With over twenty headline acts scheduled to perform in Cardiff this summer, alongside packed listings at the city’s independent venues and Cardiff City Music Festival happening in the autumn, 2024 might just be Cardiff’s biggest year for music yet.
To celebrate we’ll be profiling some of the stories from this blockbuster year for live performances in the city; speaking to the fans, the bands and the behind-the-scenes talent about what makes Cardiff such a special place for live music.
For our latest feature, we speak to Taylor Swift superfan Joanna about seeing her favourite artist perform in Cardiff!
Joanna, when did you become such a big fan of Taylor Swift?
I have always been a fan of Taylor Swift, but I’d say I became a Swiftie in 2020. She released Folklore and Evermore and as we all know 2020 was quite a difficult year. I remember listening to those albums on repeat throughout the year as they made me feel a form of escapism during such a confusing and scary time we were all going through. From that point on I became a big fan. I went back and listened to all songs on every album and discovered so many other beautifully written songs and not just the popular catchy ones that made it onto the radio.
How many Taylor Swift concerts have you been to?
I have seen Taylor before. In 2018 she performed as part of Radio 1’s Biggest Weekend in Swansea. The set was mainly songs from Reputation as she was in the middle of her Reputation tour. I will be seeing her twice in June, Cardiff and London, and I am extremely excited! I’ve made so far 87 friendship bracelets to trade! (my target is 100 and I believe I can do this!!)
What’s so special about a Taylor Swift show?
Not only is the show going to be a memory that I’ll treasure forever, I think she is also a very talented and inspiring woman. Not many other artists could perform a three and a half hour show, perform from eleven different albums and over a handful of costume changes. I don’t think a person could go to the concert and not relate to at least one song she’ll perform.
What’s different about seeing Taylor Swift here in Cardiff?
Seeing Taylor Swift perform in Cardiff is going to be very special. When many big global starts do a UK tour, a lot don’t come to Cardiff which is a shame as the Welsh fans then need to travel usually to London. Having Taylor come to Wales has opened the opportunity for many people to see her who wouldn’t have been able to if the concert was further afield.
What would you say to someone who’s thinking about going to the show?
Go to the concert! These are memories that will last a lifetime. Not only is it going to be three and a half hours of Taylor, but we also have Paramore opening the Eras tour! A phenomenal band that you’ll be screaming, jumping and headbanging too! Make friendship bracelets, meet new friends at the concert, dress up as your favourite era. You will not regret going.
