Cardiff Times

Michael Ball & Alfie Boe performing at Cardiff’s Utilita Arena on Saturday 29th March
2025-03-29 00:00 (Europe/London) | Cardiff, Utilita Arena
Ball & Boe will perform tracks from their No.1 sixth studio album – Together At Home – marking their 10th year making music together.
Michael Ball and Alfie Boe have both received countless prestigious awards, record-breaking sales, and chart successes.
The musical partners certainly are made for each other.
To book tickets visit: LiveNation.co.uk

Olly Murs Announces 2025 Arena Tour With Special Guests Blue
2025-03-12 | Cardiff Utilita Arena, 6 David Street, Cardiff, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 2EQ, United Kingdom
Fresh from his nationwide tour as special guest to Take That earlier this year, Olly Murs has announced a massive UK Arena tour for next Spring. Get ready to party with a set that features all the hits and more!
Blue will be special guests on this must see 16 date Arena tour kicking off in Plymouth April 24th and winding up at The 02 in London May 17th.
Olly said. “Celebrating 15 unbelievable years doing what I love best will be truly special. But to top it off I’m taking a band with me who I was obsessed with in my college years, BLUE! No doubt the pranks and banter will be free-flowing but most importantly it’s going to be a great night for the fans to enjoy, I can’t wait.”
Tickets go on general sale Friday September 13th at 10am.
UK Arena 2025 Tour Dates:
April
Thu 24th Plymouth, Pavilions
Sat 26th Brighton, Centre
Sun 27th Hull, Connexin Live
Tue 29th Dublin, 3Arena
Wed 30th Belfast, SSE Arena
May
Fri 2nd Glasgow, OVO Hydro
Sat 3rd Aberdeen, P&J Live
Sun 4th Newcastle, Utilita Arena
Tue 6th Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena
Thu 8th Manchester, Co-op Live
Fri 9th Leeds, First Direct Arena
Sat 10th Sheffield, Utilita Arena
Mon 12th Cardiff, Utilita Arena
Thu 15th Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena
Fri 16th Birmingham, bp pulse LIVE
Sat 17th London, The O2
Blue said: “We were really delighted when Olly asked us to join him on his Arena tour next year and can’t wait to get on the road with him in the Spring! We are going to have a whole lot of fun and look forward to making him an honorary Blue boy! We’ll be singing the biggest hits and maybe the odd joke here and there – watch out Olly!”
Early access to tickets will be available to those signed up to Olly’s mailing list 48 hours before general on sale.

SHERMAN THEATRE & HIJINX’S ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION HOUSEMATES RETURNS IN 2025
2025-02-22 - 2025-03-08 | Sherman Theatre, Sherman Theatre, Senghennydd Road Cardiff, CF24 4YE
One of the highlights of Sherman Theatre’s 50th birthday year programme will return to the Cardiff theatre – and tour two other venues in Wales – in early 2025.
Housemates by Tim Green, which tells a remarkable story that took place just metres from the Sherman’s doors, captured the hearts of audiences and won huge praise from critics during its original run in 2023.
The production is now preparing its return to the Sherman Theatre (28 Feb-8 March 2025) before touring to Aberystwyth Arts Centre (27-29 March) and The Torch Theatre, Milford Haven (2-4 April). Further venues are to be announced.
In the 1960s, institutionalised care for many learning disabled people was the norm and went largely unchallenged. Many learning disabled people spent their lives in institutions, rarely seeing or encountering the world outside. But then, in the early 70s, something monumental happened in a Cardiff house, a street away from the Sherman, that became a new model for the way learning disabled people are supported.
This deeply moving play is filled with classic 70s hits played live and is performed by a cast of neurodivergent and neurotypical actor-musicians including members of Hijinx Theatre, one of whom, Gareth John, was nominated for the Best Performer in a Play award in The Stage Debut Awards 2024. Housemates is co-directed by Sherman Artistic Director Joe Murphy and Hijinx Artistic Director Ben Pettitt-Wade.
Almost all of the original cast return, including Hijinx actors Gareth John (Meet Fred Hijinx & Blind Summit, Club Supreme Hijinx & Ramshackalicious), Lindsay Foster (Meet Fred Hijinx & Blind Summit, The Crash Test Hijinx), Matthew Mullins (Rock Cliché, The Crash Test Hijinx) and Richard Newnham (Meet Fred Hijinx & Blind Summit, The Crash Test Hijinx) alongside James Ifan (Tales of the Brothers Grimm, A Christmas Carol (2021) Sherman Theatre), Caitlin Lavagna (Operation Julie Theatr na nÓg; Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical), Peter Mooney (Peter Pan Sherman Theatre / Theatr Iolo; Beautiful Curve Theatre/Theatre Royal Bath) and Eveangeleis Tudball (Writer Talk to me Spectacle Theatre; Performer Pirates of the Odyssey Inn Hijinx Odyssey). This year, they are joined by Emily Ivana Hawkins (A Christmas Carol, O.G. Prince of Wales Sherman Theatre).
Innovate Trust, who under the name CUSS were the charity that founded the house, are project partners. Today, Innovate Trust continues to support and empower learning disabled people across south Wales.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Candlelight® in Cardiff
2025-02-14 17:30 - 21:30 | Temple of Peace, King Edward VII Ave, Cardiff, CF10 3AP
Candlelight®, the series of live concerts produced by Fever, is bringing special shows to celebrate the season of love in Cardiff. This February, the gentle glow of thousands of candles will illuminate outstanding venues in the city to set the mood for unforgettable musical performances.

Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day with Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special, featuring favorite soundtracks from romantic classics like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Romeo and Juliet, and other heartfelt melodies. Temple of Peace will host this intimate concert series, offering a perfect way to express love through music.

Check out the programming below:

Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special
Venue: Temple of Peace
Dates and times: Feb 14th 17:30, 19:30, 21:30
Tickets can be purchased at: https://feverup.com/m/270406
About Candlelight
Candlelight® is a series of live concerts produced by Fever, designed to democratize access to classical music. This innovative format offers a unique musical experience through a diverse selection of programs, catering to all tastes. Performed by talented local musicians in iconic venues illuminated by thousands of candles, Candlelight creates an immersive and intimate atmosphere. Candlelight draws in a broad audience, including those who may have never considered attending a classical music concert. Audiences can connect with the masterpieces of composers like Vivaldi, Mozart, and Chopin, while also enjoying fresh interpretations of popular hits from artists like Queen, ABBA, Coldplay, and Ed Sheeran. The Candlelight brand is present in over 150 cities worldwide and has delighted millions of guests since its launch.

About Fever
Fever is the leading global live-entertainment discovery platform which has helped millions of people enjoy the best experiences in their cities since 2014. With a mission to democratise access to culture and entertainment in real life through its platform, Fever inspires users to enjoy unique local experiences and events, from immersive exhibitions, interactive theatrical experiences, and festivals to molecular cocktail pop-ups, while empowering creators with data and technology to create and expand experiences across the world.

Craig David announces his brand new Commitment UK arena tour for February 2025
2025-02-11 | Cardiff Utilita Arena, 6 David Street, Cardiff, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 2EQ, United Kingdom
Craig David has announced his brand new Commitment UK arena tour for February 2025, with special guest Lemar. Kicking off in Leeds’ First Direct Arena on 2nd February, the 11-date tour will see Craig perform his eclectic and much-loved discography to fans across the UK, culminating at London’s iconic The o2 Arena on 20th February. Artist, O2 priority and Co-op Live presales open on Wednesday 1st May at 10am.

On the tour, Craig says “I can’t wait to bring my band back to the UK for my 2025 Commitment arena tour! Looking forward to having a party and mixing up the classics and maybe something new…”

Since bursting onto the scene with critically acclaimed debut album, ‘Born To Do It’, a genre-defining record that established Craig David as one of the UK’s most beloved artists, Craig has since remained at the helm of his own unique, authentically British sound. Making waves across the globe as the voice of one of the most pivotal eras in UK music, bringing garage from the underground and to the forefront of the mainstream, and becoming one of the most successful artists in UK chart history.

Since he first emerged at the end of 1999 with instant UK garage classic ‘Re-Rewind’, Craig has scored 25 UK top 40 singles (16 of them top 10), nine UK top 40 albums (five of them top 10) and amassed over 5 billion streams worldwide. Craig has collaborated with everyone from Sting to Kano to Diplo to KSI, while also becoming one of the biggest DJs in Ibiza via his TS5 soundsystem. Award-wise Craig has received 14 Brit Award nominations, two Grammy nominations, four MOBO awards, three Ivor Novellos honouring his songwriting, and most recently an MBE for his services to music.

In addition to this, Craig has one of Ibiza’s most successful and long standing residencies playing Ibiza Rocks, coming back this year for its 7th season. Craig has also recently been announced for the anticipated ‘Lovers and Friends’ festival in Las Vegas this May.

Opening for Craig for the entirety of this tour will be Lemar. One of the most successful British male artists of the last two decades, Lemar has seven UK Top 10 singles and has sold over two million albums worldwide. He’ll be performing a collection of his hits from the last 20 years such as ‘If There’s Any Justice’ and ‘Dance (With U)’.

COMMITMENT TOUR 2025
FEBRUARY
SUN 2ND – Leeds, First Direct Arena
TUES 4TH – Glasgow, Armadillo
WEDS 5TH – Newcastle, Utilita Arena
FRI 7TH – Milton Keynes, Marshall Arena
SAT 8TH – Brighton, Brighton Centre
TUES 11TH – Cardiff, Utilita Arena
WEDS 12TH – Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena
FRI 14TH – Manchester, Coop Live
SAT 15TH – Birmingham, Resorts World Arena
TUES 18TH – Bournemouth, International Centre
THURS 20TH – London, The O2

Artist, O2 priority and Co-op Live presales for this tour open on Wednesday 1st May at 10am for first access to tickets. All remaining tickets go on general sale on Friday 3rd May at 10am.

L.S. DUNES ANNOUNCE HEADLINE SHOWS IN LEEDS + CARDIFF 2025
2025-02-10 | The Globe, 125 Albany Rd, CF24 3NS
Rock band L.S. Dunes have just announced two headline UK shows on 30th January at The Key Club, Leeds and 10th February at The Globe, Cardiff. Tickets are on sale 18th December 10am GMT.
The band recently shared their new single “Paper Tigers”, out now via Fantasy Records. “Paper Tigers” marks the third track to be released from the band’s highly anticipated sophomore album, Violet, which will be out in full on 31st January , 2025.
“I think when I initially started writing the chord progression for this song I was originally writing it for myself, because it didn’t feel like an L.S. Dunes song to me, and if it was an L.S. Dunes song, it would most certainly be a departure from what we had done in the past,” recalls Frank Iero. “And then I started to think well, that’s really silly of me, why wouldn’t Dunes be able to do something like this? If I want listeners to not put us in a box and believe we can do anything then I’m going to have to believe it first. So I reworked the progression a little bit and sent it over. Hearing it now, I can’t believe I ever doubted it. Paper Tigers was always an L.S. Dunes song. Together we can do anything.”
Adds Tucker Rule: “This is the song I listen to most on our record. Yes, I listen to my own record because I think it’s that good. This song scratches all the itches… sludgy tempo, heavy ballad, mega riffs, soaring vocals and lots of space to play cool drums. This would be one of the songs I’d take to the deserted island with me. This is my favourite song on the record!”
On the new album Travis Stever shares, “‘Violet’ is a sonic journey into the depths of every band member of L.S. Dunes. The collaborative efforts to bring each song to a full potential came naturally. It’s the album that has always lived in us individually but could only be made together. It has melodies that have lived within me since I was a child. It was only with this band I would be able to find a place where they could find a home in song.”

The band will also be returning to the UK and Europe in early 2025 to support Rise Against. Full list of dates below.
Rise Against 2025 UK and EU tour dates + Headliners
Tuesday January 28 – 3Olympia, Dublin, IE
Wednesday January 29 – Telegraph, Belfast, NI
Thursday January 30- The Key Club, Leeds
Sunday February 2 – L’Olympia, Paris, FR
Tuesday February 4 – O13, Tillburg, NL
Wednesday February 5 – Forrest National, Brussels, BE
Thursday February 6 – O2 Brixton Academy, London, UK
Saturday February 8 – O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester, UK
Sunday February 9 – O2 Academy, Birmingham, UK
Monday February 10 – The Globe, Cardiff, UK
Wednesday February 12 – Velodrom, Berlin, DE
Friday February 14 – Mitsubishi Electric Hall, Düsseldorf, DE
Saturday February 15 – Sporthalle, Hamburg, DE
Monday February 17 – Zenith, Munich, DE
Tuesday February 18 – myticket Jahrhunderthalle, Frankfurt, DE
Friday, February 21- Stattbanhof, Schweinfurt, GER
Saturday, February 22 – Volkshaus, Zurich, CH
Sunday, February 23 – Stadthalle, Vienna, AT
About L.S. Dunes:
The earliest version of L.S. Dunes—the one that introduced themselves to the world at Chicago’s Riot Fest in 2022 and went on to release their blissfully chaotic debut, Past Lives, later that year—was birthed in turbulence. There was a pandemic. There were time and family constraints. There were members away on tour with one of their many other bands: Anthony Green’s Saosin and Circa Survive, Frank Iero’s My Chemical Romance, Tim Payne and Tucker Rule’s Thursday, and Travis Stever’s Coheed and Cambria, among them. Somehow, they managed to make it work, releasing a few more singles along the way, and touring the globe for a growing and passionate cult-like fanbase. By and large, it was a successful first effort. But there were also some unforeseen consequences, and as the album cycle came to an end, there was at least one mistake that Green knew they needed to correct.

PAMA Int’l Perform the Trojan Records Songbook
2025-02-08 | The Globe, 125 Albany Rd, CF24 3NS
Pama International’s deep-rooted connection to Trojan Records goes back to 2006 when they became the first new band to sign to the iconic record label in 30 years! The, critically acclaimed, resulting album ‘Trojan Sessions’ featured original songs penned by band writer/producer/keyboardist – Sean Flowerdew for reggae royalty; Derrick Morgan, Dawn Penn, Dave & Ansel Collins, AJ Frankin (Chosen Few), Dennis Alcapone and Winston Francis. In 2016 Pama International launched the official Trojan Records club night in London. And in 2018 they performed a highly popular two month ‘Trojan Records songbook’ UK tour.
We are now delighted to announce that Pama International return with The Trojan Songbook part 2 tour in spring 2025! A brand new show that not only stars unique interpretations of Trojan Records’ iconic back catalogue, but also original material from the bands first reggae album in eight years – Return of the Unity Rockers.
Whats more, every customer attending the show will receive an exclusive and free collectors Trojan songbook (only available at the shows)!

Formed in 2001 Pama int’l are “one of the best reggae & soul bands in the country” (Chris Hawkins – BBC6). They have recorded 18 critically acclaimed albums and 6 BBC sessions at Maida Vale and Abbey Road, been playlist on BBC 6 and championed by the likes of the BBC’s David Rodigan, Don Letts, Janice Long, Chris Hawkins, Huey Morgan, Steve Lamacq, Robert Elms, Craig Charles and xfm’s John Kennedy. In 2016 they became the first new band to sign to Trojan Records in 30 years! The collective nature and pedigree of the band has seen them collaborate with Ken Boothe, Derrick Morgan, Dave & Ansel Collins, Rico Rodriguez, Dawn Penn, Billy Bragg, AJ Franklin (The Chosen Few), Wrongtom, Mad Professor, Nick Manasseh, Snowboy and members of The Specials, Madness, The Selecter, Style Council, Steel Pulse, The Upsetters, Galliano and more!

Live they have played festivals galore including; Glastonbury, Womad, Kendal Calling, Beautiful Days, Big Chill, Bestival, Vintage, Guilfest, Bearded Theory, The London Int’l Ska Festival, Boomtown and Wickerman festivals as well as legendary venues; Alexandra Palace, The Astoria, Electric Ballroom, 100 Club, and The Jazz Cafe, as well as touring with The Specials, Madness, Toots & The Maytals, Jimmy Cliff, Georgie Fame, Prince Buster, Lee Perry, The Beat, The Skatalites and many others.

We hope you will join us for what is promised to be a great night of ska, rocksteady, reggae and soul!

Pama Int’l perform the Trojan Records songbook
Free songbook with every ticket sold
2025
31.01 Derby Hairy Dog
01.02 Manchester Band on the Wall
02.02 Harlow Burnt Oak Social Club
07.02 Reading Sub89
08.02 Cardiff The Globe
09.02 Bristol The Fleece
15.02 Brighton Komedia
21.02 Bridport Electric Palace
22.02 Wells Studio 24
28.02 Newcastle The Cluny w/ The Beat ft. Ranking Jnr
01.03 Edinburgh Voodoo Rooms
02.03 Luton The Hat Factory
19.04 London Electric Ballroom w/ The Chosen Few, Marcia Aitken, Roy & Yvonne & more
26.04 Cambridge Junction w/ The Beat ft. Ranking Jnr

Bilk share slick new video for 'Tommy' - to perform at Cardiff on the 6th of Feb
2025-02-06 | The Globe, 125 Albany Rd, CF24 3NS
Bilk have been building a cult-like grassroots following for a while now, but 2025 will be the year they break into far bigger things with the January 24th release of their second album ‘Essex, Drugs and Rock and Roll’. Their recent singles – ‘Summer Days’ and ‘On It’ – have shown that their ambition, accomplishment and versatility has hit the next level, without losing the chaotic streak and larger-than-life personality that sets them apart from the pack. With recent support including Radio X, Clash and Dork, that statement is reiterated as they now share the album’s latest single ‘Tommy’.
‘Tommy’ is the sound of a band playing for maximal impact, with bouncy hip-hop-meets-indie-rock verses setting the tone before unleashing the raw punk rush of the hook – with a killer elastic bassline and a searing hard rock solo thrown in for good measure. Vocalist/guitarist Sol Abrahams delivers every line with venom, with the song’s story – a young woman whose life is wanted by falling in love with a waster – inspired by their local Essex heartlands, but instantly recognisable everywhere across the UK.
Sol says, “‘Tommy’ is the story of an aspiring actress who gets involved with this guy who’s a bit of a wrong ‘un and he takes her down the wrong path. I wrote it quickly and the solo is enough to melt your face clean off.”
‘Tommy’ was written by Sol, and recorded with his bandmates Luke Hare (bass) and Harry Gray (drums) at sessions split between Edge Studios and Silkmill Studios, with production from Andy Gannon (AIKO, The HARA).
From debuting in 2018 to releasing their self-titled debut album in 2023, Bilk’s ethos has always been about delivering gritty, authentic rock ‘n’ roll that lives in the moment and provides an escape from the mundanity of daily life. It’s a stance that instigates unrestrained energy and drama at lives, with memorable London headline gigs at Omeara, The 100 Club and The Garage as well as an infamous Rough Trade in-store which resulted in them being banned from the shop, plus big festival moments at Reading, Leeds, SXSW, Truck, The Great Escape and Louis Tomlinson’s Away From Home.
Bilk end 2024 by headlining a special fundraising show at Guildford’s Boileroom to benefit the mental health charity CALM. 2025 then gets underway with their most expansive headline tour to date, which includes their biggest London show at the Electric Ballroom and then continues across Europe. The band’s dates are below, remaining tickets are available HERE.

FEBRUARY
5th – Bristol, Thekla
6th – Cardiff, The Globe
7th – London, Electric Ballroom
13th – Manchester, Academy 2
14th – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
15th – Newcastle, Northumbria Students Union
16th – Glasgow, SWG3 Warehouse
19th – Nottingham, Rescue Rooms
20th – Norwich, Arts Centre
21st – Birmingham, O2 Academy 2
22nd – Southampton, Engine Shed

MARCH
3rd – Paris, La Boule Noire
4th – Antwerp, Kavka Oudaan
5th – Rotterdam, Rotown
7th – Copenhagen, Ideal Bar @ Vega
8th – Hamburg, Hebebuhne
9th – Berlin, Privatclub
11th – Warsaw, Klub Hydrozagadka
12th – Krakow, Klub Gwarek
13th – Prague, Café V lese
14th – Vienna, Chelsea
15th – Munich, Milla
16th – Milan, Circolo Magnolia
26th – Cork, Winthrop Avenue
27th – Galway, Roisin Dubh
28th – Belfast, Oh Yeah Music Centre
29th – Dublin, The Workman’s Club
