South Wales Echo

ED-LINER! SHEERAN KICKS OFF STADIUM STINT

- ANNA LEWIS Reporter anna.lewis@walesonlin­e.co.uk

FANS of chart-topper Ed Sheeran flocked to Cardiff in their thousands last night for the opening night of the star’s unpreceden­ted four-day run.

Followers of the red-headed singersong­writer were camped outside the Principali­ty Stadium in their dozens hours ahead of the big event.

Kicking off the first of a four-night stint, the Shape Of You singer was joined by close friends and songwriter­s Anne Marie and English artist Jamie Lawson.

In the capital city road closures saw some areas of the city shut for vehicles from early morning to “protect queuing fans”.

Ahead of every performanc­e Scott Road and Park Street will be closed from 7am, with Kingsway Road and Cowbridge Road East closed between 5.30pm and 11.30pm until Sunday.

The star’s performanc­e came as the latest in a series of high-profile concerts for the city including shows by Beyoncé and Jay-Z and the Rolling Stones.

Speaking before the concert concert-goers shared their excitement at seeing the Thinking Out Load star.

Karen, Sian and Tracy travelled from Bristol for the gig.

They said: “We’re all turning 50 this year so it’s a birthday treat to ourselves.

“Ed is playing in Cardiff and Wembley and Cardiff is closer so we decided to pick here. We’ve been to Cardiff before mainly for shopping and spa days, that kind of thing.”

For those attending the concert, security at the Principali­ty Stadium saw a limit on the items entered through the door.

Fans were encouraged to leave bulky possession­s as well as selfie sticks, flares or banners at home, with no bags larger than 35cm allowed.

 ??  ??
 ?? ROB BROWNE ?? Ed Sheeran fans Grace Prince, left, and Amy Pike were at the star’s first of four shows at the Principali­ty Stadium this week
ROB BROWNE Ed Sheeran fans Grace Prince, left, and Amy Pike were at the star’s first of four shows at the Principali­ty Stadium this week
 ??  ?? Ed Sheeran wowed his fans at last night’s concert
Ed Sheeran wowed his fans at last night’s concert
 ??  ?? Fans check out the merchandis­e on offer
Fans check out the merchandis­e on offer
 ??  ?? Getting some glitter face paint before the show
Getting some glitter face paint before the show

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom