Stereophonics fans have been reassured after it was announced that the Principality Stadium roof would remain closed for the band's gigs there this weekend. Concerns were raised by those attending the concert - which will also feature the legendary Sir Tom Jones - that there would be a lack of ventilation in the stadium on some of the hottest days of the year so far.
The Met Office forecast a mini heatwave for Wales earlier this week, with temperatures expected to reach 25°C on Friday, making it the hottest day of the year in Wales so far. You can get the latest WalesOnline newsletters e-mailed to you directly for free by signing up here.
Tens of thousands of fans will be in attendance across the two nights of gigs on Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18. The Welsh band rescheduled their gigs with Sir Tom from December 2021 after they were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. You can find everything you need to know about the hotly-anticipated gigs here.
Read more: Rail firms warn Stereophonics and Tom Jones fans of queues as extra trains put on for Cardiff gigs
The roof at the 74,000-seat stadium can be opened for or closed for concerts depending on the show's production. This weekend's gigs require some of the lighting to be rigged from the roof, meaning it will remain closed.
Some fans were surprised by the news, while others were greatly concerned that the roof not being open would lead to people collapsing from heatstroke in the warm, crowded stadium. Many voiced their concerns on a post on the WalesOnline Facebook page, with some fearing they would "pass out" due to the expected heat.
"We will just melt," said Ben Parry. "Ridiculous in that heat. Hope they have got plenty of paramedics on hand." Sally Jayne added: "It's going to feel like a sauna," while Tina Scott wrote: "That sounds like a breeding ground for all sorts. All that heat and no roof open."
Marie White said: "I'm going Friday and will roast," with Stacey McDonnell adding: "It's gonna feel like I'm in a sauna for hours." Catherine Bevan raised her concerns, writing: "I will faint," while Gareth P Brown branded the decision "ridiculous," asking: "Why not leave it open on Friday?"
Others spoke of their experiences at past concerts. "Repeat of Robbie Williams a few years ago," said Jayne Griffiths. "They had to give out free water." Beth Smith went to the same gig, and described her experience as "awful" adding: "Omg, saw Robbie Williams with the roof shut. They were giving out free water."
Some said the stadium was hot enough even with the roof open. Gemma Hopkins wrote: "The roof was open for Ed Sheeran and I still saw so many people being stretchered out from fainting!"
However the stadium have assured those attending the concert that there will be sufficient ventilation to keep the crowds cool. Not only will fresh air be circulated into the building but complimentary water will be available to all in attendance.
A spokesperson for the Principality Stadium said: "Production elements of the show requires the roof to be shut for the Stereophonics 'We'll Keep A Welcome' shows. The lighting for the stage is rigged to the underside of the roof.
"The stadium has an extensive ventilation extraction system in the roof, to ensure fresh air is being circulated into the building and there are free water dispensers throughout the public concourses which we encourage fans to use and stay hydrated. Fans can also get water from any of the food and beverage outlets within the stadium."
