By Kathryn Williams Robert Dalling
Oasis may have been and gone but there are still some huge shows to come at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff this summer. This weekend, on July 11 and 12, Cynon Valley band, Stereophonics are back for a giant home show and Cardiff Council has already unveiled the road closure schedule around the Principality Stadium. In an effort to manage the influx of concertgoers and maintain safety, key roads in the vicinity are set for temporary closures. These measures come with the release of detailed timings, giving fans the opportunity to organise their travel plans to and within Cardiff. Closures will be implemented for Stereophonics, as well as Kendrick Lamar and SZA on July 19, and Catfish and the Bottlemen on August1, with the stadium gates due to fling open at 5pm for each event. A spokesperson for Cardiff Council issued travel advice, noting: “The M4 motorway is expected to be very busy for these concerts – so please plan ahead – and avoid the congestion in Cardiff by using the park and ride at the car park by the Vindico Arena on International Drive in the Sports Village – CF11 0JS.” They also recommended that attendees check the latest travel updates: “For up to date traffic information on the motorway and trunk roads go to the Traffic Wales website, or @TrafficWalesS on Twitter and Facebook.” Concertgoers are urged to meticulously arrange their trips and arrive in Cardiff early. The council highlights important security policies, especially regarding bag restrictions at principalitystadium.wales, advising patrons to review prohibited items and adhere to the no large bags rule prior to heading into the city. From 7am, Scott Road and Park Street will be closed because of the need to prepare gate five and protect queuing fans. The following roads will be closed as part of the full city centre road closure which will take place at 3pm until midnight. Civic centre Access to part of the civic centre will be controlled throughout the day, with access allowed only for event parking, limited commuter parking, loading and access to private car parks. Roads affected include King Edward VII Avenue, Museum Avenue, City Hall Road, College Road and Gorsedd Gardens Road. For all events, those planning to travel by train are advised to check their last train home’s schedule and allow ample time. A queuing system will commence from 10pm, with queues for mainline rail services forming on Central Square and Valley queues at the station’s rear. The Cardiff bus interchange will shut at 3pm and Cardiff Queen Street Station will close its doors at 10pm, except for customers with accessibility needs or those heading to Cardiff Bay. Revenue protection inspectors will carry out ticket checks before and after the events. See below for where to go at Cardiff Central to catch your train: Event park and ride facilities will utilise the car park near Vindico Arena on International Drive in the Sports Village, Cardiff Bay – CF11 0JS. The city centre drop-off point is on Tresillian Way. Staff will be present from 9am, but the first bus into the city centre won’t depart until 11am. The final bus back from the city centre will leave at midnight, with the site closing shortly thereafter. The service costs 拢15, payable in cash only. Civic Centre Event Day Parking (Cars and Coaches). Directions: Exit Junction 32 of the M4, head south on the A470 towards the city centre and follow signs to the civic centre. Cost: 拢20 payable on the day for cars and 拢30 for coaches – card payments are now also accepted. Parking Hours: The car park will open at 8am and close at midnight. Sophia Gardens (Cars) Directions: Exit junction 32 off the M4. Cost: Cars are charged at 拢20 and coaches at 拢30 – card payments are now accepted. Parking hours: The car park opens at 8.00am and shuts at 12 midnight. Please be aware: Sophia Gardens car park will be manned until 7pm, but vehicles are left on site at the owner’s risk. Cardiff Council states it will not accept liability for any theft or damage to motor vehicles or personal belongings, and warns that any vehicles remaining in the car park after closing time will incur a fine. Local bus services will be rerouted due to city centre road closures. National Express coaches will continue to operate from Sophia Gardens as normal. The St Mary Street taxi rank will close at 3pm and resume service at midnight.