Cardiff will be busier than ever this weekend with a series of gigs across the city centre. Between Ed Sheeran's three-night run at the Principality Stadium cumulating on Saturday, May 28, and My Chemical Romance's huge comeback gig also happening at the same time, the atmosphere across the capital is expected to be electric.
Thousands of music fans - of arguably polarising genres - will take over the city in what looks set to be a brilliant evening of live music. You can find out everything you need to know about the Ed Sheeran gigs here.
But while fans cram into the Principality Stadium another huge stadium just a stones throw away at Sophia Gardens will also be welcoming music lovers in their droves for My Chemical Romance's much anticipated outdoor gig.
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The gig, which forms part of the American band's eight date UK leg is currently sold out in Cardiff with Ticketmaster showing no tickets available.
With so much going on in the city this weekend concert goers could have a lot of questions from what you can take into the stadium, to road closures for the event to the set times and setlist. We've compiled this handy guide, including everything you need to know, for when My Chemical Romance make their mark on Cardiff. Keep up to date with all the latest What's On news by signing up to our newsletter here.
When are My Chemical Romance playing in Cardiff?
My Chemical Romance will be taking over Sophia Gardens for one night only on Saturday, May, 28. The Cardiff show is one of eight dates on the UK leg of the band's tour.
What time are they on stage?
Entrances to the event will open at 5pm and it has been recommended that fans arrive early as there will be enhanced bags and ticket checks. My Chemical Romance will take to the stage at 9pm. Ticketmaster have advised that they cannot give any more information on set time for the support acts or runtime until the sound check has been done, which is usually on the day of the gig.
Who is the support act?
There are three support acts for the gig, Lost Again, Starcrawler, and Funeral for a Friend. Bridgend quintet Funeral For A Friend burst onto the music scene in 2003 with their award-winning debut album Casually Dressed and Deep in Conversation, which included four top 20 singles.
In 2015 they announced that they would be disbanding at the end of their 2016 tour. In October 2019, the band reformed briefly to play three benefit shows for a terminally ill friend. In 2020, they announced a more formal reunion in the shape of a 2021 UK tour playing songs from their first three albums. In February 2021, the band confirmed that they had rescheduled their reunion shows. The tour was instead set for January 2022.
Can I still get tickets?
The gig is sold out with no tickets currently available on Ticketmaster.
What do I need to get into the stadium?
The event is E-ticketed. You will need to have downloaded your tickets onto your phone before you arrive at the stadium.
What is the setlist?
We've taken a look at the band's previous UK stadium tour setlist from their gig in Dublin and, if that still stands, then you can expect...
The Foundations of Decay
DESTROYA
Thank You for the Venom
Bulletproof Heart
This Is How I Disappear
You Know What They Do to Guys Like Us in Prison
Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)
Famous Last Words
Surrender the Night
Teenagers
Helena
Our Lady of Sorrows
Vampire Money
Make Room!!!!
Mama
Welcome to the Black Parade
Sleep
Encore:
I'm Not Okay (I Promise)
The Kids From Yesterday
Will there be road closures?
As well as My Chemical Romance, Ed Sheeran will also be playing in Cardiff on Saturday. As a result, Cardiff Council have announced a series of road closures. There will be a full city centre road closure in place during the weekend.
On Saturday, May, 28 the full city road closure will take place from 2pm to 12.30am the next day. Roads closed include:
Kingsway from its junction with North Road to its junction with Duke Street.
Cowbridge Road East from its junction with Cathedral Road to its junction with Westgate Street.
Tudor Street from its junction with Clare Road to its junction with Wood Street (access for residents and traders will be permitted via Fitzhammon Embankment.)
Plantagenet Street and Beauchamp Street from their junctions with Despenser Place to their junctions with Tudor Street (access for residents and traders will be permitted.)
The following roads will be closed in their entirety: Duke Street, Castle St, High Street, St Mary Street, Caroline Street, Wood Street, Central Square, Westgate Street, Quay Street, Guildhall Place, Golate, Park Street, Havelock Street, and Scott Road.
Station Terrace and Guildford Street from the junction with Newport Road to the junction with Churchill Way will be accessible for buses only during the times of the road closures.
Penarth Road (back of Cardiff Central Train Station) from the junction of St Mary Street through to the entrance off Penarth Road will close between 9pm and midnight to help TfW with the queuing fans.
Local bus services will be diverted while the city centre road closures are in place and Transport for Wales are running a full train timetable plus 40 extra trains during the concert days. Cardiff Central Train Station and the train services are expected to be very busy and travellers have been advised to allow extra time for their journeys.
Where can I park?
Civic Centre Event Day Parking will be available from 8am to 12am on each concert day at the Civic Centre. Parking will cost £15 for the day.
Sophia Gardens will also have event day parking which will cost £15. The car park will open at 8am and close at 12pm.
You can also book car parking for the concert on the Principality Parking website, at the Ysgol Pwll Coch car park.
There is also an event park and ride facility running from County Hall in Cardiff Bay. Buses will be running to and from the city centre every 10 minutes before the concerts begin and the cost of this service is £10.
The car park will open at 10.30am with the first bus leaving at 11am and the last bus from the city centre will run at 12am and the car park will close at 12.15am the next day.
What items are banned from Sophia Gardens?
There will be bag checks at the stadium before the concert so make sure you are not carrying any of these items. Those attending the concert are strongly advised to leave large bags at home
These items are prohibited:
- Sharp implements such as knives and forks
- Firearms, weapons, knives and imitation weapons
- Glass bottles and containers
- Alcohol
- Cans (soft drinks and alcohol)
- Fireworks, explosives and flammable items
- Air horns/blow horns
- All musical instruments including whistles
- Gas Containers
- Illegal drugs
- Animals (except guide dogs)
