Madonna opens world tour in Cardiff (From Croydon Guardian)

Madonna opens world tour in Cardiff

8:39pm Saturday 23rd August 2008 in

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Cardiff turned into a sea of pink cowboy hats and feather boas as thousands of Madonna fans arrived for the opening night of her world tour.

They came from across the world to see their heroine perform at the Millennium Stadium, with those from Wales itself proud the star had chosen their country to debut the show.

Madonna and her band have spent more than 650 hours rehearsing for the Sticky and Sweet Tour, following on from urban-themed album Hard Candy.

Maria Jones, 35, from Abercynon, South Wales, who was attending her third Madonna show with daughter Roxanne, 17, and niece Rosie Williams, 12, said: "This is great for Cardiff, and all of Wales.

"It's marvellous she's made it to 50 now and she's still going. As long as she keeps on doing the shows, we'll keep on coming."

Emily Newell, 20, from Swansea, said: "I can't believe that she's only playing in Cardiff and London, out of everywhere in the UK - I'm really pleased about it. It's good to have Wales recognised."

Insurance worker Suzanne Alwan, 37, from Swansea, said: "I've been a fan since I was 13. This is the first time I've seen her live, so I'm really excited. I like her old stuff, but it's Madonna - it doesn't matter what she sings, it's fabulous just to see her."

Auxiliary nurse Leanne Jowitt, 26, travelled from Blackpool for the show. She said: "I'm so pleased to see her on the opening night. Just seeing her in the flesh will be amazing. I feel like I've been looking forward to this my whole life. I just love everything about her."

Thomas Slattery, 31, from Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, said: "I would go anywhere to see Madonna. I'm a massive fan. I'm delighted to be here to see her start the tour, it's like we're getting an exclusive before the rest of the world."

David Arnott, 30, from Belfast, said: "It's such an exciting night because the details haven't been leaked around the world on the internet yet. Madonna always manages to shock us with something, so I hope that's the case tonight."