Rihanna fans are urged to make their travel plans now, as the final countdown continues for the much-anticipated ‘Diamonds’ world tour at the Millennium Stadium next week.

Fans are expected to travel in their droves to be part of the first gig on the British Isles when the superstar songstress kicks off the UK leg of her world tour in Cardiff on Monday.

In less than three days, the popular ‘Diamonds’ tour will feature a mixture of Rihanna’s greatest hits as well as songs from her latest album. The event also includes a special guest appearance from DJ and music producer David Guetta, who also features on the pop star’s ‘Unapologetic’ album track ‘Right Now’. 

With a bumper crowd expected to follow their favourite pop icons to town, management at Wales’ largest indoor arena are reminding concert-goers to make the necessary travel arrangements now, rather than the day of the event.

“Tens of thousands are expected to descend on the capital city when Rihanna brings her Diamonds tour to Cardiff on Monday (10 June) and I urge all fans with tickets to familiarise themselves with the additional public travel services available and carefully plan their journey to and from the venue over the weekend ahead,” said Venue Sales Manager Alex Luff.

Doors open at 4.30pm at the Millennium Stadium to see Rihanna play Cardiff on the tour which has
already stopped at over 30 cities across North America and Europe and, after the Millennium gig, moves on to Manchester, London, Birmingham and Sunderland.

While many Millennium Stadium visitors return year-on-year for major live music concerts and are used to planning their train, coach or car journeys accordingly, Mr Luff has reminded fans of the importance of good preparation: 
“Preparations for Rihanna’s first UK concert are going well at the Millennium Stadium and event managers are all geared up for a fantastic live music event on Monday. By simply checking out the various travel options available in advance and making the relevant arrangements, fans can also look forward to a superb Rihanna concert and avoid any unnecessary disappointment on event day.”

Already this week, First Great Western confirmed that five additional trains will be provided to help Rihanna concert goers return home from Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. FGW will also add carriages to trains and provide two additional services from Cardiff to Swansea and three additional late night trains to Bristol Temple Meads.

Nevertheless, with the last train to Bristol at 23.27, fans are being warned to allow plenty of time to catch the train home as a queuing system will be in place at Cardiff station to help customers to board trains in safety.

Those travelling from further afield are also being reminded to check journey times to prevent missed connections. Final connections along routes are as follows:
• Weston / Taunton / Exeter – 22.04 from Cardiff (change BTM)
• Swindon / Reading / London – 21.25 from Cardiff (change BTM)
• Bath / Westbury – 22.04 from Cardiff (change BTM)

Cardiff Council have advised fans to travel by public transport wherever possible however those bringing their cars into the city can ease worries over congestion and parking costs by using the Council's park and ride services:
There are three park and ride sites available,at the International Sports Village Cardiff (Blue Car Park CF11 OSY) City Stadium, Leckwith (Yellow car park, post code CF11 8AZ ), and at County Hall (Green car park, post code CF10 4UW).

All sites can be accessed from J33 of the M4. Signs should be followed from M4 as they will direct drivers to available park and ride sites at time of arrival. All parking will cost £10.

The first car park (Leckwith) will open at 10:00am, with the first bus at 10:00am. The International Sports Village car park will open at 2:30pm. County Hall will open at 4:30pm. The last bus will leave the pick-up points at Midnight, with car parks closing at 12:30am.

Coach parking will be provided off Sophia Close where there is a dedicated coach parking area with driver facilities. The cost is £10.00 per coach. Any event car parking at Sophia Gardens is £10.