Coldplay at Croke Park: Everything you need to know

Getting there, line-up, stage times, possible set list and more

Chris Martin performing with Coldplay in Italy on July 3rd. Photograph: Sergione Infuso/Corbis/Getty

Thu Jul 06 2017 - 14:00

One of the most consistently (and yes, maddeningly) earnest bands of all time make their return to Dublin this Saturday night when Coldplay bring their A Head Full of Dreams tour to Croke Park.

Chris Martin and co's last tour was a low-key one in support of Ghost Stories (aka the Coldplay album that nobody cared about). Intimacy is off the cards this time around; this tour, which began in March 2016, is all about pyrotechnics, those flashy coloured arm band thingies (the internet tells us they're called xylobands), lasers, big screens and balloons. Basically, it's going to be an explosion of colour and sound that is becoming of one of the biggest bands in the world.

Are tickets still available? That'd be a big fat nope – tickets sold out in less than an hour when they went on sale last October. If you're collecting tickets on the day from Ticketmaster, however, be aware that the collection point is at Gill's Corner on the corner of Russell Street and North Circular Road.

What time does it kick off? Gates open at 6pm and fans have been warned that there is strictly no overnight or early queuing as it's a residential area and no one wants to be woken to your rubbish renditions of Yellow. Support comes from London-based electropop singer Lyves (6.45pm) and synthpop duo AlunaGeorge (7.30pm). Coldplay will take the stage at 8.30pm.

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How do I get there? There are no parking facilities near the venue, so your best bet is public transport via Dublin Bus or the Dart at Connolly (15 minute walk). After the concert ends, Irish Rail have laid on additional train services from Dublin Heuston to Galway (00.30) and Cork with a connection to Limerick Colbert (00.40).

What about security? As you might imagine, backpacks or large handbags are strictly not allowed and there is no cloakroom service. Don't bring glass, cans, umbrellas, alcohol, garden furniture, selfie sticks or flares, either. Basically, don't be that guy/girl.

And now, the weather forecast: Although there's a shower or two due on Saturday afternoon, it's looking like the evening will be a mix of cloud and sun, and around 17 degrees.

What are they likely to play? There's been a good mix of songs on their recent tour dates, with fan favourites from their indie-schmindie days as well as songs from their more recent electro-driven era. They've also been taking requests via Instagram, so get voting.

Here’s a setlist from a recent gig: