It is the biggest gig in the seven-year history of Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium and it is shrouded in secrecy: Madonna, the queen of pop, is expected to arrive in the city for rehearsals for the first leg of a show that has been kept under an unprecedented level of secrecy.

Meanwhile, Madonna is set to keep a close eye on proceedings as her stage set takes shape. She is expected to fly in by personal helicopter either today or tomorrow to grant the seal of approval.
The stadium has 3,000 people working to ensure the concert goes well, and its roof will be closed.

But the city’s five star hotels won’t be expecting to give her a bed for the night – she’s believed to be arriving by helicopter, chauffeured to the stadium and then flying out straight after the show.

Paul Sergeant, the stadium chief executive, said it was the biggest yet staged at the 72,000-seater venue.
But staff have been kept in the dark about preparations – and given strict instructions to steer well clear of preparations for the concert.
“No-one, but no-one, is allowed to see what’s going on,” said a stadium insider.
“We’ve seen a lot of big names here, but this has been pretty exceptional. The stage area is a no-go zone.”
He also said curtains have been fixed around hospitality suites overlooking the ground to prevent prying eyes.
However, stadium chief executive Paul Sergeant today dismissed those rumours, as well as claims that work on the stage where Madonna will perform was being kept secret.
“There’s always going to be an air of mystery where concerts like this are concerned, but it’s impossible to keep the stage hidden,” he said.

“Madonna’s promoters will obviously leave no stone unturned. Like us, they’re professional people. When she arrives and rehearses, there will be a curfew. Any major artist would expect that to happen – and so would I. This show is unique – it’s probably the biggest we have held here. It will be one huge disco. During my time at Wembley Stadium, Madonna played there three times and I can tell you she is thoroughly professional. If she was involved in sport, she would be an international coach.”

From an article by Mark Stead, South Wales Echo.