Planning an event
Bute Park plays host to all sorts of events from small gatherings of community groups, fun runs and charity walks, to major events like Armed Forces Day and Sparks in the Park.
There are a number of distinct event spaces for hire, each suited to different types and size of events.
To help organisers choose the most suitable venue and understand the procedures around holding events in Cardiff parks and open spaces, we have put together a Manual for Event Organisers.
- City centre location
- Beautiful parkland setting
- Easily accessible
- Suitable for events large and small
Information on each event space within the Park
Coopers field
Coopers Field is in the south of Bute Park. This large open grass site is very popular for events and festivals. There are two hammerhead grasscrete turning points and several event water ‘pop-ups’ located in Coopers Field to service events. The event space can be used for:
- Concerts and day festivals
- Charity walks / runs / bike rides
- Private or corporate parties
- Community events with moderate infrastructure
This site is covered by the Bute Park Premises Licence.
Site documentation
Coopers Field site info Coopers Field Event Constraints Construction Phase Plan
Orchard Lawn
Orchard Lawn is in the centre of Bute Park. The site is adjacent to the Bute Park Education Centre. The event area is a flat grassed area bordered by trees to the south and the nursery bricked wall to the north. The event space can be used for:
- Charity walks / runs
- Private or corporate parties
- Community / family events with limited infrastructure
This site is covered by the Bute Park Premises Licence.
Site documentation
Secret Garden Café Orchard Lawn site info Access to Orchard Lawn and Education Centre
Sophia Gardens
Sophia Gardens is a grade II listed parkland on Cadw’s register of historic parks and gardens. It is positioned to the south of the Sophia Gardens pay and display car park with vehicle access via Sophia Close, off Cathedral Rd. The event space can be used for:
- Charity walks / runs / bike rides
- Private or corporate parties
- Community events with limited / moderate infrastructure
- Open air theatre events
- Overflow car parking related to events in Bute Park or Cardiff Castle
This site is covered by the Sophia Gardens Premises Licence.
Site documentation
Sophia Gardens Event Area site info Sophia Gardens Premises Licence Conditions Sophia Gardens Electrical Test Report Sophia Gardens Electrical Test Report Part 2 Sophia Gardens Construction Phase Plan template Sophia Gardens Site Induction Slides
Blackweir Sports Pitches
The Blackweir Sports Pitches are regularly used for cricket, football and rugby and this must be considered when being used as an event site. These are identified on the event area base plan. The event space can be used for:
- Fireworks events
- Community events with moderate infrastructure
- Sporting tournaments
This site is covered by the Bute Park Premises Licence
Site documentation
Castle access
It is essential that events planned for Cardiff Castle contact Bute Park as early as possible to request access through the park. Event performances taking place in Cardiff Castle attract additional costs if they require use of Bute Park, i.e. for event service routes, audience access routes and/or back of house production areas. The event space can be used for:
- Event service routes
- Audience access routes to castle north gate
- Back of house production areas
- Emergency egress points
This site is covered by the Bute Park Premises Licence
Site documentation
Art in the park: Environmental art and the park’s sculptures
Explore Bute Park looking for textures, colours and patterns in nature. Use natural materials to create a ground collage.
Look and find some of the 20 sculptures in the park, what are they? How were they made? Create a ‘bark art’ gallery of creatures and tree creations. Play a range of fun games and activities including the twig tower challenge.
Event Application form
If your event is proposed to be held within Bute Park, complete and return your application to butepark@cardiff.gov.uk
If your event is proposed to be held in another Cardiff park or open space please contact parksandsportsevents@cardiff.gov.uk
