Police in the Irish village of Slane are setting out a set of strict rules for Madonna fans who will flock to her concert at Slane Castle on 29 Aug. As previously reported, local residents are opposed to the Madonna concert because it will take place on a Sunday. Although the local council ignored a petition and gave the concert's promoters the go-ahead to stage the gig, they did so on the condition the council and local police are kept fully informed of all event plans, and with the proviso measures are taken to ensure locals are not prevented from going to mass or other religious services during the day.
To that end the local police have told Madonna fans that they should not arrive early for the concert. Garda chief Michael Flanagan told reporters this weekend that all the local accommodation was now fully booked, that there were no camping facilities available and that gig-goers should not arrive early because "there will be nothing for them to do in Slane".
Police will set up a number of checkpoints which will essentially seal off parts of the village to outsiders for the weekend of the concert. Only those with resident passes will be allowed in the village centre.