Cardiff Castle will be opening its doors this week to some pretty big names, and one of those is English ska band, Madness.
The 80s six-piece, affectionately known as the 'Nutty Boys' - who rocked out on the roof at Buckingham Palace for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012 - will be playing in Cardiff the day before Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee bank holiday begins on Wednesday, June 1, bringing thousands of fans to the city and into the castle grounds.
For an event of this size, in the centre of Cardiff, ticket holders could have a lot of questions from what you can take into the castle, to possible road closures for the event, set times and even the potential setlist.
Lucky for you, we've compiled this handy guide, including everything you need to know, for when Madness kicks off the jubilee weekend in Cardiff. Keep up to date with all the latest What's On news by signing up to our newsletter here. For more jubilee events and things to do this half term, click here and if you don't want to party for the jubilee, but still want to do something, click here.
READ MORE: All the big gigs happening in Cardiff this week
When is Madness playing in Cardiff?
The band, fronted by Suggs, who lived in Haverfordwest for a number of years in his youth, will be taking over Cardiff Castle on Wednesday, June 1 .
What time are they on stage?
The doors open at 5pm when the warm-up will start.
Norman Jay MBE is on at 7pm and Madness start at 9pm.
Who is the support act?
Supporting the great 80s group is another 80s legend, father of the Good Times Sound System and pirate radio station Kiss FM radio DJ Norman Jay MBE . An international music star, the Londoner is known as one of the finest DJ across the globe. A champion of the Rare Groove scene (a term he coined) a number of decades ago, Norman, whose music spans house, garage, funk, soul, drum and bass to jazz and hip-hop, was one of the first musicians in the UK to play House music, according to his website. He is also known for playing at some of the first and biggest 'warehouse' parties ever staged in London. In 2002 he was awarded an MBE for his services in music.
Can I still get tickets?
There are still e-tickets available - but be quick, as there are a limited number. Official tickets can be purchased via the See Tickets website. They are currently retailing at £57.20.
What do I need to get into the castle?
You need to have your e-tickets ready to display on your phone or bring printed copies and present these upon arrival. Without either form of ticket, you will not have access to the venue or concert.
If you have an e-ticket, please ensure your phone is fully charged.
What is the setlist?
We've taken a look at the setlist Madness played at their Teenage Cancer Trust gig earlier in the year and, if that still stands, then you can expect...
- One Step Beyond (Prince Buster cover)
- Embarrassment
- The Prince
- NW5
- My Girl
- The Sun and the Rain
- Wings of a Dove
- One Better Day
- Shut Up
- Bed and Breakfast Man
- Mr. Apples
- House of Fun
- Baggy Trousers
- Our House
- It Must Be Love (Labi Siffre cover)
Encore:
- Madness (Prince Buster cover)
- Night Boat to Cairo
Will there be road closures?
Cardiff Council have advised that Castle Street, Duke Street and Kingsway will be closed on the June 1, 2 and 3 between 10pm and 11pm. It has been advised that the road closures could be brought forward in the day, depending on the crowds earlier in the evening. Please plan your travel accordingly.
Where can I park?
There are a number of council-owned car parks which cater for 24-hour parking. A few examples include Sophia Gardens Car Park, which charges 24 hours a day and costs up to £17.60 for the full day. Castle Mews Car Park which charges between 8am and 8pm Monday – Saturday and costs up to £6.10 for five hours, and North Road Car Park, which costs £8.80 for a full day (until midnight that evening) - its charging hours are Monday to Sunday between 8am and 6pm.
For more car parks available around the city centre, see here.
What items are banned from the castle?
There are a number of items that are banned from being brought into the castle grounds when you arrive for the concert. These include:
- Gas canisters
- Aerosols over 250ml
- Airhorns
- Fireworks
- Flares
- Glass
- Illegal substances, drugs and ‘legal highs’ – this includes Nitrous Oxide and associated equipment including balloons, unidentified substances, new psychoactive substances (NPS)
- Illegal items
- Laser equipment/pens
- Megaphones
- Blowtorches
- Sky or ‘Chinese’ lanterns
- Petrol burners
- Sound systems
- Spray cans
- Tabards/high viz jackets
- Large bags
- Cans
- Alcohol of any kind
- Camping equipment
- Firewood
- Disposable barbeques
- Campsite stoves
- Audio recorders
- Open drinks
- Fold-up chairs
Permitted items include: Sealed bottles of soft drinks or water under 500ml and empty reusable bottles of any size - metal, plastic or other materials but not glass.
