Madonna kicks off world tour

Queen of Pop Madonna launched her Sticky & Sweet world tour in Cardiff last night.

The singer performed around 20 of her most memorable hits at the opening concert, which was held at the city's Millennium Stadium. It is the first time that the venue has been used to launch a world tour.

Madonna kicked off the gig by appearing on a throne for her first moments on-stage, before working her way through four distinct sections of the show - Pimp, Old School, Gypsy and Rave.

Speaking about the preparations for the concert, stadium manager Gerry Toms said: "There's lot of work involved in a new tour. A new stage configuration and lighting has been be going on for the past couple of weeks.

"The benefit for us is that we have a retractable roof, so we've been unhindered by the horrendous weather we've been having.

"They could have gone to anywhere in Europe but they've got the confidence in Cardiff, not just the stadium, but Cardiff as a whole to deliver. We should take some strength from that."

Madonna's crew includes a chiropractor, a masseuse and a personal trainer, as well as 16 dancers, 16 caterers, 12 musicians and nine wardrobe experts.

The tour moves to France, Germany and Switzerland next week. The star's next British concert will be at London's Wembley Stadium on September 11.