Shillong: As Ed Sheeran’s much-awaited concert draws closer, Meghalaya is making final preparations for the event, which is part of his Mathematics Tour covering six cities across India, including Shillong.
With just 11 days remaining, Meghalaya Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, along with officials from the Tourism Department, police, and BookMyShow, convened to finalise the arrangements.
Speaking to the reporters, Lyngdoh said, “We are committed to ensuring that the concert is a seamless experience for all, minimising any inconvenience for both concertgoers and those not attending.”
The meeting focused on key logistical elements, including traffic flow, venue access points, and crowd management strategies.
The state is anticipating a crowd of around 27,000 attendees, with over 60 percent expected to travel from outside Meghalaya.
A significant portion of the audience is expected to come from Assam, as well as other major cities across India, according to the minister.
To address concerns about traffic and crowd movement, another review meeting will be held on February 6, involving the Deputy Commissioners of East Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi, as many attendees will pass through Ri-Bhoi on their way to the venue.
In response to lingering concerns about potential damage to the football turf—a challenge that arose during the Bryan Adams concert—Lyngdoh reassured the public that advanced turf protection technology has been secured by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs.
“The Meghalaya government has invested in the latest turf protection system, currently being used at the Coldplay concert in Mumbai. It will be brought to Shillong in the coming days,” he confirmed.
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Minister Lyngdoh also highlighted Meghalaya’s pioneering role in hosting international concerts, noting that the state has been at the forefront of this cultural shift since 2004.
“Our ability to host such high-profile events has been recognised at the highest levels, with even the Prime Minister of India acknowledging the growth of our concert economy. We’ve been leading the way long before many other states,” he added.
As anticipation builds for Sheeran’s concert, the state’s focus remains on ensuring a smooth and memorable event for both local and out-of-state visitors.
