16th September 2025
Here is your Tuesday update, covering:
· Academy Music Group to operate St David’s Hall
· Decision made on future of concerts at Blackweir Fields
· Cardiff Schools Celebrate National Recognition for Innovative Food Hour Project
Academy Music Group to operate St David’s Hall
Academy Music Group Limited (AMG) has today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Cardiff Council to take over the running of and re-open Cardiff's iconic St David’s Hall.
The agreement will safeguard the future of the venue, preserving the National Concert Hall of Wales as a centrepiece of Cardiff’s cultural fabric and securing its legacy as a world-class music venue. Once reopened, St David’s Hall will host an eclectic programme of events, developing and supporting the venue’s renowned classical programme and community focus alongside contemporary shows.
“Cardiff is a vibrant city with a thriving music and arts scene, and we’re delighted to be returning one of its most integral venues to the forefront of its cultural community”, said Liam Boylan, CEO, Academy Music Group. “Academy Music Group has a long history of investing in culturally important buildings and ensuring that they remain open and flourish for future generations to enjoy. St David’s Hall sets a benchmark standard for concert halls globally, and we’re thrilled to be able to ensure it continues to deliver outstanding entertainment for many years to come.”
Decision made on future of concerts at Blackweir Fields
Concerts at Blackweir Fields are expected to go ahead in 2026 after a review conducted by Cardiff Council found that this summer’s concerts resulted in significant economic benefits, and were on the whole well supported by local people.
The concert supported more than 3,000 jobs, 95% of which were with Welsh businesses who formed part of the event’s supply chain. Initial data shows that in the month the concerts took place, city centre sales and footfall increased compared to the same period in 2024, with entertainment sector sales up significantly and food and drink sales also booming.
More than 100,000 people attended this summer’s concert series, enjoying performances by global stars Noah Kahan, Alanis Morissette, Slayer and Stevie Wonder. Figures show that 49% of attendees travelled from outside Wales, with more than 3,000 music tourists travelling from outside of the UK to visit Cardiff.
Cardiff Schools Celebrate National Recognition for Innovative Food Hour Project
Cardiff’s pioneering Food Hour Project has been honoured with the prestigious Nan Berger Memorial Award at the 2025 LACA Awards for Excellence, recognising its outstanding contribution to children's health and wellbeing through food education.
Developed through a dynamic partnership between Education Catering at Cardiff Council, the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Dietetics Team, and Food Sense Wales, the Food Hour Project builds on the success of the award-winning Food and Fun holiday programme, now a nationwide initiative supported by Welsh Government.
The Food Hour pilot was implemented across six Cardiff primary schools, offering children a daily hour dedicated to food — encompassing nutritious meals, food education, and experiential learning. The initiative promotes the development of ‘Food Citizens’ by embedding nutritional health messages and leveraging resources from local food partnerships including Veg Power and Size of Wales.
