Cardiff Castle to host inaugural large-scale music event in 2026
Cardiff Castle is set to host its first massive outdoor gig in June 2026, with American rock band Alter Bridge headlining The Blackbird Festival. This event, promoted by Depot Live and Cuffe Taylor, promises to be a rock extravaganza, with several other rock artists joining the lineup.
The performance by Alter Bridge on June 27, 2026, marks their return to Wales after nearly a decade and coincides with the release of their eighth studio album. Known for their electrifying live shows, Alter Bridge consists of Myles Kennedy, Mark Tremonti, Brian Marshall, and Scott Phillips, and has built a solid reputation in the modern rock scene.
Speaking about the festival, Myles Kennedy expressed excitement about returning to Wales after a long hiatus. He emphasized the band’s desire to create a special experience for their Welsh fans by announcing The Blackbird Festival as a way to celebrate over 20 years of being a band and express gratitude to their loyal supporters who have eagerly awaited their return.
Joining Alter Bridge at the festival will be a lineup of special guests, including Welsh heavy metal band Skindred, powerhouse trio Florence Black, and rockers Cardinal Black. The diverse lineup promises a dynamic and memorable musical experience for attendees.
Fans of Alter Bridge can expect more surprises as one final band is yet to be announced for the festival. Keeping the anticipation high, Depot Live has hinted at a special guest addition that fans won’t want to miss. VIP upgrades and additional information about Alter Bridge’s tour dates and performances can be found on the band’s official website.
This announcement follows a successful series of outdoor events promoted by Depot Live and Cuffe Taylor earlier this summer, which featured performances by renowned artists such as Noah Kahan, Alanis Morissette, and Stevie Wonder at Blackweir Fields, as well as Fontaines DC, Pet Shop Boys, and Faithless at Cardiff Castle.
With tickets for The Blackbird Festival set to go on general sale in August, fans can secure their spots at this historic event. The festival is poised to be a highlight for rock music enthusiasts, offering a day of thrilling performances against the picturesque backdrop of Cardiff Castle.
As Cardiff prepares for its first major outdoor gig of 2026, music lovers can look forward to an unforgettable experience at The Blackbird Festival. Join Alter Bridge and a lineup of talented artists for a day of rock music celebration in the historic setting of Cardiff Castle.