Cardiff has wrapped up a summer of major concerts, including Metallica's first Welsh show in 30 years, alongside performances from the likes of The Cure, Katy Perry, David Byrne, Lewis Capaldi, Pitbull, Self Esteem and Richard Ashcroft.
Metallica played Principality Stadium on June 28 as part of their M72 World Tour, with the city's summer programme also including Depot Live's sold-out concerts in the grounds of Cardiff Castle and major outdoor shows at Blackweir Fields.
The season formed part of Cardiff Council's push to position the city as a major UK live music destination, supported by its dedicated Cardiff Music City unit.
Economic data for summer 2026 is not yet available, but newly released tourism figures for 2025 show the Welsh capital attracted 18.69 million visitors, an increase of 4.4% on the previous year and almost 800,000 more visits than in 2024. Tourism's economic impact also rose by 6.7% to £1.86 billion.
Cabinet member for culture, tourism and events, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said: "Over the past few months we've seen Cardiff Castle and Blackweir Fields once again welcome tens of thousands of music fans. We already know that in 2025, concerts at Blackweir Fields alone resulted in an additional 700,000 visits to eating and drinking premises in the city, while the latest tourism figures show nearly 19 million visits to the city that year, supporting more than 12,100 full-time equivalent jobs.
“Taken together, those figures suggest that our focus on music, alongside sporting and other events is helping to strengthen Cardiff's already significant appeal as a destination and supporting the city’s economy."
This summer's programme aimed to build on the success of previous years
Cllr Jennifer Burke, Cardiff Council
Plans for 2027 are well underway, with Andrea Bocelli recently announced as the first headline artist of the inaugural Land of Song Festival – a major new international festival celebrating Wales' musical heritage.
The tenor will perform his first ever headline concert in Wales at Principality Stadium on May 8 next year. Thousands of singers from around the world will then unite the following day, for the return of Côr World Choir, billed as one of the largest mass choral gatherings ever staged.
Cllr Burke added: "This summer's programme aimed to build on the success of previous years and with 2027 set to see the Tour de France Grand Départ GB staged in Cardiff, Andrea Bocelli take to the stage at the Principality Stadium, more concerts at Blackweir Fields and Cardiff Castle, alongside the return of events like Cardiff Food and Drink Festival, we’re confident that the city will once again have something for everyone."
PHOTO: Depot Live
