Back in vogue: Madonna expected to shine on Murrayfield stage as Capital fans await Queen of Pop

Madonna will perform in Edinburgh for the first time next Saturday as part of her MDNA tour – which has been intriguingly described by critics as “an assault on the  senses”.

Hotels and bars are set to cash in on Madge’s never-ending popularity, with fans flocking from across the country for the sold-out spectacular.

Former Capital student James Pearson, who now lives in Yorkshire, has spent 20 years on his hero’s tail, with her current tour having taken him and equally obsessed partner Andrew to Florence, London and Birmingham. They plan to bring their journey to an end at the Murrayfield show, because “that’s when the money runs out”.

The 38-year-old “superfan” is certain Capital crowds won’t be disappointed. “Having seen every tour for the last 20 years, I can honestly say this is the most jaw-dropping and explosive I have ever seen her,” he says.

“The show is really original, and the things they have done with the set and technical stuff are amazing. There are some really pivotal moments. It’s really powerful. Wait until you see it. And yes, she does sing live.” The build-up will begin early on Saturday, although the planned “flashmob” event which would have seen fans flock to the West End has been cancelled.

At the Ellersly House Hotel in Murrayfield, a menu has been drawn up which will sing out to Madonna fans.

Deputy manager Tony Singh says: “We have a starter of Nothing Really Tomatters soup, followed by Bedtime Stovies, and Papa Don’t Peach Melba for dessert. There will also be themed cocktails too, including Don’t Cry For Me Tia Maria, Midoral Girl and Espresso Yourself, which I’m definitely looking forward to.”

Dinner guests will also be treated to a Madonna goodie bag and gain entry into a special raffle to win a limited edition gold disc and photo display. Tickets are priced at £14.95 for the set menu, served from midday until 6pm.

Alternatively, the Murrayfield Hotel is holding a “Pri-Madonna” barbecue from midday. There, the mood will be set by Crazy For Woo Woo pitchers, which are certain to get the party started before Madge takes to the stage.

Kayleigh Moriarty from the hotel says: “This event has been really popular so far, so anyone thinking of coming should book up.”

Experts have already suggested the concert could be worth anything up to £5 million for the city’s economy, with other bars and restaurants in the West End and close to the stadium expected to be full.

“We know a lot of people will be travelling to the Capital for this event, some of them might even make a day of it, going out to eat and drink. And a high profile superstar like this will definitely lead to more endorsements,” says Graham Birse, deputy chief executive at Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce. “We know big names want to come to Edinburgh – we’ve had our fair share in the past – and Murrayfield have demonstrated their ability to turn a sports stadium into a great rock venue.”

For deputy leader of the city council Steve Cardownie, Edinburgh’s festivals and events champion, having Madonna perform in Edinburgh is a clear indication of the city’s pulling power for major events.

“The very fact that she is coming to Edinburgh is great, and I think it shows she has an infinity with Scotland. The concert is going to be huge with people coming from all over and I’m sure we’ll give her a good old Scottish welcome.”

And while it may be Madonna’s first Capital concert, she’s no stranger to Scotland, having married ex-husband, film director Guy Ritchie, in a lavish ceremony at the picturesque Skibo Castle in 2000.

Back then, she said: “Scotland is dripping in atmosphere, it is so beautiful.

“And the Scots are great – everybody looked after us.”

And by the sounds of things, she can expect just as warm a welcome this time.