Sting will be performing at Cardiff Castle in Cardiff, Wales on July 8, 2023 as part of his My Songs Tour. The concert at the historic castle venue is sure to be an amazing show in a unique setting. Fans are eager to find out who will be joining Sting as supporting acts at the Cardiff show. Knowing who the opening acts will be is an important detail for concertgoers as it gives them a fuller picture of the overall show lineup and experience.
Sting’s My Songs Tour
Sting’s My Songs Tour has been traveling all over the world since 2019. The tour sees Sting perform a varied selection of his most beloved songs from throughout his illustrious career, both with The Police and as a solo artist. From classics like “Roxanne,” “Message in a Bottle,” and “Every Breath You Take” to solo hits such as “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You,” “Fields of Gold,” and “Desert Rose,” Sting treats fans to a career-spanning setlist of fan favorites. The My Songs Tour has stopped at venues across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. The Cardiff show will be part of the tour’s 2023 European leg.
Cardiff Castle Venue
Holding the concert at Cardiff Castle provides a regal backdrop unlike any other venue on the tour. The Norman castle dates back to the 11th century. Located in the center of Cardiff, the castle grounds house ornate buildings surrounded by lush grassy areas that will make for a stunning concert setting during Sting’s show on July 8. The castle has played host to various concerts and events over the years, but Sting will be particularly special. This will be an unforgettable evening of music in a unique atmosphere that fans will treasure.
Potential Opening Acts
Sting is sure to bring along excellent supporting talent for his Cardiff Castle gig. However, the opening acts for the Cardiff show specifically have not yet been announced. Looking at who has opened for Sting on earlier dates along the My Songs Tour provides clues as to who concertgoers might see in Cardiff.
Joe Sumner
One likely option is Sting’s son, singer-songwriter Joe Sumner. He has been touring with his father as an opening act on many shows along the My Songs Tour route. Joe Sumner has carved out his own successful music career as the frontman for the band Fiction Plane. He’s also released solo work under his own name. Having his son join him onstage for a song or two during Sting’s own set is always a possibility as well. Fans at the Cardiff show would undoubtedly welcome seeing Joe Sumner open the evening.
Shaggy
Another prime candidate is musician Shaggy. He and Sting collaborated on the collaborative album 44/876 which won the 2019 Grammy for Best Reggae Album. The duo even performed together as co-headliners under the name “Sting & Shaggy” on a previous tour. Shaggy would be a lively supporting act choice fitting nicely alongside Sting’s vibrant catalog. Their past chemistry and musical relationship could translate into an entertaining opening set in Cardiff.
Evelyn “Champagne” King
American disco and R&B singer Evelyn “Champagne” King is another opener Sting has tapped numerous times along the My Songs Tour. King had major hits in the 1970s and 1980s like “Shame” and “Love Come Down.” Her soulful, funky tunes make for a fun warmup for the crowd before Sting takes the stage. She was most recently an opening act earlier along Sting’s European leg in June 2023, making her a distinct possibility for Cardiff as well.
Other Potential Supporting Acts
Beyond Joe Sumner, Shaggy, and Evelyn “Champagne” King, there are other musicians who could wind up opening the big Cardiff Castle show. Sting has had various supporting artists like hip hop group The Last Artful, Dodgr and singer-songwriter Soran join him at earlier My Songs Tour dates. He may also recruit different local Welsh artists to open the Cardiff concert. Fans will have to wait for an official announcement to find out exactly who will precede Sting onstage as his supporting acts at Cardiff Castle.
Setlist Expectations
While the exact setlist can vary slightly between shows, Sting’s performance at Cardiff Castle will likely include many expected fan-favorite hits. Looking at recent My Songs Tour setlists gives a good template for what concertgoers can anticipate. Along with Police classics like “Roxanne,” “Walking on the Moon,” and “Every Breath You Take,” Sting usually plays solo hits such as “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You,” “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free,” and “Desert Rose.” Rarities like “Captain Bateman” and “Once Upon a Daydream” also often make appearances. Fans in Cardiff will undoubtedly be treated to a career-spanning collection of Sting’s greatest and most-beloved songs.
Ticket Availability
Tickets to see Sting with his yet-to-be-announced supporting acts on July 8, 2023 at Cardiff Castle are on sale now. Fans can purchase tickets through Ticketmaster and other authorized ticket sellers. Pricing varies depending on seat location within the castle grounds. Options range from general admission standing tickets to reserved tiered seating. This is sure to be a hugely popular show in an incredible venue, so interested concertgoers will want to act fast before tickets sell out.
Ticket Type | Price |
---|---|
General Admission Standing | $80 |
Bronze Reserved Seating | $100 |
Silver Reserved Seating | $120 |
Gold Reserved Seating | $150 |
Transportation to the Venue
Cardiff Castle is located right in the city center of Cardiff, providing convenient transportation options for getting to the show. Public transportation by train, bus, cab, or rideshare are all easy choices for concertgoers. The venue is also readily accessible by bicycle or foot if fans are staying nearby. Onsite parking options may be limited, so public transportation is recommended. Concertgoers should allow plenty of time when traveling to the venue to account for traffic, transportation delays, and security screening when entering.
Where to Stay in Cardiff
Since Sting is performing on a Saturday night, many fans will opt to turn the concert into a full weekend getaway in Cardiff. The city offers a wide range of hotel accommodations catering to various budgets. Some top-rated lodging options include:
Luxury
– Park Plaza Cardiff
– Hilton Cardiff
– Radisson Blu Hotel
Moderate
– Novotel Cardiff Centre
– Clayton Hotel Cardiff
– Cardiff Marriott Hotel
Budget
– Ibis Budget Cardiff Centre
– Travelodge Cardiff Central
– Premier Inn Cardiff City Centre
With hotels near the train station, downtown, and the Cardiff Bay waterfront area, visitors have great choices for convenient places to stay while in Cardiff for the concert. Booking early guarantees the best rates and availability.
Things to Do in Cardiff
Beyond the Sting concert, there are plenty of great ways for travelers to experience Cardiff during their stay. Popular activities and attractions include:
- Exploring Cardiff Castle – Tours are available of the castle’s interior rooms and architecture.
- Walking through Bute Park – Green space near the castle with trails, gardens, and sports facilities.
- Visiting the National Museum Cardiff – Excellent free museum with impressive collections and exhibits.
- Experiencing the Cardiff Bay Area – Dining, shopping, and entertainment hub with scenic views.
- Trying Welsh Food Specialties – Local dishes like rarebit, lamb cawl stew, Welsh cakes, and cockles.
With its own unique culture, history, and charm, Cardiff is a fascinating destination perfect for a weekend around the Sting concert at Cardiff Castle.
Setlist Predictions
While the final setlist will be determined closer to showtime, here is an predicted setlist for Sting’s Cardiff Castle concert based on recent My Songs Tour shows:
Song | Album |
---|---|
Message in a Bottle | Reggatta de Blanc (The Police) |
Englishman in New York | …Nothing Like the Sun |
If I Ever Lose My Faith in You | Ten Summoner’s Tales |
Fields of Gold | Ten Summoner’s Tales |
Roxanne | Outlandos d’Amour (The Police) |
Brand New Day | Brand New Day |
Capain Bateman | The Last Ship |
If You Love Somebody Set Them Free | The Dream of the Blue Turtles |
Walking on the Moon | Reggatta de Blanc (The Police) |
So Lonely | Outlandos d’Amour (The Police) |
Desert Rose | Brand New Day |
Every Breath You Take | Synchronicity (The Police) |
Conclusion
Sting’s concert at Cardiff Castle on July 8, 2023 is sure to be an amazing experience in a unique venue. While his supporting acts are still to be announced, fans can likely expect excellent opening talent like Joe Sumner, Shaggy, or Evelyn “Champagne” King to kick off the event. Sting himself will deliver a stellar setlist of hits old and new to entertain the Wales crowd. Concertgoers traveling to see the show will get to take in the charms of Cardiff for a full weekend outing. This will be a memorable night of music at a historic castle to delight Sting fans.