Concerts at Blackweir Fields are expected to go ahead in 2026 after a review conducted by Cardiff Council found that this summer’s concerts resulted in significant economic benefits, and were on the whole well supported by local people.
The concert supported more than 3,000 jobs, 95% of which were with Welsh businesses who formed part of the event’s supply chain. Initial data shows that in the month the concerts took place, city centre sales and footfall increased compared to the same period in 2024, with entertainment sector sales up significantly and food and drink sales also booming.
More than 100,000 people attended this summer’s concert series, enjoying performances by global stars Noah Kahan, Alanis Morissette, Slayer and Stevie Wonder. Figures show that 49% of attendees travelled from outside Wales, with more than 3,000 music tourists travelling from outside of the UK to visit Cardiff.
As part of the review, the council also conducted an online survey. Engagement also took place with local residents and businesses, all traders operating within the park, all sports clubs who use the park, and the Friends of Bute Park.
Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said: “The Blackweir Live concerts contributed to an incredible summer of music in Cardiff 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.”
Data shows that:
- 100,000+ people attended this summer’s concert series.
- 49% of attendees travelled from outside Wales.
- 2.6% of attendees came from outside the UK.
- The events employed 3118 people.
- 95% of these jobs were in Welsh based businesses.
- According to spend data from Beauclair – a specialist high street data company, city centre sales in the month the concerts took place increased 15.6% compared to the same period in 2024, with entertainment sector sales up 231.2% and food and drink sales up 20.1%.
- The events also raised more than £60,000 for charity.
Continuing to host concerts at Blackweir Fields will also generate income for the Council to use to support the city’s music sector and make improvements to parks and green spaces.
Income generated from this summer’s concert series will contribute to a further round of grassroots venues funding, similar to a recent scheme which saw £200,000 in capital funding granted to independent venues in the city. It will also be used to support the continuation of the Council’s successful ‘Little Gigs’ talent development scheme and the delivery of the Council’s wider music city work.
A range of improvement projects in Cardiff’s parks will also be funded with income from the concerts, including a programme of park signage replacement, and phase two of the woodland management programme which began ahead of this summer’s concerts. This phase will focus on the ancient woodland to the north of Blackweir Fields and will involve a range of conservation measures aimed at enhancing biodiversity at this Site of Special Scientific Interest.
As well as showing support for future concerts, the survey provides good feedback that will help the Council to improve the delivery of the events moving forward. The main concerns raised in addition to the loss of access to Blackweir Fields for the period of the events were increased traffic congestion, parking issues and noise.
Cllr Burke added: “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 and we’re committed to working closely with event promoters and local communities to build on the success of the summer.”
In order to minimise the impact on the park and disruption to park users, the intention is for future concerts, to be on site for less than 28 days including event build and break down time, if possible.
If this is achievable, “change of use” planning permission would not be a legal requirement, however, as a precautionary measure, and to ensure the community have a further opportunity to share their views, a planning application for the events will be made in due course.
