IT'S BEEN years in the making, but the new Millennium Centre, visible from across Cardiff and already nicknamed 'the Armadillo' by workers in the Bay, is about to open for business.

And from Monday, tickets have been on sale for a whole host of attractions never seen in Wales before.

The opening act will be Welsh comic and entertainer Max Boyce, who'll be playing all the old favourites on December 2 and 3 with special guest Katherine Jenkins, the mezzo-soprano who is also to open Newport's Riverfront Arts Centre.

On December 4 there's a Christmas concert with soprano Kathleen Battle and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performing Celebro, a new work by Welsh composer Karl Jenkins, alongside other seasonal favourites.

The circus comes to Cardiff Bay for a month from December 8, with the first full-scale production in the venue's Donald Gordon Theatre.

Rain is a piece inspired by childhood memories and performed by Montreal-based acrobatic troupe Cirque Eloize, described as a feast for the senses for anyone aged between eight and 80.

And January sees Olympic skaters making their UK debut in Sleeping Beauty on Ice performed by the Russian Imperial Ice Stars.

The Welsh National Opera begin their spring season in their new home from February with a new production of Berg's Wozzeck, Verdi's La Traviata, and Italian double-bill Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci.

March sees Winnie the Pooh and friends live on stage in a new show especially for kids, and the Millennium Centre sees its first musical at the end of the month when Kiss Me Kate, a deliciously witty show with some of Cole Porter's best songs, arrives for a three-week run.

There will also be performances by the Kirov Ballet in April, the Urdd National Eisteddfod at the end of May, and next summer the spectacular musical Miss Saigon.

Judith Isherwood, chief executive of the Millennium Centre, said: "The opening season's programme offers an eclectic mix of productions that will delight our audiences, young or old, with UK and European premieres by internationally acclaimed companies, with family shows, world-class opera, dance and ballet performances.

"I look forward to welcoming people from across Wales and beyond to this fantastic centre during the coming months and years." For information or to book call the box office on 08700 402000.