The new Blackweir Live music festival in Cardiff's Bute Park, featuring artists like Alanis Morissette and Stevie Wonder, is causing controversy due to claims that a significant portion of the park is being closed off to the public. While Cardiff council argues the festival will generate much-needed revenue to address a £27.7m budget shortfall, local groups like Friends of Bute Park and residents are protesting the extensive closure, lack of community input, and potential environmental impact, including restricted access to an orchard and felled trees.
‘Site is huge’: festival in Cardiff’s ‘green heart’ in dispute over claims most of park closed off
CardiffMusic festivalsAccess to green spaceCultureEnvironmentFestivalsWalesAlanis MorissetteUK
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The new Blackweir Live music festival in Cardiff's Bute Park, featuring artists like Alanis Morissette and Stevie Wonder, is causing controversy due to claims that a significant portion of the park is being closed off to the public. While Cardiff council argues the festival will generate much-needed revenue to address a £27.7m budget shortfall, local groups like Friends of Bute Park and residents are protesting the extensive closure, lack of community input, and potential environmental impact, including restricted access to an orchard and felled trees.
Trending- 1 2021: Bute Park’s orchard was set up.
- 2 Earlier this year: 30 mature trees on the river were cut down.
- 3 This week (recent): Construction for Blackweir Live began in Bute Park.
- 4 Wednesday (recent): Naiya Ghuman was walking her dog in Bute Park and commented on the festival size.
- 5 Friday (upcoming): Blackweir Live festival is set to begin.
- Reduced public access to Bute Park
- Potential environmental damage
- Public protest and community dissatisfaction
- Generation of revenue for Cardiff council
What: A new music festival, Blackweir Live, is being held in Bute Park, Cardiff, leading to disputes over the closure of large parts of the park and its environmental impact.
When: This week (construction); Starting on Friday (festival begins); 2021 (Bute Park orchard set up).
Where: Bute Park, Blackweir Fields, Cardiff, Wales, UK.
Why: Cardiff council aims to raise revenue to address a £27.7m budget shortfall. Opponents argue it disproportionately restricts public access to green space, lacks community consultation, and poses environmental risks.
How: Event staff are building a large stage and fencing off swathes of the park. The festival is programmed by Live Nation’s Cuffe and Taylor and Cardiff’s Depot Live.