Anger mounts in Cardiff as plans unfold for major outdoor gigs headlined by Stevie Wonder and Alanis Morissette at Blackweir Fields have sparked a fierce backlash from critics and residents alike. The controversy surrounding the upcoming events, expected to draw crowds of up to 35,000, has ignited a heated debate over the use of the cherished parkland in Cardiff’s Bute Park for large-scale concerts this summer.
Opponents of the gigs argue that the concerts will disrupt regular recreational activities, including sports matches on the fields, and limit public access to the park during a crucial time of the year. Concerns have also been raised about potential damage to the sports pitches, currently used by local cricket and football teams, due to the massive attendance expected. In response to these criticisms, Depot Live, the event organisers, have assured that they will repair any harm caused post-concerts.
Notably, objections have been voiced regarding the pre-sale of tickets before all necessary licensing permits were secured. While a license was initially in place for events hosting up to 25,000 people at Blackweir Fields, the recent approval to expand the capacity to 35,000 attendees has sparked further discontent among residents and park supporters. Jim Bischoff, a member of Friends of Bute Park, emphasised on BBC Radio Wales that while he supports the city’s music scene growth, Blackweir Fields is deemed unsuitable for hosting such large-scale concerts.
Bischoff highlighted the vital role of Blackweir Fields as a sports hub with multiple cricket fields and football pitches crucial for the local community. Concerns about the restricted access to dog walkers and the general public due to fenced-off areas during the events have prompted calls for alternative venues to be considered, such as Cardiff City Stadium or Pontcanna Fields. These concerns were underscored by recollections of damage caused to Pontcanna Fields following past events like the Eisteddfod in 2008.
Nick Saunders, the founder of Depot Live, acknowledged the concerns raised by Bischoff and Friends of Bute Park, pledging to uphold utmost respect for the land during the events and ensure the protection of the sports pitches, particularly the cricket squares. Saunders stressed the overwhelming public support for hosting such events in greenfield sites akin to Hyde Park in London and Heaton Park in Manchester. The upcoming Blackweir Live gigs featuring artists like Noah Kahan, Kings of Leon, and Courteeners in June, followed by Alanis Morissette, Slayer, and Stevie Wonder in July, have generated mixed reactions from the public.
In response to criticism regarding ticket sales prior to obtaining full permits, Saunders acknowledged the challenges in organising such large-scale events and the tight timelines involved. While conceding the constraints faced, the organisers are striving to address concerns and ensure the successful staging of the concerts. As the debate surrounding the Blackweir Fields gigs rages on, residents, event organisers, and park supporters continue to navigate the complexities and conflicting interests at play in hosting major outdoor events in Cardiff’s beloved green spaces.