Madonna has announced plans to kick off a European and North American tour in Wales this summer.

The long-time Queen of Pop will launch her Sticky & Sweet tour at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on August 23, before performing at London’s Wembley Stadium on September 11.

Promoting her latest album, Hard Candy, Madonna today confirmed 27 concerts were scheduled and hinted more dates could be added.

The European leg of the concert also takes in Nice, Berlin, Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, Rome, Franfurt and Paris, before the 49-year-old embarks on an extensive tour of America and Canada.

Tickets go on sale on May 16 for the London and Cardiff concerts.

The tour is Madonna’s first since signing a lucrative contract with concert promoter Live Nation. The Material Girl, who is based in London, reportedly received £60 million for the decade-long deal.

Despite mixed reviews from the critics, Hard Candy, Madonna's 11th studio album, has been a success for the singer. The album’s first single, 4 Minutes – a duet with American pop pin-up Justin Timberlake – gave Madonna her 13th UK No. 1. The track’s success meant she broke her own record for the most UK No. 1’s of any female artist.

On Sunday, Hard Candy also went to No. 1, making it Madonna’s 10th No. 1 album.

In her native America, she has faired equally well. Last week, after 4 Minutes went to No. 3, it was announced she had overtaken Elvis Presley as the artist with the most top 10s since the Billboard Music Chart began.

European Tour dates

August 23 - Cardiff Millennium Stadium

August 26 - Nice Stade Charles Ehrmann

August 28- Berlin Olympic Stadium

September 2 - Amsterdam Arena

September 4 - Dusseldorf LTU Arena

September 6 - Rome Olympic Stadium

September 9 - Frankfurt Commerzbank Arena

September 11 - London Wembley Stadium

September 20 - Paris Stade de France

Explore Music

• CD Reviews

• Live Reviews

• Classical

Editor's choice

• The 100 Best Films of the Decade
• 70 facts you didn't know about Marvel
• The 50 Biggest Movies Of 2010