**Oasis Reunion Concerts Expected to Deliver Major Economic Boost to Cardiff**
As the legendary band Oasis prepares for their much-anticipated reunion gigs at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium this July, fresh research has revealed the staggering economic impact the concerts are expected to bring to the capital. According to a study conducted by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) for Novuna Personal Finance, the two opening shows alone are set to inject a net figure of nearly £27 million into Cardiff’s economy.
The concerts, which mark the start of the iconic Britpop group’s reunion tour, are anticipated to draw 149,000 fans over two consecutive nights. The analysis shows that total spending from attendees will reach just over £100 million, including significant outlays on tickets—totalling £23.4 million—and merchandise, which is expected to rake in £10.7 million.
It’s important to note that the headline £26.8 million economic boost is a net sum, calculated after discounting spending by local residents—defined as those living within a ten-mile radius of Cardiff—as well as accounting for “leakages,” such as decreased spending by locals who may choose to avoid the city centre during the events. Excluded from this figure are the revenues from ticket and merchandise sales as well as non-local travel booked by Cardiff’s own residents, ensuring the figure primarily reflects additional money brought into the city by visitors from further afield.
Breaking down the figures, visiting fans are forecast to spend £6.1 million on travel, £4.5 million on accommodation, and £15.4 million on food and drink. An additional £12.8 million is projected to be spent elsewhere, further highlighting the breadth of economic activity driven by the concerts. However, organisers have subtracted an estimated £12 million from the gross economic figure, recognising that some local residents may change their spending habits or even leave the city during the bustling period.
Theresa Lindsay, Chief Marketing Officer at Novuna Personal Finance, underscored the wider significance of the event, stating, “Oasis choosing Cardiff to launch their long-awaited reunion tour is a landmark moment, both for the fans and the city. With fans expected to spend over £100m across the first two nights alone, this is proof that live music powers our cities far beyond the arena gates. It’s a major economic event.”
Cardiff is not alone in reaping the rewards of the Oasis reunion tour, with concerts planned in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Novuna’s research estimates that the tour as a whole will see concertgoers spend almost £1 billion, with London, for example, expected to see an impressive £426.3 million in related local spending.
The wider events calendar in Cardiff this summer is equally jam-packed, promising a transformative few months for local businesses. Over thirty headline concerts are scheduled to take place between June and August, attracting more than 900,000 visitors. New series like Blackweir Live at Blackweir Fields, featuring an eclectic mix of international stars such as Noah Kahan, Kings of Leon, Alanis Morissette, Slayer, and Stevie Wonder, stand ready to draw big crowds and activate what’s typically a quieter time for city centre retailers and hospitality.
FOR Cardiff, the city centre’s Business Improvement District, has welcomed these developments. Executive Director Carolyn Brownell commented, “These concerts are not just cultural milestones—they’re economic engines. They benefit everyone from hotels and restaurants to taxi drivers, retail operators, and late-night venues. With a significant proportion of tickets going to out-of-town visitors, the impact ripples far beyond the venues themselves. Major events like these are crucial for bringing in new audiences and revitalising the high street.”
Other headline acts gracing Cardiff this summer include Lana Del Rey, Kendrick Lamar, Stereophonics, Chris Brown, Catfish & the Bottlemen at Principality Stadium, plus Tom Jones, Sting, and Basement Jaxx at Cardiff Castle. City leaders expect these performances to further enhance Cardiff’s growing reputation as a music destination.
Jennifer Burke, Cardiff Council’s Cabinet Member for culture, parks and events, stressed the strategic importance of live music to the city, saying, “Live music is central to our vision for Cardiff. This summer’s events will help cement the city’s status as a must-play destination for major artists and will bring significant economic benefits.”
As Cardiff gears up for an unforgettable summer of music, the anticipated influx of visitors and spending reaffirm live entertainment as a cornerstone of the capital’s economy—spreading benefits well beyond the venues themselves, and underlining Cardiff’s ambitions to become one of the UK’s leading music hubs.