{"id":667022,"date":"2026-01-01T14:51:37","date_gmt":"2026-01-01T14:51:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/667022\/"},"modified":"2026-01-01T14:51:37","modified_gmt":"2026-01-01T14:51:37","slug":"wales-biggest-events-of-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/667022\/","title":{"rendered":"Wales\u2019 biggest events of 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Arenas, theatres and rolling fields abound in our quickfire guide to the hottest tickets of 2026, heck the last one on the list finishes in 2027 if you really feel like planning ahead. There\u2019ll be plenty more announced throughout the year, natch \u2013 which is where Buzz will, once again, step in.<\/strong><\/p>\n

FEBRUARY<\/p>\n

Mogwai<\/strong><\/p>\n

Infamously loud instrumental Scotrockers, regular visitors to Cardiff, debut in this particular venue.<\/p>\n

Depot, Cardiff<\/strong>, Tue 17 Feb<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a336. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

Deftones<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chino Moreno and compadres\u2019 alt-metal brood is more popular than ever, it seems \u2013 this one got booked up in a jiffy.<\/p>\n

Utilita Arena Cardiff<\/strong>, Wed 18 Feb<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a365 (sold out). Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

Kaiser Chiefs<\/strong><\/p>\n

More Employment? Chance would be a fine thing! Also that is the name of this tour, referencing Kaiser Chiefs\u2019 2005 debut album.<\/p>\n

Swansea Arena<\/strong>, Tue 24 Feb<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a335-\u00a345. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

\"DavidDavid Byrne \u2013 credit Shervin Lainez<\/p>\n

MARCH<\/p>\n

David Byrne<\/strong><\/p>\n

Erstwhile Talking Head tours recent album Who Is The Sky?<\/a> \u2013 a question you won\u2019t find out unless you have a ticket.<\/p>\n

Utilita Arena Cardiff<\/strong>, Mon 2 Mar<\/p>\n

Tickets: from \u00a364.25 (sold out). Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

The Red Shoes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Or Matthew Bourne\u2019s The Red Shoes, to give this ballet production its full title.<\/p>\n

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay<\/strong>, Tue 3-Sat 7 Mar<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a318-\u00a369.Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

Mean Girls \u2013 The Musical<\/strong><\/p>\n

The stage musical of the movie, written by Tina Fey and touring the UK until next January.<\/p>\n

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay<\/strong>, Tue 10-Sat 14 Mar<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a319.50-\u00a378.50. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

\"LilyLily Allen \u2013 credit Charlie Denis<\/p>\n

Harry Enfield And No Chums<\/strong><\/p>\n

Generator of even more catchphrases than Mean Girls, at least for British people aged 40-65, Enfield visits Wales twice in \u201826.<\/p>\n

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay<\/strong>, Sun 15 Mar; Swansea Arena<\/strong>, Mon 12 Oct<\/p>\n

Tickets: from \u00a326. Info: Cardiff<\/a> \/ Swansea<\/a><\/p>\n

Lily Allen<\/strong><\/p>\n

Following an emergence from the pop doldrums in 2025, Lily\u2019s spring theatre tour sold right out so she got on the blower to the arenas.<\/p>\n

New Theatre<\/strong>, Cardiff, Wed 18 Mar; Utilita Arena Cardiff<\/strong>, Wed 24 June<\/p>\n

Tickets: from \u00a341 (Wed 18 Mar sold out). Info: New Theatre<\/a> \/ Utilita<\/a><\/p>\n

Richard Ashcroft<\/strong><\/p>\n

Not dissimilar to Lily Allen, with a boost coming from his Oasis support slots, Richard will visit the Arena first, then the Castle.<\/p>\n

Utilita Arena Cardiff<\/strong>, Tue 24 Mar; Cardiff Castle<\/strong>, Thurs 16 July<\/p>\n

Tickets: from \u00a339.50 (Tue 24 Mar sold out). Info: Utilita<\/a> \/ Castle<\/a><\/p>\n

Gorillaz<\/strong><\/p>\n

This show, Gorillaz\u2019 first ever in Wales, arrives a few weeks after their latest album The Mountain is released.<\/p>\n

Utilita Arena Cardiff<\/strong>, Fri 27 Mar<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a385. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Gorillaz\"Gorillaz<\/p>\n

APRIL<\/p>\n

Yungblud<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pop-rap Yorkshireman, a surprise contender for Ozzy Osbourne\u2019s strongest soldier at the latter\u2019s July farewell gig.<\/p>\n

Utilita Arena Cardiff<\/strong>, Sat 18 Apr<\/p>\n

Tickets: from \u00a349 (sold out). Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

Chris Ramsey<\/strong><\/p>\n

TV-presenting everyman, literal professional wife guy and standup comic, here as the latter thing.<\/p>\n

Swansea Arena<\/strong>, Sun 26 Apr<\/p>\n

Tickets: from \u00a334.90. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

\"YungbludYungblud \u2013 credit Tom Pallant<\/p>\n

MAY<\/p>\n

Super Furry Animals<\/strong><\/p>\n

After a decade apart, Camp Gruff Rhys and Camp The Others reconvene for a short UK tour. Next up, some new music. Right?<\/p>\n

Utilita Arena Cardiff<\/strong>, Sat 16 May<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a345\/\u00a342.50 (sold out). Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

Hay Festival<\/strong><\/p>\n

Eleven days of Culture in all its wholesomeness, right on the border. First lineup announcements include Emerald Fennell, Ocean Vuong, Michael McIntyre and Bear Grylls.<\/p>\n

Various venues, Hay-On-Wye<\/strong>, Thurs 21-Sun 31 May<\/p>\n

Tickets: priced per event. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

In It Together Festival<\/strong><\/p>\n

Featuring Madness, Aitch, Snow Patrol, The Fratellis, Rudimental, Ella Henderson, Feeder, Maximo Park, Natalie Imbruglia\u2026 Gok Wan.<\/p>\n

Margam Park, nr Port Talbot<\/strong>, Fri 22-Sun 24 May<\/p>\n

Tickets: from \u00a3149 adult weekend. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

\"TheThe Fratellis<\/p>\n

JUNE<\/p>\n

Dermot Kennedy<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sensitive Irish singer-songwriter with a global fanbase.<\/p>\n

Utilita Arena Cardiff<\/strong>, Mon 1 June<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a345-\u00a375. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

Marina<\/strong><\/p>\n

Monmouthshire million-seller, no longer \u2018& The Diamonds\u2019, on her Princess Of Power tour.<\/p>\n

Depot, Cardiff<\/strong>, Tue 2 June<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a353.70. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

Miss Saigon<\/strong><\/p>\n

Enduring West End\/Broadway smash: Madama Butterfly, but with a Vietnam War theme.<\/p>\n

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay<\/strong>, Tue 2-Sat 6 June<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a322-\u00a395. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

\"DermotDermot Kennedy<\/p>\n

Mika<\/strong><\/p>\n

Afer almost 20 years, flamboyant pop maven Mika is bigger than ever \u2013 especially on the continent \u2013 and opens this summer\u2019s Castle concerts.<\/p>\n

Cardiff Castle<\/strong>, Fri 12 June<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a349.50. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

Barry Manilow<\/strong><\/p>\n

Baz breaks a promise, in a good way, by following up his final ever Welsh date with The Last Last Cardiff Concert.<\/p>\n

Utilita Arena Cardiff<\/strong>, Sun 14 June<\/p>\n

Tickets: from \u00a3139.75. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

Take That<\/strong><\/p>\n

A revival of 2009\u2019s Circus tour, a record-breaking success for the Robbie-less incarnation of the That.<\/p>\n

Principality Stadium, Cardiff<\/strong>, Tue 16 June<\/p>\n

Tickets: from \u00a361. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

\"EthelEthel Cain \u2013 credit Dollie Kyarn<\/p>\n

Ethel Cain<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of four June UK dates for Southern Gothic pop experimentalist, and by some distance the biggest.<\/p>\n

Cardiff Castle<\/strong>, Fri 19 June<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a351.10. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

Garbage \/ Skunk Anansie<\/strong><\/p>\n

Two survivors of the 90s alt-rock wars put their heads together and head out on tour.<\/p>\n

Cardiff Castle<\/strong>, Mon 22 June<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a355. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

Fawlty Towers The Play<\/strong><\/p>\n

There have been many unofficial Fawlty Towers theatre adaptions, to the chagrin of John Cleese who is overseeing this official one.<\/p>\n

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay<\/strong>, Tue 23-Sat 27 June<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a318-\u00a388. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

\"FawltyFawlty Towers The Play \u2013 credit Hugo Glendinning<\/p>\n

The Cure<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thirty-five thousand goths to hit Cardiff as big Bob Smith and his buddies belt \u2018em out in Blackweir.<\/p>\n

Blackweir Fields, Cardiff<\/strong>, Wed 24 June<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a375. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

McFly<\/strong><\/p>\n

Following a recent tour with sparring partners Busted, enduring pop-punk boyband return to Wales.<\/p>\n

Cardiff Castle<\/strong>, Thurs 25 June<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a349.50. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

\"TeddyTeddy Swims \u2013 credit Claire Marie Vogel<\/p>\n

Teddy Swims<\/strong><\/p>\n

The latest Big Lad With Tattoos to also be a Soulful White Boy, Mr Swims of Georgia has a big field to fill in Cardiff.<\/p>\n

Blackweir Fields, Cardiff<\/strong>, Fri 26 June<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a365. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

Blackbird Festival<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hard rock alldayer headlined by Alter Bridge, with Skindred, Florence Black and Cardinal Black also confirmed.<\/p>\n

Cardiff Castle<\/strong>, Sat 27 June<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a380. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

Metallica<\/strong><\/p>\n

Their first Welsh show for 30 years. You can probably set your watch to the Budgie cover.<\/p>\n

Principality Stadium, Cardiff<\/strong>, Sun 28 June<\/p>\n

Tickets: from \u00a369.50. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Metallica\"Metallica<\/p>\n

Katy Perry<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cHer latest album\u00a0143\u00a0stormed into the Top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic,\u201d it is noted.<\/p>\n

Cardiff Castle<\/strong>, Tue 30 June<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a375. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

Lewis Capaldi<\/strong><\/p>\n

Japey Glaswegian balladeer sold out Blackweir so fast they added a second date for him.<\/p>\n

Blackweir Fields, Cardiff<\/strong>, Tue 30 June + Wed 1 July<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a376.20 (Tue 30 June sold out). Info: Tue 30 June<\/a> \/ Wed 1 July<\/a><\/p>\n

\"KatyKaty Perry<\/p>\n

JULY<\/p>\n

Westival<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dance music fest books Shy FX, High Contrast, Antony Szmierek and scores more.<\/p>\n

Shipping Hill Farm, Manorbier<\/strong>, Thurs 2-Sun 5 July<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a3180. Info: westival.wales<\/a><\/p>\n

Bowling For Soup + Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls<\/strong><\/p>\n

Two not-obviously-matched purveyors of punk-derived anthemia.<\/p>\n

Cardiff Castle<\/strong>, Sat 4 July<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a349.40. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

Pitbull<\/strong><\/p>\n

In Wales on Independence Day, that\u2019s why he\u2019s Mr Worldwide.<\/p>\n

Blackweir Fields, Cardiff<\/strong>, Sat 4 July<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a375. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

\"NeilNeil Young \u2013 credit Daryl Hannah<\/p>\n

Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts<\/strong><\/p>\n

Canadian guitar titan rocks the park with his Chrome Hearts, old sidemen in a new formation.<\/p>\n

Blackweir Fields, Cardiff<\/strong>, Sun 5 July<\/p>\n

Tickets: TBC. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

Billy Ocean<\/strong><\/p>\n

Caribbean Queen hitmaker, supported here by Marti Pellow.<\/p>\n

Cardiff Castle<\/strong>, Thurs 9 July<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a349.40. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

Bastille<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dan Smith\u2019s brooding electronic popsters step up to \u2018big Cardiff outdoor gig\u2019 level.<\/p>\n

Cardiff Castle<\/strong>, Fri 10 July<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a356.25. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

\"BillyBilly Ocean<\/p>\n

David Gray<\/strong><\/p>\n

Born in Cheshire, raised in Pembrokeshire, back in Cardiff to babble on.<\/p>\n

Cardiff Castle<\/strong>, Sat 11 July<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a355. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

Big Love Festival<\/strong><\/p>\n

Small but extensive fest of family-friendliness and hedonism alike.<\/p>\n

Cwm Cayo Farm, nr Usk<\/strong>, Thurs 16-Sun 19 July<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a3179. Info: biglovefestival.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n

Self Esteem<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rebecca Lucy Taylor, recently occupied with a bit of stage acting, will no doubt keep it theatrical for this big summer gig.<\/p>\n

Cardiff Castle<\/strong>, Fri 24 July<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a349.50. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

\"SelfSelf Esteem<\/p>\n

Steelhouse Festival<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hard rock and metal from the likes of Twisted Sister, The Temperance Movement and Alien Ant Farm.<\/p>\n

Hafod-Y-Dafal Farm, nr Ebbw Vale, <\/strong>Fri 24-Sun 26 July<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a3185. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

Depot In The Castle<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nice day out aimed at families, headlined by The Wombats this year.<\/p>\n

Cardiff Castle<\/strong>, Sat 25 July<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a349. Info: depotinthecastle.com<\/a><\/p>\n

The Karate Kid<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 1984 movie, in musical form. [singing] \u201cFirst you accomplish\u2026 paint feeeence!\u201d<\/p>\n

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay<\/strong>, Tue 28 July-Sat 1 Aug<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a319-\u00a359. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

The Streets<\/strong><\/p>\n

In 2023, Mike \u2018The Streets\u2019 Skinner played an open-air gig in Cardiff \u2013 and he\u2019s coming back.<\/p>\n

Cardiff Castle<\/strong>, Fri 31 July<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a362.50. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

\"TheThe Streets<\/p>\n

AUGUST<\/p>\n

Sex Pistols<\/strong><\/p>\n

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of their 20th anniversary, with Frank Carter as Johnny Rotten.<\/p>\n

Cardiff Castle<\/strong>, Sat 1 Aug<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a365. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

Two Door Cinema Club<\/strong><\/p>\n

Celebrating the 15th anniversary of their debut album\u00a0Tourist History, it says here.<\/p>\n

Cardiff Castle<\/strong>, Sat 1 Aug<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a349.50. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

Jimmy Eat World<\/strong><\/p>\n

Emo-rockers of renown from the southern US with a show centred on their best performing album, 2001\u2019s Bleed American.<\/p>\n

Cardiff Castle<\/strong>, Sat 15 Aug<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a365. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

Green Man<\/strong><\/p>\n

Indie, folk etc, sold out before a ball is kicked same as every year.<\/p>\n

Glanusk Park, nr Crickhowell<\/strong>, Thurs 20-Sun 23 Aug<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a3296 adult weekend (sold out). Info: greenman.net<\/a><\/p>\n

\"SexSex Pistols<\/p>\n

SEPTEMBER<\/p>\n

Operation Mincemeat<\/strong><\/p>\n

The true story of a daring British WWII mission, told in musical form.<\/p>\n

New Theatre, Cardiff<\/strong>, Tue 15-Sat 19 Sept; Grand Theatre, Swansea<\/strong>, Mon 21-Sat 26 Sept<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a333-\u00a368. Info: Cardiff<\/a> \/ Swansea<\/a><\/p>\n

Anastacia<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chicagoan pop hollerer whose latest album is a collection of German rock covers.<\/p>\n

Utilita Arena Cardiff<\/strong>, Thurs 24 Sept<\/p>\n

Tickets: from \u00a369. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

\"CabaretCabaret Voltaire \u2013 credit Leon Chew<\/p>\n

OCTOBER<\/p>\n

Cabaret Voltaire<\/strong><\/p>\n

Industrial\/synthpop icons on what they\u2019re calling their final tour.<\/p>\n

Tramshed, Cardiff<\/strong>, Wed 14 Oct<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a335. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

Autechre<\/strong><\/p>\n

First Welsh show in over 30 years for electronica alchemists whose \u2018thing\u2019 as a live act is turning all the lights in the room off.<\/p>\n

Depot, Cardiff<\/strong>, Thurs 22 Oct<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a330. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

\"MichaelMichael Sheen<\/p>\n

NOVEMBER<\/p>\n

Owain & Henry<\/strong><\/p>\n

Michael Sheen IS Owain Glyndwr in this anticipated Welsh National Theatre play.<\/p>\n

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay<\/strong>, Thurs 5-Sat 21 Nov<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a317-\u00a397. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

Interpol + Bloc Party<\/strong><\/p>\n

Postpunk of an early 00s vintage, US and UK versions.<\/p>\n

Utilita Arena Cardiff<\/strong>, Sat 21 Nov<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a336-\u00a361. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

\"OceanOcean Colour Scene \u2013 credit Brian Sweeney<\/p>\n

DECEMBER<\/p>\n

Ocean Colour Scene<\/strong><\/p>\n

Another band making a sudden leap to arena headliner status \u2013 will it pay off for OCS?<\/p>\n

Swansea Arena<\/strong>, Thurs 3 Dec; Utilita Arena Cardiff<\/strong>, Fri 4<\/p>\n

Tickets: from \u00a335. Info: Swansea<\/a> \/ Cardiff<\/a><\/p>\n

Matilda The Musical<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tim Minchin\u2019s adaption of the Roald Dahl novel, in situ at WMC for six weeks.<\/p>\n

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay<\/strong>, Wed 9 Dec-Sun 17 Jan<\/p>\n

Tickets: \u00a323-\u00a393. Info: here<\/a><\/p>\n

words NOEL GARDNER<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Arenas, theatres and rolling fields abound in our quickfire guide to the hottest tickets of 2026, heck the…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":667023,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5010],"tags":[203448,203449,748,203450,203451,203452,203453,118009,203454,203455,4884,203456,203457,203458,203459,176419,203460,144598,203461,16,15,203462,1764,78097,203463],"class_list":{"0":"post-667022","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-wales","8":"tag-blackweir-fields","9":"tag-brian-sweeney","10":"tag-britain","11":"tag-buzz-events-2026","12":"tag-cardif-castle","13":"tag-charlie-denis","14":"tag-claire-marie-vogel","15":"tag-daryl-hannah","16":"tag-depot-live","17":"tag-dollie-kyarn","18":"tag-great-britain","19":"tag-hugo-glendinning","20":"tag-jimmy-fontaine","21":"tag-leon-chew","22":"tag-new-theatre-cardiff","23":"tag-noel-gardner","24":"tag-shervin-lainez","25":"tag-swansea-arena","26":"tag-tom-pallant","27":"tag-uk","28":"tag-united-kingdom","29":"tag-utilita-arena-cardiff","30":"tag-wales","31":"tag-wales-millennium-centre","32":"tag-welsh-events-2026"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115820409390874381","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/667022","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=667022"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/667022\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/667023"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=667022"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=667022"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=667022"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}