Blackweir Fields gigs to proceed in Cardiff in 2026, council says

More reside concert events are anticipated to be held in a preferred park in Cardiff subsequent yr regardless of issues about it being fenced off throughout a sequence of gigs this summer season.

The performances on Blackweir Fields from Noah Kahan, Alanis Morissette, Slayer and Stevie Wonder attracted greater than 100,000 individuals, offering an financial increase for native companies, Cardiff council mentioned.

However, there have been complaints from residents who arrange a petition after giant fences had been erected across the website, blocking entry.

The council mentioned the plan was to minimise disruption with future concert events on website for as much as 28 days. And a planning utility may even be submitted forward of extra occasions so individuals can have their say.

“The Blackweir Live concerts contributed to an incredible summer of music in Cardiff,” mentioned Jennifer Burke, cupboard member for tradition, parks and occasions.

“And it’s clear that not only do they have the support of the majority of residents, they can also help us to continue delivering on our music strategy, support our work to improve the city’s green spaces and bring millions of pounds worth of economic benefits to the city.”

On Monday Lewis Capaldi introduced that he was set to play at Blackweir Fields subsequent yr.

The Someone You Loved singer will head to Cardiff on 30 June following on from his musical comeback at Glastonbury earlier this yr.

Nick Saunders is the founding father of occasions firm Depot Live who organised the Blackweir concert events.

He referred to as the artist an “absolute icon” and mentioned it was a “huge show” for Wales.

“Both he and his music is loved across generations and we expect tickets to fly out to what will truly be an unforgettable night in our beloved city.”

The council mentioned impartial analysis confirmed 49% of attendees travelled from outdoors Wales to the concert events, with greater than 3,000 (2.6%) from outdoors the UK.

They elevated metropolis centre gross sales by 15.6% in comparison with the identical interval in 2024, with food and drinks gross sales up 20.1%, based on Beauclair Data.

“Finding a balance between maximising the benefits of future events, while minimising any impact on the park environment and on residents will be central to our thinking ahead of future events,” mentioned Ms Burke.

“We’re committed to working closely with event promoters and local communities to build on the success of the summer.”

Income from the concert events will contribute to a brand new spherical of funding for grassroots venues, which comes after £200,000 was granted to impartial venues within the metropolis, in addition to enhancements to the park’s woodland, the authority mentioned.

It additionally mentioned conserving future occasions to beneath 28 days wouldn’t require “change of use” planning permission to be required legally.

However, a planning utility for the occasions can be made as a “precautionary measure, and to ensure the community have a further opportunity to share their views”.