Set against the stunning backdrop of Cardiff Castle, Depot Live at the Castle 2025 is officially underway and what a way to kick off the summer.

If you’re local and love live music, there’s no need to look elsewhere. But if you’re from outside Wales, this is the perfect time to visit our capital city and experience a warm Welsh welcome (croeso) along with our passion for live music.

With an incredible line-up featuring the likes of Snow Patrol – who opened the series Thursday night to rave reviews read here– to icons such as Stevie Wonder, Sir Tom Jones, Sting, UB40, The Script, Pet Shop Boys, Jess Glynne, Rag’n’Bone Man, Alanis Morissette and many more, you can’t help but ask: Depot, how do you do it?

As a local, I might be biased, but this venue is like no other. This year’s concerts take place across two beautiful sites: within the historic Castle grounds and just behind in the scenic Bute Park. Now in its sixth year, the festival continues to grow in both reputation and scale.

Elbow at Cardiff Castle

Last night belonged to Elbow – and not even the rain could put a dampener on it. The Mercury Prize-winning band took to the stage as part of Depot’s summer concert series, delivering a powerful, emotional set that resonated deeply with the crowd.

They were brilliantly supported by Billie Marten, a British singer-songwriter whose ethereal vocals and poetic lyrics are influenced by the likes of Kate Bush, and The Coral, the ever-reliable English rock outfit fronted by James Skelly. The Coral’s distinct alternative rock sound went down a storm, warming the audience up nicely before Elbow took over.

Elbow have been playing together since 1990, officially adopting the name in 1997 after a line from the BBC drama The Singing Detective, in which the character Philip Marlow declares “elbow” to be the loveliest word in the English language. It’s a delightfully quirky name, and in many ways, it suits them perfectly. There’s nothing brash or overblown about Elbow – their unassuming nature is the antithesis of the typical rock star image. But what they do bring is music that’s richly crafted, melodic, and often profoundly moving.

Their setlist included some of their best-loved songs, and when One Day Like This rang out across Cardiff Castle, the entire crowd joined in, singing every word. It genuinely gave me goosebumps – the kind of live music moment you never forget. It was a beautiful evening, despite the drizzle, and yes, Cardiff did throw its curtains wide.

Elbow and Depot, thank you – it was an atmospheric night of music that will linger long in the memory.

Venue information & tips to have a great time

Prohibited Items:
No outside food, drink, furniture, portable chairs, or umbrellas are allowed. Bag searches are in operation. You can bring an empty reusable water bottle – free refill stations are available on-site. A full list of restricted items (including selfie sticks, airhorns, flags, and signs) is available online.

Accessibility:
Small bags and rucksacks are permitted. Assistance dogs are welcome – just make sure to note this on the accessibility requirements form, which Ticketmaster sends via email.

Facilities & Setup:
Entry and exit were smooth and efficient, with helpful security staff throughout. The set-up is excellent – with plenty of space, clear views of the stage, and large vertical screens at either end to ensure you don’t miss a moment.

Bars & Food:
There were at least two well-run bars with minimal queuing – a rarity at music events! Prices were what you’d expect in a city centre or festival setting.

Food options were varied and tempting – from ice cream and donuts to burgers, Dirty Bird, Fire & Flunk, Tachos Nachos, and Meat and Greek. A great mix to suit all tastes.

Toilets:
Ample facilities were available and well-maintained for an outdoor event. Pro tip: use the loos along the walkway near Castle Mews before heading in or catching your ride home.

Merchandise:
Official merchandise stalls are on-site, with T-shirts and other items for the performing artists available.

Getting there & entry info

For entry, general admission ticket holders should use the North Gate, located on the Bute Park side of the venue, while VIP and accessible ticket holders are advised to enter via the South Gate, on the city centre side. Don’t forget to bring your ticket with you, and be aware that no outside food or drink is permitted inside the venue – a standard policy at most major events today.

What’s still to come

The 2025 Depot Live series is packed with must-see acts, including:

JUN 20 – Jamie Jones + Chris Stussy
JUN 25 – Maribou State + Jitwam + Anish Kumar
JUN 26 – The Script + Tom Walker
JUN 28 – Sting + The Lilacs + Sophie Grey
JUL 8 – The Human League + Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey + Blancmange
JUL 10 – James + Shed Seven + Jamie Webster
JUL 13 – Rag’n’Bone Man + Elles Bailey
JUL 19 – Rock the Castle (Funeral for a Friend, The Blackout, Punk Rock Factory + more)
JUL 20 – UB40 ft. Ali Campbell + Bitty McLean + Reggae Roast ft. Mr Williamz
JUL 26 – Depot in the Castle (Jess Glynne, Maxïmo Park, Sigma, Kate Nash, Professor Green, GLC + more)
JUL 30 – Fontaines D.C. + Kae Tempest + High Vis
JUL 31 – Pet Shop Boys + Dave Pearce
AUG 1 – Faithless + Kosheen + Chicane
AUG 20–21 – Sir Tom Jones + Stone Foundation
AUG 24 – Basement Jaxx + Ezra Collective + Eats Everything
AUG 25 – Will Smith + Nile Rodgers & CHIC

Tickets for all events are available now via Ticketmaster.co.uk.