More than 180,000 tickets sold as 24 nights of concerts bring global stars to Welsh capital
CARDIFF Castle is preparing to host its biggest summer of live music to date, with more than 180,000 tickets already sold for a packed programme featuring some of the world’s biggest music stars.
This year’s TK Maxx presents Depot Live at Cardiff Castle will see 24 nights of entertainment and 82 artists take to the stage between June and August, making it the largest series of concerts ever held at the historic venue.
The season gets underway this Saturday with a sold-out performance from house music star Chris Stussy, who will be joined by special guests Chloé Caillet, L.P. Rhythm, Locklead, Lauren Lo Sung and Lewis Taylor.
Music fans from across Wales and beyond are expected to descend on the capital throughout the summer, with six shows already sold out.
Among the headline acts are pop superstar Katy Perry, rock favourites Biffy Clyro and Jimmy Eat World, music icon Billy Ocean, Talking Heads frontman David Byrne, MIKA, David Gray, Bastille, Garbage, Skunk Anansie, MCFLY and Richard Ashcroft.
Dance music fans will also be treated to performances from Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics, UK garage sensation Sammy Virji and The Streets.
The programme also features Hollywood Vampires, Two Door Cinema Club, Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter, Bowling for Soup, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, Ethel Cain, Self Esteem and Empire of the Sun.
A new addition for 2026 is Alter Bridge’s inaugural Blackbird Festival, while the popular Depot in the Castle event will return with indie favourites The Wombats headlining.
Nick Saunders of Depot Live said organisers were looking forward to welcoming record crowds.
“Summer 2026 is huge,” he said.
“We’ll be presenting our biggest number of shows to date at Cardiff Castle and we can’t wait. Twenty-four nights with 82 amazing artists and more than 180,000 tickets sold so far.
“Our aim is always to bring as much variety as possible to our live shows and this year’s line-up certainly delivers that.
“From punk legends and global rock stars to iconic indie and pop artists, electronic music, dance, garage and even a first-time rock festival, we’ve got it all.”
Mr Saunders added that demand for tickets had been exceptionally strong since the line-up was first announced last autumn.
“The reaction has been phenomenal. We already have six completely sold-out shows, so my advice is simple – if you want to be part of it, get your tickets now.”
Doors for each concert will open at 5.00pm, with last entry at 8.30pm. General admission visitors will enter via Cardiff Castle’s North Gate, while VIP and accessible ticket holders will use the South Gate entrance.
With a mix of international superstars, established favourites and emerging talent, organisers believe this year’s event will cement Cardiff Castle’s reputation as one of the UK’s premier outdoor music venues.
