It’s been a very busy summer to say the least
My partner and I have headed to six different gigs in the last six months, and that’s why we love Cardiff.(Image: Indigo Jones)
I first realised how much I loved Cardiff when I moved to the city for university eight years ago. Growing up in Swansea, I was only down the road really, but didn’t actually visit unless it was for a very rare big shopping trip or perhaps to see a musical or concert in the arena. There were of course multiple gigs that were held in the Principality Stadium, but nothing compared to what happens there now.
After years of Welsh stops being left off UK and Ireland tours, (because artists finally realised that the UK was more than just London and Manchester), post-Covid saw a resurgence of big tours heading to Cardiff.
In the last couple of years the Principality Stadium has seen the likes of Taylor Swift, Harry Styles and of course Oasis.
That’s why I love Cardiff so much, it seems like it has become an even bigger cultural hub for all different types of music over the last decade, and this year was no different.
Growing up with a family of musicians (despite being completely rhythmless myself), it’s safe to say I developed a chaotic music taste. From hard rock and musicals, to west coast rap and upbeat pop, I really do enjoy a bit of everything. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here
So, whenever a multitude of big gigs are announced in the city centre, I don’t quite know what to do with myself. Fortunately, I’ve noticed Cardiff has been able to offer up many different artists and genres on a plate for all sorts of music fans.
Tom Jones at Cardiff Castle(Image: WalesOnline)
In the last six months, I’ve seen six amazing massive gigs in the city centre, not including smaller local bands who are often equally as impressive.
From March to September, I’ve been lucky enough to see The Wombats, Stereophonics, Kendrick Lamar and Sza, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Tom Jones and finally Will Smith who closed out the Cardiff Castle gigs with a bang.
Most of these were part of Cardiff’s summer gig season, which ended with a firework display over Cardiff Castle, which was a personal highlight for me.
Each of these concerts were amazing in their own way, and it just goes to show that Cardiff has become a hub for big artists to come to Wales. Now, each year people who live within the vicinity of the city (or those who are willing to travel), look forward to when the long list of summer gigs are announced as we can expect big things based on the previous years.
The firework display over Cardiff Castle was definitely a highlight over this year’s gig season.(Image: Indigo Jones)
The increasing number of larger venues has definitely helped to host more impressive artists. It seems like the Principality has been used to host more concerts over the last few years as opposed to just sporting events. Cardiff Castle has also become a great venue for gigs, and this year’s controversial addition of Blackweir Fields has now become a welcome option for the future following positive reviews.
Not only that, but it allows for more diverse genres. On July 19, whilst Kendrick Lamar and Sza were performing at the Principality Stadium, Funeral for a Friend were heading Rock the Castle, a rock music festival in Cardiff Castle. The growing number of locations, and the increasing number of acts means that more people are able to listen to the music that they love.
Kendrick Lamar and Sza performing at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium(Image: Indigo Jones)
The summer concert season in the city makes for one exciting yet very tiring time for music lovers. Much like Cardiff on a match day, the energy flowing through the centre is completely unmatched on a gig day. Spirits are high, pints are being drunk and your favourite artist’s merch is being sported by fans everywhere.
Hopefully, now that big names like Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Oasis and Beyonce have been to the city it puts us on the map for others to follow suit, so that UK and Ireland tours include the whole of the UK, not just England and one date in Scotland.
Although, this does mean that I will have to catch up on plenty of sleep before further concerts are announced! That being said, I already have a few booked for the upcoming months…