**Major Cardiff Routes Closed Today as Principality Stadium Welcomes Thousands for Chris Brown Concert**
Cardiff is braced for significant disruption throughout Thursday, 19 June, as numerous key roads will be closed to traffic in preparation for a high-profile event at the Principality Stadium. With global superstar Chris Brown set to perform on the first leg of his Breezy Bowl XX tour, city officials are taking comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and smooth flow of thousands expected to attend.
The American singer’s show marks the beginning of a packed summer music schedule at the venue, which will also play host to major acts including Oasis, Lana Del Rey, Kendrick Lamar, SZA, and the Stereophonics in the coming weeks. The influx of visitors presents both a positive economic boost and practical challenges for Cardiff’s infrastructure and residents.
To manage the anticipated crowds, the city centre will see a total road closure from 3pm until midnight. Entry for concertgoers begins from 5pm, but authorities are urging fans to arrive early and plan their travels in advance. Practically, this means those heading into Cardiff are being warned of long delays and are encouraged to use public transport or designated park and ride facilities where possible.
Motorists using the M4 are cautioned to expect congestion, particularly as fans begin to travel into the city from surrounding regions. The council strongly recommends use of the park and ride site located at the Vindico Arena, International Drive within the Sports Village, to help ease potential gridlock in the city centre.
The initial closures began at 7am, with Scott Road and Park Street blocked off for event preparation. From 3pm, all main arterial routes around the stadium, such as Kingsway, Cowbridge Road East, Tudor Street, and Westgate Street, will be closed to through traffic. Access for local residents and traders is being maintained where possible via Fitzhammon Embankment and certain side streets.
Additional roads affected with full closures include Duke Street, Castle Street, High Street, St Mary Street, and several others in the heart of Cardiff. Nearby areas around the Civic Centre – such as King Edward VII Avenue and City Hall Road – will have restricted access, only permitting vehicles for event parking, limited commuter needs, and essential services.
Public transport is being beefed up to handle extra demand, with Transport for Wales and Great Western Railway promising enhanced and expanded rail services. However, passengers face some disruption due to ongoing track upgrades between Bristol and South Wales, requiring those coming from the west to change at Gloucester or Cheltenham Spa. After the concert, GWR will operate an additional train back to Bristol (via Gloucester) as well as rail replacement buses to assist with the returns.
For those opting to drive, two primary parking options are available. The Civic Centre car park offers event day parking for £20 per car or £30 per coach, with payment by card now accepted, opening from 8am until midnight. Sophia Gardens provides a similar service and is a short walk from the stadium, although drivers are reminded that vehicles left beyond the closing time may incur fines and are parked at the owner’s risk.
Bus users are advised to check with their operator as services will be rerouted while roads are closed. National Express coaches will continue to use the Sophia Gardens stop as usual for intercity arrivals and departures. Meanwhile, taxi ranks on St Mary Street will be suspended between 11am and 7pm, potentially impacting late afternoon and early evening journeys for city dwellers and visitors.
Cycling is still encouraged, with pop-up cycleways remaining open. Officials do, however, request extra caution from cyclists due to increased pedestrian numbers expected around event zones.
Temporary changes to parking arrangements also extend to those shopping in the city centre. North Road Car Parks, St David’s Shopping Centre, John Lewis, Capitol Shopping Centre, and several NCP sites remain open. Disabled parking is provided at Sophia Gardens and via local private operators, with drivers encouraged to consult respective websites for up-to-date details.
With excitement building for tonight’s headline concert, the city council reiterates its call for attendees to familiarise themselves with security policies – in particular the ban on large bags – and to allow ample time for journeys, whether arriving by car, rail, bus, bicycle, or on foot. As Cardiff plays host to a series of major summer events, seamless coordination between travel, parking, and safety provisions is crucial for both enjoyment and public wellbeing.