Music fans heading for the Coldplay gig in Croke Park tonight are being warned to give themselves plenty of time to arrive at the venue.

Doors open at 6pm - with the first act taking to the stage at 6:45pm.

There will be extra security around the venue in the wake of the Manchester bombing - with all entrants subject to a full body and bag search.

Large bags, selfie sticks and large umbrellas are just some of the items banned from entry.

An armed support unit will also be at the scene.

Arrive as doors open

MCD spokesperson Eamon Fox urged fans to arrive early - but not too early.

"No early queuing, it is a residential area," he said. 

"Coldplay have an early entry package so there is no point in queuing, so please come when the doors open.

He said there are a range of websites providing information for concert-goers.

"Evntzapp has all you need to know about the concerts, both Coldplay and U2," he said.

"There is direct contact with us in terms of questions and everything you should need to know there.

"Equally MCD.ie, crokepark.ie and garda.ie for any traffic issues."

Garda presence 

Garda Inspector Tony Gallagher there is a "very robust" policing and traffic plan in place.

"We have some 180 personnel working at the event so we are there really to facilitate the enjoyment of this concert by the 82,000 fans," he said.

U2 will be bringing their Joshua Tree Tour to Croke Park on Saturday 22nd July.