John Owen Jones, Sophie Evans, Trystan Llyr Griffiths, Shan Cothi, Only Men Aloud, Alwyn Humphries and Rhian Loise are just some of the Welsh names lined to perform up for Cardiff Castle next month.

Producers of this year’s inaugural Live Under the Stars events at Cardiff Castle have been prompted to add an additional show as well as create a new opening gala performance to meet demand, as audiences show faith in their socially distanced live performances this summer and as restrictions in Wales are relaxed.

Producers of Live Under the Stars Cardiff had already confirmed their programme of live music events for their 9-day summer festival when it was announced earlier this year. But seeing a recent surge in ticket sales and the recent news from Welsh Government, has prompted producers to add additional shows which now includes performances by Welsh favourites John Owen Jones and Trystan Llyr Griffiths, as well as increase capacity to just under 1000 seats for most performances.

The first event of the summer event season at Cardiff Castle will now be a classical Summer Prom on Sunday 1 August 2021 with a host of Welsh stars including tenor Trystan Llyr Griffiths, soprano Rhian Lois and Harpist to HRH The Prince of Wales Alis Huws. Hosted by Shan Cothi there will be a special performance by Academi Berffformio Caerdydd. Alwyn Humphries will conduct a specially formed Chamber Orchestra.

Producers also announced that West End favourite John Owen Jones, best known for his portrayal of Jean Valjean and Phantom will join Only Men Aloud as their special guest on for their live show on Monday 2 August. Only Men Aloud will also be welcoming back former members of their Only Kids and Only Boys Aloud choirs in Lili Mohammad and Jack Cox. 

The success and rapid sales for the Bring Them Home concert on Sunday 8 August featuring Welsh stars from the West End including Sophie Evans and Lucie Jones has prompted an additional performance to be added on Saturday 7 August.

Richard Perry, Director of Live Under the Stars said, “With a recent surge in sales, we’ve had to account for that demand and respond quickly by adding more seats and more shows. Recent Welsh Government test events and the long-awaited relaxation of restrictions for outdoor events has seen a huge increase in demand, proving that people are keen to get back together safely this summer to create new memories. Our artistes, technicians and event staff are just as keen to get back to work and we cannot wait to welcome people back to our range of great live entertainment options within the Castle walls this August.

With childrens tickets starting at just £10 for Pinocchio the Family Musical and £20 for the Sunday Prom and evening shows, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

All shows will offer reserved seating in socially distanced rows on the Cardiff Castle’s lawn. Catering provisions will be available and will be fully contactless.  Organisers have been following protocols trialled during the recent Welsh Government pilot programmes.

Live Under the Stars will run from Sunday 1st August to Monday 9th August.

Pinocchio the Family Musical will run throughout the duration of Live Under the Stars with one performance already fully allocated as a special performance for NSPCC Wales thanks to the generosity of a private sponsor. 

Every performance of Live Under the Stars is reserved seating. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/ and are fully refundable if public health circumstances dictate. 

Live Under the Stars are delighted to be working with Shelter Cymru as their official charity partner.  Performances of Pinocchio will also form part of Cardiff Council’s Summer of Smiles campaign which offers young people from the capital city something to smile about following a very difficult year.