Stereophonics gig disruption as heat damages rail track

Rail services have been cancelled after tracks were damaged in the hot weather, affecting fans travelling to a Stereophonics concert in Cardiff.

Transport for Wales (TfW) apologised and said services between Pontypridd, Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare had been affected as infrastructure teams needed to restore the line.

It means fans, especially those coming from Cwmaman, Rhondda Cynon Taf, where the band formed, will have to make their own way to the Welsh capital.

Meanwhile a series of running events, ranging from 10K to ultra marathon, as well as a 24-hour challenge, taking palce in Eryri, also known as Snowdonia, have been called off.

Wales recorded its hottest day of the year on Friday as Usk hit 32.7C.

However, the UK's third heatwave of the year is expected to peak on Saturday, according to forecasters.

TfW said: "For the Stereophonics this evening, we will be operating a full event queue and plan at Cardiff Central [rail] station.

"Travel north of Pontypridd towards Aberdare and Merthyr will be limited post-event with ticket acceptance in place on local bus services.

"Rail services will be busy, so please check before you travel and allow plenty of time."

Bosses at Cardiff's Principality Stadium warned concert-goers to check before they travel due to the disruption.

A series of running events taking place in Eryri, also known as Snowdonia, have been cancelled.

Races including 10K, half marathon, marathon and ultra marathon distances were called off, while the Yr Wyddfa - Snowdon24 event - which sees participants ascend and descend Yr Wyddfa as many times as possible in 24 hours - was also stopped by organisers due to "extreme temperatures".

Runner were "safely escorted off the mountain by our event staff and mountain leader team", organisers said.