**Cardiff City Centre Braces for Road Closure as Major Festival Returns**
Cardiff is preparing for significant disruption to city centre traffic this weekend as a main thoroughfare is set to temporarily close. The closure is being put in place to facilitate a major one-day music festival returning to the Welsh capital, expected to attract thousands of visitors.
On Saturday, 26 July, festival-goers will descend on Cardiff Castle for the eighth annual “DEPOT in the Castle” event. The popular site in the city’s heart will play host to an eclectic line-up of live music stars, with an expected surge in footfall throughout the area.
The event, well-known among locals and music lovers alike, will see acclaimed pop entertainer Jess Glynne—famed for hits such as “Hold My Hand”—headline proceedings. Supporting acts include British indie favourites Maximo Park, electronic duo Sigma, singer-songwriter Kate Nash, rapper Professor Green, the ever-popular Welsh group Goldie Lookin Chain, Blue Dolphin Wranglers, and DJ Ian Davies.
Organisers have scheduled the festivities to start at midday, with performances and activities running until 10.30pm. Revellers will be required to use different entrances based on their ticket type: general admission holders must enter through the North Gate, while those needing accessible or premium viewing platforms are directed to the South Gate, in a bid to streamline entry and ease crowd management.
Due to the sheer volume of attendees expected to exit en masse, officials have announced that Castle Street—a critical axis for city traffic—will shut to vehicles from 9.30pm until midnight. This closure will stretch from North Road to the area around the Angel Hotel, as event-goers leave the venue at the night’s conclusion. The Westgate pub will mark another closure point, but staff will facilitate entry to Westgate Street, ensuring some routes remain accessible for local businesses and residents.
The summer of 2025 has already seen Cardiff Castle play host to a string of highly attended concerts, with the likes of Sting, Elbow, and Rag‘n’Bone Man performing as part of the DEPOT Live series. Complementing these events, the Blackweir Live concerts have also brought music to the city throughout June and July, bolstering Cardiff’s reputation as a hub for cultural happenings.
Nick Saunders, the founder of DEPOT Live, reflected on the buzz surrounding these events. “To have such huge artists grace Blackweir has been incredible,” Mr Saunders stated. “A first year site is always nerve-wracking but it’s safe to say Blackweir 2025 has been a huge success, and we are excited to work on future plans in consultation with residents and the council.”
The temporary road closures underline the city council’s efforts to balance public enjoyment with safety and transport concerns. Authorities are urging motorists to plan alternative routes and allow extra time for journeys during the specific closure window on Saturday evening. Residents and local businesses near the castle have also been informed in advance of the changes, aimed at minimising disruption and ensuring clear communication.
Large-scale music events in Cardiff centre invariably bring an economic boost and showcase the city’s capacity as a premier entertainment destination. However, such events also pose logistic challenges, particularly when managing the safe movement of thousands of visitors through its historic streets.
Organisers are encouraging festival-goers to use public transport where possible, highlighting that the city’s train and bus networks will be operating additional services to accommodate increased demand. Further information on the event, including ticket details, accessibility, and travel advice, can be found through official DEPOT channels and the Cardiff Council website.
As the city gears up for another vibrant weekend, both residents and visitors are urged to stay updated on any last-minute transport advisories and to enjoy the weekend’s festivities responsibly.