30,000 to turn out for event

THE celebration for US President Barack Obama’s visit this evening in Dublin city centre is likely to attract over 30,000 people, with a host of acts set to entertain crowds.

While strict security will see delays and queues as gatherers are screened going into the event area on College Green, organisers are confident that enough time is being allowed between when gates open at 2pm and when Mr Obama speaks at 5pm.

Guests arriving for the free event are being told not to bring food or beverages and that there will be no access to shops from the site once people go through security screening.

The Department of Foreign Affairs last night released a list of acts and stars who will take to the stage before and after the president’s address.

These include Dublin singer Imelda May, Eurovision entrants Jedward, The Saw Doctors, The Coronas and Sharon Shannon among others.

Sporting legends will also appear before the crowds including rugby hero Brian O’Driscoll, golfer Padraig Harrington, boxer Katie Taylor and footballer Robbie Keane.

A number of famous actors have also been lined up for the showcase cultural evening, including Brendan Gleeson, Gabriel Byrne, Stephen Rae and Saoirse Ronan.

The security checkpoint for the event will be at the intersection of Dame Street and Parliament Street.

No unaccompanied minors will be allowed into the celebrations and flags, banners or signs have also been banned.