Get ready for a wild ride as Take That brings their iconic Circus show back to Cardiff in 2026! This article is your ultimate guide to navigating the excitement and logistics of this highly anticipated event. From the moment you step into the Principality Stadium, you'll be immersed in a two-hour spectacle that blends music, dance, and circus arts seamlessly. Picture trapeze artists soaring above, tightrope walkers defying gravity, and a magical 30-foot animatronic elephant strolling through the crowd during Take That's performance of 'The Garden.' It's an experience that will leave you in awe.
The Show's History
Take That's Circus show first captivated fans in 2009, solidifying their status as a legendary band that continues to evolve and innovate. Their reunion in 2006 after a hiatus in the 1990s only added to their success, and now they're back to thrill audiences once more. If you're a Take That fan, this is an opportunity you won't want to miss.
Key Timings and Support Acts
Here's a breakdown of the day's schedule:
- City center road closures begin at 3 pm, so plan your travel accordingly.
- Stadium gates open at 5 pm, giving you plenty of time to explore the food trucks and bars around the stadium plazas.
- Support acts include Belinda Carlisle at 6:30 pm and The Script at 7:20 pm, building up the excitement for Take That's main performance at 8:30 pm.
- The show is expected to end at 10:30 pm, but remember that stage times are subject to change.
Set List
Take a look at the set list from their latest show in Sunderland:
- Greatest Day
- Hello
- Could It Be Magic
- Pray
- A Million Love Songs
- Back for Good
- The Garden
- Shine
- Up All Night
- Babe
- You're a Superstar
- Love Ain't Here Anymore
- Nobody Else
- The Circus
- What Is Love
- A medley of Do What U Like/Promises/It Only Takes a Minute/Take That and Party
- Said It All
- Never Forget
- Patience
- Relight My Fire
Encore
- Hold Up a Light
- Rule the World
Guest Singers
Former Pop Idol star and West End sensation Zoe Birkett has joined Take That on tour, adding her powerful vocals to the famous 'Lulu bit' of 'Relight My Fire.' Her voice, booming out of a giant puppet, is a magical moment that fans have been raving about. It's a unique collaboration that adds an extra layer of excitement to the show.
Food and Drink Options
Alongside a variety of fan favorites, including loaded nachos and chicken tenders, concertgoers can indulge in the exclusive Circus Burger, available at selected outlets around the stadium. Designated drivers can enjoy a £1 discount on soft drinks, and there are plenty of food trucks and bars serving everything from local steak to Greek street food and cocktails. The Pitch Side Bar is also open for those who want to soak up the pre-show atmosphere.
Bag and Banned Item Policy
To ensure a smooth and safe experience, the stadium has a strict bag policy. Small bags and standard handbags are permitted, but large bags are not allowed. Additionally, a range of items are prohibited, including food and drink (except in exceptional circumstances), fireworks, flares, musical instruments, knives, and any items that could be used as weapons or cause nuisance. Promotional, commercial, political, and religious printed matter is also banned.
Road Closures and Transport
Road closures will be in effect from 7 am on Scott Road and Park Street, and a full city center road closure will take place at 3 pm until midnight. This includes the closure of Kingsway, Cowbridge Road East, Tudor Street, Plantagenet Street, Beauchamp Street, and various other roads. Station Terrace and Guildford Street will be accessible to buses only during the road closures. Penarth Road will be closed 30 minutes before and after the concerts for safety reasons, and Station Terrace will also close for a short period to ensure the safe operation of Queen Street Station.
For those traveling by train, Great Western Railway (GWR) will run additional services to help customers get home after the concert. Trains are expected to be busy, so a queueing system will be in place outside the station. Transport for Wales (TfW) will also provide additional capacity on routes to and from Cardiff, and passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow ample time for their journey. A full queuing system will be implemented at Cardiff Queen Street and Cardiff Central stations, with accessibility queues available at Cardiff Central.
Park & Ride and Event Day Parking
The park & ride facility for the event will be at Cardiff City Stadium at Leckwith, accessible from Junction 33 off the M4. The drop-off point is at Fitzhammon Embankment, and the cost is £15 per car, payable on the day. Event day parking is also available at the Civic Centre and Sophia Gardens, with costs ranging from £20 to £30 for cars and coaches, payable on the day or by card.
Cycling and Walking
If you live locally in Cardiff, consider traveling by bicycle or walking. Research shows that a significant portion of car trips in the city are short distances that can be comfortably covered by cycling or walking. With road closures in place, cycling could be a faster and more efficient option during the event.
Shopping Parking and Disabled Parking
City center car parks, such as North Road Car Parks, St David's Shopping Centre, and John Lewis, are available for those who wish to shop before or after the concert. Disabled drivers are advised to use Sophia Gardens, and disabled parking is also available at various private car parks. Please check individual websites for availability.
Taxis
For those taking taxis, note that the St Mary Street taxi rank (outside the former House of Fraser building) will close at 3 pm and reopen at midnight.
Final Thoughts
Take That's Circus show in Cardiff promises to be an unforgettable experience, blending music, circus arts, and a touch of magic. With a well-planned journey and an awareness of the road closures and transport options, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable concert experience. Remember to check the latest updates and plan your travel accordingly. I can't wait to see the circus come to life in Cardiff, and I hope you'll join me in celebrating this iconic band's return!
