Cardiff is gearing up for a busy summer of music, with two major events at the Principality Stadium: Take That and Metallica. These concerts will bring a surge of fans to the city, causing significant traffic disruption and road closures in the city centre. Here's a comprehensive guide to navigating the city during these events, including road closures, transport options, and parking advice.
Road Closures
On June 16th, the day of Take That's performance, Scott Road and Park Street will close at 7 am for event preparation and fan queuing. From 3 pm until midnight, the following roads will be fully closed to traffic:
- Kingsway (North Road to Duke Street)
- Cowbridge Road East (Cathedral Road to Westgate Street)
- Tudor Street (Clare Road to Wood Street)
- Plantagenet Street and Beauchamp Street (Despenser Place to Tudor Street)
- Duke Street, Castle Street, High Street, St Mary Street, Caroline Street, Wood Street, Central Square, Westgate Street, Quay Street, Guildhall Place, Golate, Park Street, Havelock Street, and Scott Road
Additionally, Station Terrace and Guildford Street will be access points for buses only during the road closures, ensuring reliable access to Churchill Way.
Penarth Road will be closed 30 minutes before the concerts finish and for up to an hour after they end, primarily for train passengers arriving and departing from the station.
Transport and Parking Options
Trains
Great Western Railway (GWR) will operate additional services to assist customers in returning home after the concerts. Extra trains will run from Cardiff Central to Swansea, Newport, Bristol, and Swindon, with ample parking available at station car parks.
Transport for Wales (TfW) will also provide additional capacity on routes to and from Cardiff for both events. Passengers are advised to plan their journeys and allow extra time.
Park & Ride Facilities
- Take That Event (June 16th): The park & ride facility will be located at Cardiff City Stadium, Leckwith (CF11 8AZ). Buses will operate from 10:30 am to midnight, with a drop-off point at Fitzhammon Embankment.
- Metallica Event (June 28th): The park & ride facility will be at the car park by Vindico Arena (ice rink) on International Drive in Cardiff Bay (CF11 0JS). Buses will run from 10:30 am to midnight, with a drop-off point on Tresillian Way.
Parking at Civic Centre and Sophia Gardens
- Civic Centre Event Day Parking: Located near the M4 (Junction 32), this parking area will be accessible from the A470 towards the city centre. The cost is £20 for cars and £30 for coaches, with card payments accepted. The car park opens at 8 am and closes at midnight.
- Sophia Gardens Event Day Parking: Approximately a 0.5-mile walk from the Principality Stadium, Gate 2. The cost is £20 for cars and £30 for coaches, with card payments available. The car park opens at 8 am and closes at midnight, with staff present until 7 pm.
Cycling and Walking
Cyclists are advised to take due care and attention due to the high number of attendees. The cycleways and pop-up cycleways within the road closure area will remain open, but cyclists should be cautious.
Cardiff residents are encouraged to consider cycling or walking for shorter distances, as 52% of car trips in the city are under 5 km, which can be comfortably cycled in 20 minutes. Additionally, 28% of Cardiff residents who don't currently cycle express interest in doing so.
Taxis
The St Mary Street taxi rank will close at 3 pm and re-open at midnight for both events.
Traffic and Travel Information
For up-to-date traffic information on motorways and trunk roads, visit the Traffic Wales website or follow them on Twitter and Facebook.
In summary, Cardiff is preparing for a busy summer of music, and these events will undoubtedly bring a unique challenge to the city's transportation network. Proper planning and awareness of road closures and transport options will be key to a smooth and safe experience for all attendees.
