on Causeway Street on Saturday, and temporary parking restrictions will also be in force in the area.

“The only entrance to the venue will be from Causeway Street.

“It cannot be accessed from the East Strand or from the sand dunes.”

Concertgoers will only be admitted to the concert with a ticket.

There they will see a huge 40 foot by 40 foot video wall, which has been used at concerts by the DJ around the world.

Chief Inspector Thompson said: “With such large numbers expected, we would ask those who do not have tickets and those not attending the event to avoid the area, particularly at peak times before the concert begins at around 4pm.

“I want people who come to Portrush to have a safe, and crime free stay.

“Don’t provide criminals with an opportunity to steal your possessions.

“Don’t leave valuables unattended in your car. Act responsibly and have a thoroughly enjoyable time.”