Two upcoming Stereophonics gigs in Cardiff’s Principality Stadium have been postponed amid growing concerns about the new Covid variant, Omicron.

The Cynon Valley band were due to perform at the National Stadium, alongside Sir Tom Jones and Catfish and the Bottlemen on Friday December 17 and Saturday December 18.

The two gigs will now be rescheduled for June 2022, with all acts who were due to perform at the December gigs due to return.

It comes after the first cases of the Omicron variant were confirmed in Wales last week.

The Principality Stadium and the band’s promoters Kilimanjaro Live announced the decision to reschedule on the morning of Wednesday December 8.

In a joint statement, they said: “Principality Stadium and promoters Kilimanjaro Live are regretfully announcing the postponement of the Stereophonics shows scheduled at the stadium for December 17th and 18th.

We have been working collaboratively throughout to deliver these shows and have sought clarification from Welsh Government following the latest review on current guidelines and legal requirements around face coverings. Unfortunately, as the threat of new variants emerge and the restrictions in place as an ‘indoor venue’, the shows are impossible to run safely and ensure compliance with government guidelines and Welsh law."

Fans who had already booked tickets to the original shows have been reassured all tickets purchased will remain valid for the new dates.

The stadium and the band’s promoters added: "We are taking this decision now to ensure fans have the maximum time possible to alter their plans accordingly. We apologise to all fans, artists, and their crews for any inconvenience caused, but we look forward to being back with a ‘We’ll Keep a Welcome’ in June next year.”

“All ticket purchasers will get an email from their point of purchase confirming the ticket transfer. Tickets purchased for the 17 December 2021 show will be valid for Friday 17 June 2022 show and tickets purchased for 18 December 2021 will be valid for Saturday 18 June 2022 show. Any customers who cannot attend the new dates should contact their point of purchase.”

Posting on their social media pages, the Stereophonics said they were disappointed at postponing the December performances but were looking forward to the shows next summer.