On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, we marked a family member’s 79th birthday and attended Stevie Wonder’s Love, Light & Song show at Cardiff’s Blackweir Fields—his first Cardiff appearance in over 50 years.
Since the walk to Blackweir Fields is quite some distance for a family member with limited mobility, we took a wheelchair. The gate staff provided valuable assistance as we entered the venue, for which we were sincerely appreciative.
Our group waited in line for drinks on this warm sunny evening but because of the wheelchair’s size and the venue’s crowd, we stayed at the end of the queue while another person was being served. An individual then indicated a queue designated for people with disabilities. Using a wheelchair at a busy venue presented some challenges with queuing. The accessible queue was waist-high; a detail relevant for wheelchair users and much appreciated.
One thing to note at Blackweir Fields, a radar key is needed to access disabled toilets. Bring your own, as staff do not have them available.
The Gates opened at 5:00pm and the support act Corinne Bailey Rae warmed up the stage to get the crowd excited with anticipation.
Everyone was friendly and attentive to the birthday girl. When people show consideration and attention to others, it demonstrates true acts of kindness. One lady even suggested making a gangway for the wheelchair leading to the front of the stage.
Stevie Wonder took to the stage just after 8pm with two of his children at either side and was greeted with enthusiastic cheers before the crowd fell silent to listen.
Before the concert began, Stevie received an honorary fellowship from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Fellowships are given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts and maintain a connection with the College and Wales. A fitting tribute to a remarkable musician and advocate for universal unity.
Stevie played hits like ‘Higher Ground’, ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)’, ‘You Are the Sunshine of My Life’, and ‘Don’t You Worry Bout a Thing’, backed by a full band with horns, percussion, and backing vocals.
Popular ballads included ‘I Just Called To Say I Love You’ and ‘Lately’, while crowd-pleasers like ‘Sir Duke’ and ‘Superstition’ energised the audience.
And to end the perfect evening filled with Soul, R&B and Universal Love, Stevie sang ‘As’ leaving the audience visibly moved.
The setlist was a journey through Stevie’s career with several surprised vocals by guests including family members.
His playful connection with the audience made the large event feel personal and as he declared, “I love you and there ain’t nothing you can do about it” the audience erupted, feeling the warmth of his spirit.
After the concert, we were caught in the crowd moving in one direction. Staff tried to help once again with the wheelchair, but the large crowds left us with no choice but to go along with the flow. It wasn’t a problem, but it genuinely meant a lot that the staff were so considerate.
Stevie Wonder delivered a message of love. He’s not just a musician; he’s an advocate for universal unity.
At 75, his vocal skills were astonishing, proving why he remains and always will be, one of music’s most celebrated figures.
