Cardiff is set for a massive week of music from June 22 to June 28, with seven major gigs across the city, including performances by The Cure, Metallica, Lily Allen, and more. The influx of concertgoers will cause significant road closures and public transport adjustments, affecting both locals and visitors.
Gig Schedule and Venue Details
The week kicks off on Monday, June 22, with Garbage and Skunk Anansie at Cardiff Castle. Tuesday sees Empire of the Sun at the same venue. Wednesday, June 24, is the busiest day, with The Cure performing at Blackweir Live (sold out, 35,000 capacity) and Lily Allen at the Utilita Arena (sold out, 7,500 capacity). Thursday features McFly at Cardiff Castle. Friday brings Teddy Swims at Blackweir Live. Saturday hosts the Blackbird Festival at Cardiff Castle, and the week concludes on Sunday, June 28, with Metallica at Principality Stadium.
Road Closures for Cardiff Castle Events
For all Cardiff Castle gigs, Castle Street will close half an hour before the events end and reopen once crowds disperse. This minimal disruption contrasts with larger venues.
Road Closures for Blackweir Live (June 24 and 28)
On Wednesday, June 24, for The Cure and Teddy Swims on Friday, road closures will be in place from 4pm until midnight. Affected roads include Castle Street, Duke Street, Kingsway, North Road (from Colum Road to Boulevard De Nantes), Boulevard De Nantes to Park Place, Cowbridge Road East (from Cathedral Road to Westgate Street), and the Civic Centre area (King Edward VII Avenue, Museum Avenue, City Hall Road, College Road, Gorsedd Gardens Road). The right-hand turn from Colum Road into Corbett Road will be suspended.
Road Closures for Metallica at Principality Stadium (June 28)
From 7am, Scott Road and Park Street will close for gate preparation. Full city centre road closures will be in effect from 3pm until midnight. Roads closed entirely include Kingsway (from North Road to Duke Street), Cowbridge Road East (from Cathedral Road to Westgate Street), Tudor Street (from Clare Road to Wood Street, with resident access via Fitzhammon Embankment), Plantagenet Street, Beauchamp Street, Duke Street, Castle Street, High Street, St Mary Street, Caroline Street, Wood Street, Central Square, Westgate Street, Quay Street, Guildhall Place, Golate, Park Street, Havelock Street, and Scott Road. Station Terrace and Guildford Street (from Newport Road to Churchill Way) will be bus-only. Penarth Road will close 30 minutes before and up to an hour after the concert ends. Station Terrace will close for 1.5 hours post-event (approx 10:15pm-11:45pm). Civic Centre roads will be controlled all day for event parking only.
Public Transport Changes
Local bus services will be diverted during road closures. Passengers should check operator websites: Stagecoach, Cardiff Bus, and NAT Group. National Express coaches will depart from Sophia Gardens as normal. For trains, Great Western Railway (GWR) will run additional services for Metallica from Cardiff Central to Swansea, Newport, Bristol, and Swindon. A queuing system will be in place outside the station. Transport for Wales (TfW) will add capacity on routes to and from Cardiff, with later services for Blackweir events. From 10pm on Blackweir event days, Cathays station and bridge will close, directing passengers to Cardiff Central or Cardiff Queen Street. Pre- and post-event revenue checks will occur at both stations.
Ticket Availability
Tickets remain for Cardiff Castle gigs: Garbage & Skunk Anansie, Empire of the Sun, McFly, and Blackbird Festival. Lily Allen, The Cure, and Metallica are sold out, but resale tickets may be available via Ticketmaster, Viagogo, or StubHub. According to Cardiff Council, "The city will be extremely busy both on the roads and with crowds. Plan your travel in advance."
