Cardiff’s Blackweir live concerts deliver millions in economic boost and over 3,000 jobs
Cardiff’s Blackweir live concerts deliver millions in economic boost and over 3,000 jobs
Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.
Cardiff’s Blackweir Live summer concert series has delivered a significant economic boost to the city, with more than 100,000 people attending performances by global stars including Noah Kahan, Alanis Morissette, Slayer and Stevie Wonder.
Council figures reveal that the events supported 3,118 jobs, 95% of which were with Welsh businesses in the supply chain. According to data from specialist high street analysts Beauclair, city centre sales in the month of the concerts increased by 15.6% compared to the same period in 2024. Entertainment sector sales rose by an extraordinary 231.2%, while food and drink sales jumped 20.1%.
Almost half of attendees (49%) travelled from outside Wales, while 2.6% came from overseas, with more than 3,000 international visitors travelling to Cardiff for the concerts.
Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said: “The Blackweir Live concerts contributed to an incredible summer of music in Cardiff and it’s clear that not only do they have the support of the majority of residents, they can also help us to continue delivering on our music strategy, support our work to improve the city’s green spaces and bring millions of pounds worth of economic benefits to the city.”
As part of its review, Cardiff Council carried out an online survey and engaged with local residents, businesses, park traders, sports clubs, and the Friends of Bute Park. The findings showed broad support for the concerts, while also highlighting concerns around temporary access restrictions to Blackweir Fields, traffic congestion, parking and noise.
In addition to the direct economic gains, the concerts raised more than £60,000 for charity. Income generated will also help fund grassroots music and environmental projects across the city.
This includes a new round of grants for independent venues, following a recent £200,000 funding programme, and continued support for the council’s “Little Gigs” talent development scheme. The money will also be invested in park improvements, such as replacing signage and implementing the next phase of Cardiff’s woodland management programme. The latter will focus on conservation measures in the ancient woodland to the north of Blackweir Fields, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Cllr Burke said balancing the needs of residents with the benefits of hosting large-scale events would be key.
She said: “Finding a balance between maximising the benefits of future events, while minimising any impact on the park environment and on residents will be central to our thinking ahead of future events and we’re committed to working closely with event promoters and local communities to build on the success of the summer.”
Want more from Businessin Wales? Why not follow us on our socials
Listen to the Businessin Wales podcast
