Blackweir Fields – FAQs
First published 30th Jan, 2026BLACKWEIR FIELDS – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will there be concerts at Blackweir Fields this summer?
Six concerts are planned at Blackweir Fields this summer. The ‘Blackweir Live’ shows include: The Cure (24th June), Teddy Swims (26th June), Lewis Capaldi (30th June & 1st July) Pitbull (4th July), and Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts (5th July).
Have this summer’s events got a licence to go ahead?
Yes. A premises licence for Blackweir Fields was approved in April 2025. The licence allows up to 6 events every year.
Have this summer’s events got planning permission?
Not yet. Early-stage public engagement has begun ahead of a planning application being submitted by Cardiff Council. The application will seek permission for the temporary use of Blackweir Fields for a series of live events, until the end of Summer 2031.
The Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) is open until 28/2/26
What is a PAC?
A Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) provides an opportunity for engagement with local residents, relevant statutory bodies, community groups and other stakeholders before the formal submission of a planning application to the Local Planning Authority.
This additional consultation stage is an important opportunity for residents to comment on initial draft proposals, influence the final planning application, and help shape future live events at Blackweir Fields.
The PAC for Blackweir Fields includes initial information on:
- the number and length of the proposed events.
- noise, environmental and transport considerations.
- expected audience numbers.
- proposed mitigation measures.
How can I take part in the PAC?
Members of the public can view the information and take part in the consultation by visiting: https://www.asbriplanning.co.uk/statutory-pre-application-consultation/blackweir-fields-cardiff-cf10-3ea-caeau-blackweir-caerdydd-cf10-3ea
The consultation is open until 28/2/26 and all views are welcome, whether you’re in favour of the events or have concerns.
Will there be an opportunity for the public to comment on the final planning application?
Yes. A statutory 21-day public consultation, offering the public a chance to comment on the final plans, will also take place as part of the formal planning process, later this year.
Why is the Council applying for planning permission when it didn’t last year?
Planning law allows for up to 28 days temporary ‘change of use’ without the need for planning permission. A legal judgement clarifying exactly how the 28-day rule should be applied going forward, and that event build and break down should be included in the 28 days was only established in a High Court case in May 2025 – after last year’s Blackweir events had already been agreed and booked.
When the event build and break down is included, the concerts planned for summer 2026 will exceed the 28-day limit. This means that, in order to comply with last year’s legal judgement, planning permission is required. The proposed permission would allow similar events to be held each year until 2031.
It sounds like Cardiff Council are going to be applying for planning permission and making the decision on whether to grant planning permission. How does that work?
Cardiff Council has to work within planning laws, policies and frameworks. Where the Council intends to use land, or undertake development, that requires formal planning permission, it must formally apply to the ‘Local Planning Authority’ for permission under the Town and Country Planning General Regulations 1992.
While Cardiff Council is also ‘the Local Planning Authority’, the Law allows it to be both the applicant and the decision‑maker. Appropriate processes are in place to ensure propriety.
The Council will determine the application – as it would for any other development – in its regulatory role as the ‘Local Planning Authority’. This means following all due processes, including publicising the application, and concluding on the merits of the proposed development in an Officer report, in exactly the same way as it would for any other applicant.
Major applications submitted by the Council, like the forthcoming application for Blackweir Fields, must be reported to the Planning Committee for Committee Members to make the final decision. This ensures that all decisions are the subject of appropriate public scrutiny.
The planning committee is made up from elected Councillors from across the political spectrum and is politically free to determine, based on objective evidence, whether a development should go ahead or not. These Councillors are advised by trained and qualified planning officers, who understand planning law and requirements for developments.
All decisions made by the Council, in its role as the Local Planning Authority, can be challenged through application to the High Court.
