### Sheer Green Barrier Erected Around Cardiff’s Blackweir Fields Ahead of Summer Music Festival
A striking green wall has appeared around one of Cardiff’s much-loved parks, Blackweir Fields, marking the arrival of preparations for a major city music festival. This sizeable barrier, reaching high above pathways and enclosing swathes of open space, has been assembled as organisers ready the park for the forthcoming Blackweir Live event series.
Set to take place over several weeks between late June and early July, Blackweir Live promises to bring a roster of internationally recognised artists to Wales’ capital city. Notably, the line-up features the likes of indie folk star Noah Kahan, legendary singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette, heavy metal icons Slayer, and the unmistakable Stevie Wonder. Cardiff’s residents have shown notable excitement for the string of concerts, which are expected to draw thousands of music fans to the heart of the city.
The massive green wall, which encircles a significant portion of Blackweir Fields, has swiftly altered the landscape of the popular park. Towering over footpaths and visible from various vantage points, the structure is designed to protect both the event build and eventual show infrastructure—ensuring that only ticket holders and staff can access the area during the festival period.
While there is palpable anticipation surrounding the concerts, the decision to cordon off such a large part of the park has not come without contention. In recent weeks, regular park-goers and local sports teams have voiced mounting concerns regarding the temporary loss of accessible green space. Many cite the importance of Blackweir Fields for grassroots sporting activities and as a vital community resource for relaxation and play during the summer months.
Those advocating for public access have highlighted the delicate balance cities must strike between hosting large-scale cultural events and preserving open recreational spaces for everyday residents. The installation of a permanent-looking solid wall, rather than less imposing fencing, has further fuelled community discussions about the impact on the park’s atmosphere and inclusivity.
Despite these concerns, preparations continue apace. The festival’s first event is scheduled for Friday, 27 June, led by Noah Kahan and support act DJO. Alanis Morissette will follow on Wednesday, 2 July, delivering her renowned repertoire to Cardiff audiences. Slayer’s fans will have their date on Thursday, 3 July, and the series is expected to culminate in a headline performance by Stevie Wonder on Wednesday, 9 July. The events are the product of collaboration between Depot Live and the concert promotion firm Cuffe and Taylor, both of whom have a track record of delivering major shows in Wales and beyond.
A setback did occur during the planning stages when Kings of Leon, the first major act originally announced, were forced to withdraw due to an injury suffered by frontman Caleb Followill. Nevertheless, organisers have pressed on, offering ticket holders alternative billing and maintaining the promise of a memorable summer music experience.
Questions have been submitted to Cardiff Council with regard to both the rationale behind the scale of the green wall and plans for minimising disruption to the park’s usual users. At the time of writing, official comment is awaited.
Tickets for most Blackweir Live events remain available, with strong sales reflecting the city’s appetite for outdoor entertainment. As the festival approaches, eyes will be on both organisers and local authorities to see how they address the ongoing dialogue between event excitement and community needs.
In the meantime, Blackweir Fields, now partially hidden behind its imposing new boundary, stands as a symbol of Cardiff’s evolving relationship with public spaces and cultural celebration. Whether this transformation will be welcomed or lamented by visiting crowds and local residents alike remains to be seen as summer unfolds.