Radio 1 presenter Sam MacGregor told BBC: “There has been a history of people who, when they have done a UK tour or European tour, have missed off Wales. But it’s exciting to see artists are starting to change that perception. And if people like Taylor Swift, the biggest artist in the world right now, can come to Cardiff, they why can’t some of the smaller or medium scale artists come?”

Fans had been eagerly awaiting information regarding Swift’s upcoming tour, and when the 34-year-old announced what cities she, along with support from American rock band Paramore, would be visiting, many were ecstatic to discover the singer would be hitting Cardiff this summer. The “Anti-Hero” singer will be playing Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on June 18, her only Welsh date for the entire tour.

Really can’t contain my excitement because… we’re adding 14 new shows to The Eras Tour. And I get to travel the world doing shows with @paramore!! Hayley and I have been friends since we were teens in Nashville and now we get to frolic around the UK/Europe next summer??? I’m… pic.twitter.com/kl1aijxR2o

— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) July 5, 2023

Taylor Swift isn’t the only superstar to be performing in Cardiff this summer, as the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Billy Joel, and Pink will be performing at the Principality Stadium, giving Wales an unforgettable summer of live music.

Emily Cotterill from FOR Cardiff, a group representing businesses in the city centre, believes each event is a big opportunity. She said: “We want people who have maybe come to Cardiff once for a gig to think ‘we want to go back and spend a weekend’. Lots of the time, especially with these big names, they are a reason to come here for the first time and then it’s up to us to help those people come back for a second, third or fourth time.”

For more information on Taylor Swift’s upcoming Eras Tour, click here.

Tour dates:

07/06/2024 – Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium – Edinburgh
08/06 – Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium – Edinburgh
09/06 – Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium – Edinburgh
13/06 – Anfield Stadium – Liverpool
14/06 – Anfield Stadium – Liverpool
15/06 – Anfield Stadium – Liverpool
18/06 – Principality Stadium – Cardiff
21/06 – Wembley Stadium – London
22/06 – Wembley Stadium – London
23/06 – Wembley Stadium – London
28/06 – Aviva Stadium – Dublin
29/06 – Aviva Stadium – Dublin
30/06 – Aviva Stadium – Dublin
15/08 – Wembley Stadium – London
16/08 – Wembley Stadium – London
17/08 – Wembley Stadium – London
19/08 – Wembley Stadium – London
20/08 – Wembley Stadium – London

Attention was drawn to the topic of musicians’ touring methods during the summer, with Beyoncé supposedly opting for a private jet to reach her concert in Cardiff, while Coldplay’s Chris Martin chose a more environmentally friendly approach by taking the train to the same city a few weeks later.

Chris Roberts, from Cardiff, said, “We’re not at all suggesting that everyone should give up driving and walk to all their gigs because it has completely taken over our lives, but things like choosing more sustainable routes (should be considered).”

The guitar player said the 27-year-olds had discovered “how little stuff” they need to gig, each carrying a 15kg (33lb) bag. Seth, from Gloucestershire, said, “I’ve got kind of a medium-sized backpack and using an elaborate system of carabiners, my fiddle is strapped to the back of a bag, and I’ve also got the mic. Chris has got his sort of massive guitar, which has got various bag straps on the outside of it and clothes stuffed in with the guitar.”

In the diverse city of Birmingham, Seth and Chris convene to create harmonious melodies inspired by the rich folklore of their respective origins, Wales and Gloucestershire. Operating under the name Filkin’s Drift, this musical duo seamlessly merges traditional and modern elements, skillfully intertwining the sounds of the fiddle and guitar with their captivating vocal harmonies.

Their intricate interplay on the fretted instruments evokes a sense of ornate beauty reminiscent of the Baroque era, while their lively fiddle and guitar tunes ignite the passion of audiences throughout the United Kingdom.

In addition to performing alongside Filkin’s Drift, Chris Roberts embarks on tours alongside pop singer Tanita Tikaram, collaborates on composing lullabies with new parents, and conducts workshops in SEND schools.

Seth Bye, an accomplished violinist, composer, and educator, has graced the stages of prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and Cecil Sharpe House. He has also been a part of renowned festivals like Boomtown, Greenman, and Shambala. In addition to his solo performances, Seth is a member of the highly acclaimed Balkan band, The Destroyers, who were recently featured on BBC 1 for their performance at the Commonwealth Games. He has also toured with Giffords Circus, showcasing his skills on the fiddle, banjo, and accordion.

The legendary rock band have taken to their Instagram to announce the news to fans.

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A post shared by Manic Street Preachers (@manics)

The broadcasting conglobate have planned a series of concerts for this year featuring various artists, the iconic welsh band are the third act announced to perform. Due to the limited sized audience available at the concert, from 11th September 2021, the performance will be available to view on BBC iPlayer and on BBC Sounds. The special gig’s highlights will also be broadcasted on BBC Radio 2 the next evening from 7 pm-9 pm.

The Brit award winners will perform at Cardiff’s famed venue, St David’s Hall, home to the annual concert Welsh Proms Cardiff. James Dean Bradfield, frontman of the ‘A Design For Life’ rockers, has spoken on the importance and symbolisation of the group’s performance at St David’s Hall. “We are really excited to be playing St David’s Hall in Cardiff on August 12th for Radio 2 Live. I’ve seen bands and artists including The Waterboys, Echo and the Bunnymen, John Grant and Gary Numan perform on stage there, and myself and Nicky Wire busked outside of it in the mid 80s. Hopefully we can add to the musical memories we have experienced there.”

Head of Radio 2, Helen Thomas has also expressed the station’s excitement for the new concert series. Thomas states the purpose of the new series, Radio 2 Live, whilst confirming the other two acts included within the station’s productions. “New for 2021 and beyond, Radio 2 Live will take the spirit of our very special radio station around the UK. Manic Street Preachers delivered an incredible performance for Radio 2 Live at Hyde Park in 2018, so we’re thrilled to be bringing them to Cardiff to perform an intimate set for their fans in Wales. Listeners and viewers can watch these exclusive performances from the Manic Street Preachers, Texas and Steps on BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer in September.”

Other acts included within the exciting new series are 90’s pop band Steps and Glasgow rock band Texas, the Scottish group known for their long-standing music career and multiple hit songs. Steps are set to perform in Manchester on 10th August 2021, famed for their ‘5,6,7,8’ hit, the group have released the following statement expressing their excitement and stating what ticket-holders can expect from their performance. “We are beyond excited to be performing for Radio 2 Live in Manchester. It will be our first live performance in front of an audience in over three years and we cannot wait. It’ll be a great chance to play some of our latest singles and Steps classics and get warmed up ahead of our UK arena tour this November.”

BBC radio presenter Zoe Ball announced via her breakfast show the date and venue for Texas’ performance in partnership with BBC’s concert series, Radio 2 Live. Texas is confirmed to perform at St Luke’s on 4th August 2021, located within the band’s hometown. The front-woman of Texas, Sharleen Spiteri, has conveyed her thoughts concerning the group’s hometown show. “I’m always excited to play in Glasgow, our hometown! And I’m thrilled to be performing for the first time at St. Luke’s for Radio 2 Live.”

The head of Music for Radio 2, Jeff Smith, has provided the following statement concerning the new concert series’ mission statement whilst expressing his joy to be organising live performances once again. “Radio 2 is committed to bringing live music performance to its listeners as we know how much they love to listen and watch their favourite artists perform the songs they adore. Over the past year, Radio 2 House Music has done a brilliant job with performances from Joan Armatrading, Kelly Clarkson, Rag’n’Bone Man and many more, but now it’s time to get back to live performance in front of an audience. Radio 2 Live is going to feature incredible sets from major artists, in front of what I’m sure will be a very excited audience of Radio 2 listeners.”

In order to attend the event, fans are invited to register by the BBC’s website, the lucky ticket holders will then be chosen via a ballot. Click here to register and be in the running to see Manic Street Preachers, Steps and Texas live.

As per BBC report, venues will have few rules to follow: “to limit groups to maximum of six people from six households, use one-way systems and follow ventilation guidelines” and also risk assessments done in line with hospitality performing guidance. 

A Welsh government spokesman commented that the pause of live events had been “the biggest shocks to our sense of well-being and the arts economy. We will continue to support our music and arts sectors in Wales through our cultural recovery, freelancer and economic resilience funds”.

After a lot of engagement with the sector, we’re happy to confirm live performances can begin once again in Wales across all settings.

Each venue will need a full risk assessment in line with our hospitality and performing guidance https://t.co/i32XhUfUZl pic.twitter.com/h4J5pjwsmV

— Welsh Government Culture and Sport (@WG_Culture) May 27, 2021

According to a UK Music industry group, Welsh music tourism attracts 440 thousand people every year and it generates a great amount for the Welsh economy. 

A popular Green Man festival sold out their tickets in eighteen minutes despite the fact organisers explained it may not go ahead. Director Fiona Steward said: “The demand is definitely there. I have 5,000 people who rely on the festival [for work] who want it to go ahead. It will be an amazing moment if Green Man goes ahead in Wales – a fist in the air triumph for when he have had to give things up [over the past 14 months]“.

As for the nightclubs, they will for now remain closed. UK Hospitality chief executive Kate Nichols commented: “for many small venues it will simply be impossible for them to manage this with social distancing in place. And for our nightclubs, it’s just impossible to operate”. She added: “Until we get that final bit of the jigsaw – the social distancing lifted – to be able to allow these businesses to return to profitability, then we’re not at the end of the road yet for the sector.”

See below upcoming events in Wales:

09/07/21 – Feeder will play in Tredegar Park – Newport -tickets available here
12/08 – Foals will play in Cardiff Castle – Cardiff – tickets sold out
19-22/08 – Green Man Festival – Glanusk Park – Brecon Beacons – tickets sold out