A return of live music to Cardiff Castle’s historic setting marked the latest summer event in which Showsec have provided their crowd security services for the Orchard Media and Events Group in Wales.
It was the ‘Modfather’ Paul Weller in this instance who played to a sell-out audience in the Welsh capital. It followed other high-profile events such as Kings of Leon at the Liberty Stadium and Ponty’s Big Weekend.
“This is the biggest summer in Orchard’s short history with some very big names across a range of venues in Wales,” said Orchard Media and Events Group Director Pablo Janczur.
“We have worked extremely closely with Showsec across all these concerts, a partnership that works highly effectively, giving us as promoters the peace of mind that security is being handled professionally and with minimum fuss. This enhanced the overall success of each event and so Showsec are very much in our plans for future Orchard shows.”
Cardiff Castle has seen Stereophonics, Sir Tom Jones, Sting, 10CC, Status Quo and Queen. Planning for the return of live music after five years presented some challenges for Martin Lewis, Showsec’s Area Manager (Wales and South West) and team.
Martin Lewis said: “Castles are designed to keep people out. So this beautiful setting presented some real challenges for us in terms of the ingress and egress. With only two 3-metre gates at opposite ends of the castle, a great deal of planning was needed. Every possible scenario was considered during the planning meetings, so that the authorities could be satisfied we could manage the 9,000 visitors safely. Our working relationship with the castle management was also of great importance to ensure this historic monument was treated sensitively.
“The night was a great success and it is hoped that this may now be used as the blueprint for many more events to be staged at Cardiff Castle.”
Image: by Michael Lewis.
