Latest news with #Cardiff-based
Business News Wales
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
Organisers Celebrate Strong Debut for Cardiff's Blackweir Concert Series
Organisers are hailing Cardiff's brand-new music series Blackweir a success after more than 100,000 people enjoyed four headlining concerts. Over the past two weeks, the city's largest greenfield venue has welcomed global artists Stevie Wonder, Alanis Morissette, Noah Kahan and Slayer. Cardiff-based DEPOT Live – the live-events arm of Cardiff music venue, DEPOT – and UK promoters Cuffe and Taylor say they are 'delighted' with Blackweir. They said they hoped that this is the start of a regular concert series which could bring world-renowned artists and musicians to Blackweir Fields alongside the River Taff next year. Nick Saunders, founder of DEPOT Live, said: 'To have had such huge artists grace the stage for Blackweir has been incredible. From the artists to the music fans, the feedback for Blackweir has been overwhelmingly positive. A first year site is always nerve-wracking but it's safe to say Blackweir 2025 has been a huge success, and we are excited to work on future plans in consultation with residents and the council.' More than 3,000 people have been employed across the Blackweir site for the duration of the concerts, with the vast majority of those people being local to Cardiff. In addition, more than 100,000 people attended the four shows with more than 40% of them travelling from outside Cardiff and Wales. Nick added: 'To be able to have so many local Cardiff businesses and people employed across such a series of major events is very important to us. Not only does it mean we are creating jobs and supporting industry locally, but in turn that money is then reinvested into the local economy by the people who live here.' Cuffe and Taylor co-founder Peter Taylor added: 'When we first started talking about Blackweir we knew it was a very exciting prospect to create a large-scale event space capable of attracting the biggest names in the world of music. 'It takes a small city of people to bring such large events together and we have been able to create several thousand jobs during this period as well as employ people who will work continuously on the events. 'Additionally, the concerts have attracted around 40,000 people to travel to Cardiff. The positive impact that has on the local economy, whether they are day trippers or overnight guests, is a massive benefit and it is really pleasing to see so many people wanting to enjoy all that Cardiff has to offer. 'The artists we have brought to this beautiful site this year are without doubt global legends. We now look forward to discussing the way forward so we can attract even more huge names from the world of music to Cardiff. In the meantime, we will also be focusing on what improvements we can make moving forward as we continue to listen to feedback from our customers, stakeholders and artists.' Councillor Jen Burke, Cardiff Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Parks, said: 'Blackweir 2025 brought some truly iconic artists to Cardiff and created unforgettable experiences for thousands of music lovers. Events like this can be a fantastic opportunity to showcase what we're about, and this summer we are truly living up to our billing as a Music City.' Carolyn Brownell, CEO of FOR Cardiff, the Business Improvement District (BID) for Cardiff city centre, said: 'Events like Blackweir are invaluable for Cardiff city centre. They not only attract global talent and thousands of visitors they also deliver a meaningful boost to the local economy – filling hotels, restaurants, shops and bars during the summer period – a time which is historically quieter for city centre businesses. It's been fantastic to see this new series establish itself, and we're excited to support its continued growth in the years ahead.' Karen Matthews, general manager of the Radisson Blu Cardiff and member of Cardiff and District Hoteliers Association, added: 'The recent concerts at Blackweir and the Castle have been a tremendous boost to our local hospitality industry, bringing in visitors from near and far, helping occupancy within our hotels and energising the whole community. 'Events like these not only contribute to the local economy but proudly showcase our city as a vibrant destination. We wholeheartedly support more of these experiences and welcome more in the future.'
Business News Wales
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
Filmmaker and Director of Arts Awarded Honorary Fellowship
Catryn Ramasut, Director of Arts for the Arts Council of Wales, has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by Cardiff Metropolitan University for her dedication to the industry. A strategic leader and entrepreneurial media practitioner, Catryn has over 25 years' experience transforming creative industries and arts organisations. A Cardiff-born, Welsh-speaking woman of mixed heritage, she brings a distinctive perspective to Wales's evolving cultural landscape, the university said. Catryn was the inaugural Chair of Welsh Government's Creative Wales, and is a former long-standing board member of Chapter Arts Centre. She is Wales' representative on the Department for Culture, Media and Sport's Creative Industries Council and has recently been appointed as a Non-Executive Director of the Welsh language broadcaster S4C. In these roles, she has demonstrated her ability to provide strategic direction, foster growth in the creative industries, and champion diversity and inclusion. She is also Co-Founder and former Managing Director of Cardiff-based ie ie productions, known for producing acclaimed films including 'American Interior' and 'Rockfield: The Studio on the Farm'. Most recently, she co-produced 'Brides' which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Catryn said: 'This Honorary Fellowship is meaningful recognition from Cardiff Met of the journey I've taken across both the arts and creative industries. My path hasn't been conventional – I've had to take risks, forge my own way, and create opportunities where they didn't exist. To have that work acknowledged by an institution developing the next generation of creatives shows how far we've come in recognising diverse routes to leadership.' After meeting in Bangkok in the 1960s, Catryn's Thai father and Welsh mother settled in Wales in the 1970s. Growing up in Cardiff and educated through the medium of Welsh, Catryn developed a deep appreciation for Welsh arts and culture that would later shape her professional vision. Her dual heritage, entrepreneurial background and Welsh-language education remain central to her identity and approach to creative leadership, the university said. Dr Bethan Gordon, Dean of the Cardiff School of Art and Design at Cardiff Metropolitan University, said: 'Catryn brings a unique perspective to Wales's cultural landscape. Her work strongly resonates with Cardiff Met's commitment to community engagement and reflects the diversity of the communities we serve locally and nationally. 'It's an honour to present Catryn with an Honorary Fellowship – her contribution to the creative industries complements Cardiff School of Art and Design's day to day academic delivery, as well as our strategic ambitions – and we look forward to working together moving forward.' During the graduation ceremony at Wales Millennium Centre, Catryn gave advice to students from the School of Art and Design: 'You are stepping into uncharted waters. Be enthusiastic – build your skillset, learn from others, know your strengths and identify where you need to develop. 'Remember that this sector thrives on connections and collaboration. Relationships are key. Embrace opportunities even if they seem beneath you and approach them with positivity. These experiences teach you how the industry really works. Once you've built your toolkit, back yourself. Take risks, challenge conventions, and use your diverse perspectives to drive innovation. It's a learning curve with setbacks, but that's how you shape your creative future.'
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Organisers of controversial Blackweir Live gigs in Cardiff reveal plans for future events
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The team behind this summer's debut Blackweir Live events said the gigs had been a huge success and they were working on plans for more. Cardiff-based Depot Live and UK promoters Cuffe and Taylor say they hope that this is the start of a regular concert series which could bring more famous artists to the city's green space next year. The concert series saw artists Stevie Wonder, Alanis Morissette, Noah Kahan and Slayer perform to more than 100,000 people over four massive headlining concerts. But they drew some criticism and complaints for blocking access to Blackweir Fields, noise issues and traffic delays due to road closures. The organisers said that 40% of the 100,000 people who attended the gigs had travelled from outside of Wales and 3,000 people had worked there. Nick Saunders, founder of DEPOT Live said: 'To have had such huge artists grace the stage for Blackweir has been incredible. "From the artists to the music fans, the feedback for Blackweir has been overwhelmingly positive. A first year site is always nerve-wracking but it's safe to say Blackweir 2025 has been a huge success, and we are excited to work on future plans in consultation with residents and the council. Cardiff Council said there was a review due to take place into the performance of the Blackweir Live series and will make a decision about future plans in due course. The council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Parks, Jen Burke said: "Events like this can be a fantastic opportunity to showcase what we're about, and this summer we are truly living up to our billing as a Music City." Business leaders and hoteliers have also welcomed the new concert series. Also, you can see all the best photos from the gigs, here. Carolyn Brownell, CEO of FOR Cardiff, the Business Improvement District (BID) of Cardiff city centre, said: "Events like Blackweir are invaluable for Cardiff city centre. "They not only attract global talent and thousands of visitors they also deliver a meaningful boost to the local economy – filling hotels, restaurants, shops and bars during the summer period - a time which is historically quieter for city centre businesses. "It's been fantastic to see this new series establish itself, and we're excited to support its continued growth in the years ahead." (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne) While Blackweir Live was met with controversy and some criticism it also had a positive reaction thanks to its financial benefits for the city, read about that, here.
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
First look at top Cardiff restaurant Silures' second venue at luxury coastal hotel
First look at top Cardiff restaurant Silures' second venue at luxury coastal hotel Here's a first look at how the beloved Penarth hotel has been revamped with the addition of their new restaurant Silures. Silures will offer European cuisine (Image: A&M Hospitality Group ) Harry Styles, Daniel Craig and David Hasselhoff, what do these three names have in common? They've all stayed in the former Holm House in Penarth, a luxury boutique hotel on the seafront that's now reopening as a restaurant from the team behind popular Cardiff venue, Silures. Situated on Marine Parade and offering extensive views of the Bristol Channel, the hotel - which closed in March 2024 due to rising costs and changing market conditions post-pandemic - has since been revamped, refurbished. With modernised self check-in rooms which look over the ocean and a brand new restaurant which serves European cuisine and has an extensive drinks menu. Silures at Holm House will be the second venue for the group that recently opened in the Welsh capital. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here . The gardens look like something straight out of a movie. (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) Their first restaurant on Wellfield Road, Roath was a huge success, becoming Cardiff's top booked restaurant of 2024 according to The Fork. The initiative comes from Cardiff-based A&M Hospitality Group, established by Andrei Maxim and Daf Andrews, who've worked in London restaurants like the Savoy Grill, Galvin Bar & Grill and The Coral Room. The new location will feature a 50-seater main dining area, a bar for 25 people and a private dining room catering to 22. (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) Article continues below Explaining why they have decided to open a new restaurant there, Daf Andrews said: "Penarth felt like the natural next step - a vibrant town with a strong sense of community and an appetite for quality hospitality. "Holm House is a beautiful building, and the rooms, spa and garden offer something truly special. The private dining space and outdoor areas give us more flexibility to host everything from intimate dinners to events and celebrations, while staying true to the Silures experience." The restaurant and gardens overlook the sea, with views of the Bristol Channel. (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) The new location will feature a 50-seater main dining area, a bar for 25 people, a private dining room catering to 22, and an outdoor terrace that can accommodate 50 seated or 100 standing guests. Acknowledged as a "country treasure" within Penarth's conservation area appraisal, Holm House was first built as a private dwelling in the 1920s, the Holm House was turned into a boutique hotel in 2004. The restaurant's filled with green and gold accents that are complimented by the foliage additions. (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) Celebrated for its spa treatments, rooms with ocean views and refined gardens, it has hosted numerous celebrities, and you can see why. The private garden has lots of comfy corners and seating, all with Bristol Channel views that makes it hard to imagine you are on the outskirts of Cardiff. A location for a lunchtime meal, a date night or some drinks at the bar. (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) The new restaurant's menu will sport affordable deals including set menu, specials nights such as Welly (Beef Wellington) Wednesday and Thermidor Thursdays. Article continues below Silures Penarth is now open after launching on Friday, July 11.
Business News Wales
6 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Cardiff Business Club Appoints Engage as New Event Management Partner
Cardiff Business Club has appointed Engage as its new event management and club administration partner, following a competitive tender process. The appointment marks a new chapter for the Club as it continues its transformation journey to modernise its operations and broaden its appeal across the business community in Cardiff and beyond. Engage takes over from Grapevine Event Management, who have delivered the Club's event management and administration services for over 13 years. Phil Jardine, Chair of Cardiff Business Club, expressed his gratitude to the outgoing team and his enthusiasm for the Club's next phase: 'On behalf of the entire board and membership, I want to place on record our heartfelt thanks to Liz Brookes and the team at Grapevine for their dedication, professionalism, and long-standing support over more than a decade. They have played a huge role in shaping the Club's event programme and delivering exceptional experiences for our members. We wish them every success in their continued work across the events industry.' 'At the same time, we're excited to welcome the team at Engage as our new partners. This appointment signals the start of a new chapter for Cardiff Business Club as we continue to develop, modernise and grow. We're looking forward to working closely with Engage to build on our success and take the Club to even greater heights.' Based in Cardiff, Engage has built a strong reputation for delivering dynamic, high-quality events across sport, education, and business. The team brings a collaborative approach and a focus on meaningful experiences – qualities that align closely with the Club's direction and ambitions. Liz Williams, Co-Founder & Director of Engage, said: 'We're proud to be supporting Cardiff Business Club at such an exciting time. The Club has a long and respected history, and we're looking forward to helping shape its next chapter. As a Cardiff-based team, we understand the value the Club brings to the capital's business community – not only as a networking forum, but as a space for shared ideas, leadership conversations, and collaboration. We're excited to work with the board, sponsors, and members to continue that tradition in a way that feels relevant, inclusive, and future-focused.' As Cardiff Business Club continues its development journey, the focus remains on evolving with the times, embracing fresh ideas, modern formats, and a more inclusive approach that reflects the diversity and dynamism of the capital's business community. The Club warmly welcomes input from all members as it shapes its future and ensures it remains a relevant, accessible, and inspiring space for the next generation of leaders.
