Organisers of controversial Blackweir Live gigs in Cardiff reveal plans for future events
The team behind this summer's debut Blackweir Live events said the gigs had been a huge success and they were working on plans for more. Cardiff-based Depot Live and UK promoters Cuffe and Taylor say they hope that this is the start of a regular concert series which could bring more famous artists to the city's green space next year.
The concert series saw artists Stevie Wonder, Alanis Morissette, Noah Kahan and Slayer perform to more than 100,000 people over four massive headlining concerts. But they drew some criticism and complaints for blocking access to Blackweir Fields, noise issues and traffic delays due to road closures.
The organisers said that 40% of the 100,000 people who attended the gigs had travelled from outside of Wales and 3,000 people had worked there.
Nick Saunders, founder of DEPOT Live said: 'To have had such huge artists grace the stage for Blackweir has been incredible.
"From the artists to the music fans, the feedback for Blackweir has been overwhelmingly positive. A first year site is always nerve-wracking but it's safe to say Blackweir 2025 has been a huge success, and we are excited to work on future plans in consultation with residents and the council.
Cardiff Council said there was a review due to take place into the performance of the Blackweir Live series and will make a decision about future plans in due course.
The council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Parks, Jen Burke said: "Events like this can be a fantastic opportunity to showcase what we're about, and this summer we are truly living up to our billing as a Music City."
Business leaders and hoteliers have also welcomed the new concert series. Also, you can see all the best photos from the gigs, here.
Carolyn Brownell, CEO of FOR Cardiff, the Business Improvement District (BID) of Cardiff city centre, said: "Events like Blackweir are invaluable for Cardiff city centre.
"They not only attract global talent and thousands of visitors they also deliver a meaningful boost to the local economy – filling hotels, restaurants, shops and bars during the summer period - a time which is historically quieter for city centre businesses.
"It's been fantastic to see this new series establish itself, and we're excited to support its continued growth in the years ahead."
(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
While Blackweir Live was met with controversy and some criticism it also had a positive reaction thanks to its financial benefits for the city, read about that, here.
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