RESIDENTS living miles away from Belfast have complained about noise levels at last nights Foo Fighters concert.
There were also reports that the concert at the Boucher Road playing fields could be heard on the Shankill Road, east Belfast, Dundonald, Carryduff and Moneyreagh.
One resident who lives in Osborne Park off the Malone Road told the News Letter the level of music “simply was not on”.
“It is absolutely dreadful, we have had to listen to this for over five hours this evening. We pay £3,000 in rates each year and this is just completely unacceptable,” she said.
“Why did the concert have to be held in a residential area? There are plenty of places out in the country where no one would hear it that it could have been held. We have had to close all the windows, this is simply not on.”
The social networking website Twitter last night was buzzing with both complaints about the noise, and also comments from those enjoying hearing the gig for free.
Academic Ciaran O’Kelly tweeted: “We’re in Rosetta and our 3 year old is now two hours past his bedtime.”
BBC journalist Chris Page said: “Can hear the Foo Fighters loud and clear in our flat in Stranmillis. Still audible even with all doors and windows closed”, while PR consultant Liz Fawcett complained that her son was not able to sleep from the noise.
However another Twitter user who calls himself Hey Mickey retorted to the people complaining: “I can hear perfectly and not complaining. People should get a life!”
SDLP South Belfast councillor Claire Hanna commented: “Most Balmoral residents are happy for people to enjoy a night out, but the noise levels this evening have been unacceptably high. I understand the music is technically within the ‘agreed’ levels but is travelling so far because of the clear weather.
“Measures will need to be taken to ensure tomorrow night has a balance between the enjoyment of concert-goers and the right of south Belfast residents to have a peaceful evening at home.”
Justin Green of MCD Productions responded to the complaints last night. He said: “We have worked closely with both Belfast City Council and PSNI to ensure that Tennent’s Vital causes limited disruption to local residents who we have also liaised closely with in the run-up to the event.
“MCD is one of the most experienced and professional music promoters in Europe and every event is planned and managed to an extremely tight schedule including ensuring adequate sound measures and controls.
“30,000 fans have had a great day today and enjoyed a fun filled festival with a fantastic musical line-up and we look forward to more of the same on Wednesday.”