🎶 Blackweir Live in Cardiff: A Hit or a Miss? 🎵
This summer, Cardiff’s Bute Park became the centre stage for the Blackweir Live gig series, featuring big names like Stevie Wonder and Alanis Morissette. Despite the tunes in the air, a storm of questions looms over Cardiff Council’s financial gains from the event.
Locals have mixed feelings. Some park-goers and sports teams voiced concerns about the impact on the park’s beloved green spaces. Meanwhile, the council champions the concerts, arguing they rake in tens of millions for the city’s economy. They’ve assured that proceeds will help protect these green spaces and aid in sidestepping tough budget decisions.
But here’s where it gets interesting: The council has been tight-lipped about exactly how much cash flowed in. When pressed by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the council claimed the details are “commercially sensitive”. Transparency advocates, including Liberal Democrats leader Cllr Rodney Berman, aren’t convinced. He insists on openness, wondering why the figures should remain a secret now that the concerts are over.
Behind the scenes, organisers Cuffe and Taylor and Depot Live are thrilled with the event’s success, hoping it marks the beginning of a regular concert tradition. However, skeptics worry about Bute Park becoming less accessible for public enjoyment during the summer months.
As debates continue, one thing’s for sure: Cardiff Council is reviewing this year’s series before deciding if Blackweir Live will return in 2026. They stand by the concerts, seeing them as financial lifelines in maintaining a balanced budget without resorting to harsh cutbacks.
So, should the beats of Blackweir Live echo again next summer, or is it time for a remix? Share your thoughts! 🌳🎤 #CardiffConcerts #BlackweirLive #ParkLife