Australian electronic icons Empire of the Sun have announced a huge Cardiff headline show as part of their Ask That God Europe 2026 Tour, bringing their spectacular live production to Cardiff Castle on Tuesday 23 June 2026.

The date forms part of a limited UK run and sees the multi-platinum duo return to Europe following a landmark global tour that sold out venues across North America and Europe. Their Cardiff Castle appearance will be one of just three UK headline dates, making it a major moment for fans in Wales and beyond.

Renowned for pushing the boundaries of live performance, Empire of the Sun’s shows blur the line between fantasy and reality. Audiences can expect a fully immersive experience built around striking visuals, theatrical storytelling and larger-than-life production — a defining feature of the band’s live identity.

The tour follows the release of Ask That God, the duo’s first studio album in eight years. The record marks a new era while staying true to the imaginative, euphoric synth-pop sound that has earned Empire of the Sun billions of streams worldwide. The live set is expected to feature material from the album alongside era-defining anthems including Walking On A Dream, We Are The People, Alive and High And Low.

Empire of the Sun’s recent tours have seen sold-out headline shows in cities including London, Paris, Berlin, New York and Los Angeles, plus standout festival appearances across Europe, North America and South America. Their return to Cardiff promises a rare opportunity to experience one of the most visually distinctive live acts of the last two decades in an iconic open-air setting.

The show joins an already stacked DEPOT Live 2026 programme, continuing DEPOT Live’s run of world-class summer performances in the heart of the city.

 Tickets
Presale opens Thursday 29 January, 10AM
General sale from Friday 30 January, 10AM

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One of the most exciting names in UK dance music right now, Sammy Virji, is heading to Cardiff for a huge open-air headline show at Cardiff Castle next summer.

Taking place on Saturday 18 July 2026, the show forms part of the ever-growing DEPOT Live concert series, bringing world-class artists to one of the most iconic live music settings in the UK.

Sammy Virji has become a driving force in the global resurgence of UK Garage. His rise has been rapid and well deserved — from viral DJ Mag sets to sold-out shows and massive festival crowds across the world. Known for his infectious energy behind the decks, feel-good selections and heavyweight basslines, his sets are built for full-scale moments.

Over the past few years, Virji has gone B2B with Four Tet, become a BBC Radio 1 resident, delivered a standout Essential Mix and picked up DJ Mag Best Producer at the 2025 Best of British Awards. Internationally, he’s drawn some of the biggest crowds at Coachella, while releases like If U Need It (Gold certified) and Cops & Robbers with Skepta have cemented his status as one of dance music’s most in-demand artists.

This Cardiff Castle show promises a high-energy summer night packed with huge drops, euphoric grooves and one of the best atmospheres the city has to offer. With the castle walls as the backdrop and a crowd ready for it, this is set to be a standout date in Cardiff’s 2026 live music calendar.

Sammy Virji joins an already stacked run of shows announced for DEPOT Live at Cardiff Castle 2026, reinforcing the series’ reputation for bringing cutting-edge artists and unforgettable live experiences to the heart of the city.

Tickets are expected to be in high demand. Cardiff, get ready.

 Presale opens Thursday 29 January, 10AM
 General sale from Friday 30 January, 10AM

SING UP FOR TICKETS

Rock royalty are heading to the Welsh capital. American supergroup Hollywood Vampires have announced a massive open-air show at Cardiff Castle on Friday 14 August 2026, with special guests The Damned.

The Cardiff date forms part of Hollywood Vampires’ first UK and European run in almost three years and will see Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp, Joe Perry and Tommy Henriksen bring their explosive live show to one of the most iconic venues in the country.

Formed in 2015, Hollywood Vampires are renowned for turning every stage they step onto into a full-blown rock ’n’ roll spectacle. Their shows blend original material with thunderous tributes to the artists who defined the genre, drawing from the music of The Who, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Motörhead, AC/DC and more, alongside legendary hits from Alice Cooper and Aerosmith. Expect huge riffs, relentless energy and a proper old-school rock show built for a summer night under the castle walls.

Joining them in Cardiff are true punk and goth-rock icons The Damned. Celebrating their 50th anniversary, the band bring five decades of influence, attitude and unmistakable sound, making this a rare and powerful double bill. With a catalogue that helped shape British punk and alternative music, their appearance adds even more weight to an already unmissable night.

The show lands as part of TK Maxx presents DEPOT Live at Cardiff Castle 2026, a summer series that continues to attract world-class artists to one of the UK’s most atmospheric outdoor venues.

A limited number of VIP packages will also be available, offering premium viewing areas and exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences for fans looking to take their night to the next level.

Hollywood Vampires at Cardiff Castle promises a loud, electric and unforgettable moment in the summer of 2026 — a true statement night for rock fans in Wales and beyond.

We’re kicking off our 2026 season in a huge way. On Saturday 27th June 2026, Cardiff Castle will host the first-ever Blackbird Festival, headlined by rock giants ALTER BRIDGE.

Presented as part of TK Maxx presents Depot Live, this brand-new event marks ALTER BRIDGE’s first Welsh show in over seven years – and they’re making it count. Joined by very special guests Skindred, plus Florence Black and Cardinal Black, this is set to be an unmissable day of rock in the heart of the city.

Frontman Myles Kennedy says:

“We realised we haven’t played Wales in over seven years. To make up for lost time, we thought it would be cool to do something extra special… it’s a way to show our appreciation for the fans in Wales who’ve patiently waited for our return.”

🎟 Pre-sale tickets go live at 9:30am on Thursday 21st August.
💥 General sale starts at 9:30am on Friday 22nd August.

Be the first through the gates for the first show of the summer – sign up now to secure your spot before they’re gone.

📅 Date: Saturday 27 June 2026
📍 Venue: Cardiff Castle, Cardiff, Wales
🎟 Pre-sale sign-up: depotlive.co.uk/blackbirdfestival2026