Cardiff Castle is set to host four of the seven major outdoor events in Cardiff this week, with performances by McFly, Garbage, Skunk Anansie, Empire of the Sun, and the Blackbird Festival taking over the historic city-centre venue from June 22 to June 28, 2026.
Other notable events include The Cure opening Blackweir Live on Wednesday, June 24, followed by Teddy Swims on Friday, June 26, and Metallica closing the week at the Principality Stadium on Sunday, June 28.
This guide provides essential information for a smooth and safe evening at the castle, including road closures, banned items, stage times (when available), and entry procedures.
Road Closures for Cardiff Castle Events
Castle Street will close half an hour before each event ends and will reopen once the crowds have dispersed. For full details on Cardiff city centre road closures, refer to the official Cardiff Council website.
Banned Items for Depot Live Gigs at Cardiff Castle
Attendees should be aware of the following restrictions:
- Chairs, portable furniture, inflatables, and foldable furniture are not permitted.
- Outside food and drink are not allowed, but food and drink concessions are available inside the event.
- Sealed bottles of soft drinks or water under 500ml are allowed. Empty reusable water bottles of any size (metal, plastic, or other materials, but not glass) are permitted. Free water refill stations will be available.
- If you have a medical condition, a doctor’s note is required to bring diet-specific food and drink.
- Assistant dogs are permitted. Those bringing a registered assistant dog should notify Depot via the accessible requirements form emailed by Ticketmaster after purchasing accessible tickets, or contact access@depotcardiff.com.
- Small bags or rucksacks are allowed, but bag searches will be in operation.
The full list of banned items includes: alcohol, signs, luggage, computers, laptops, iPads, tablets, large bags over A4 size, selfie sticks, professional cameras, cans, drugs, helmets, air horns, lasers, animals (except guide dogs), glass bottles, spray cans, flags, umbrellas, chairs, flares or fireworks, toxic substances, weapons (including replicas), perfumes, explosives, signalling devices, smoking devices, very-lights, medicines without a prescription or justification, skateboards and other personal motorised or non-motorised vehicles, knives, syringes, and scalpels.
Support Acts and Event Times
Doors open at 5pm for all gigs except the Blackbird Festival, which starts at 2pm. Stage times will be updated when available.
- Monday, June 22: Garbage and Skunk Anansie – support from Du Blonde
- Tuesday, June 23: Empire of the Sun – support from Balu Brigada
- Thursday, June 25: McFly – support from Twin Atlantic and Remember Monday
- Saturday, June 27: Blackbird Festival – featuring Alter Bridge, Skindred, Mammoth, Florence Black, and Cardinal Black
Entry to Cardiff Castle
General admission for Cardiff Castle gigs is via the North Gate, located at the back of the castle. A site map is available on the official Cardiff Castle events page.
Ticket Availability
Tickets are still available for all Cardiff Castle gigs: Garbage & Skunk Anansie, Empire of the Sun, McFly, and the Blackbird Festival. They can be purchased through Ticketmaster and other authorised sellers.
