The Best Summer Events in Cardiff in 2022
After a busy exam period, at last arrives the glorious great British summer, and that all important question… What are you going to do to give yourself some well deserved fun and relaxation? Well, there are plenty of summer events in Cardiff to choose from. Here’s just a few suggestions, take your pick!
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Concert
Whether you’re a monarchist or not, you’ve got to admit that this year marks a very special year in British history. Thanks to the longevity and dedication of HM Queen Elizabeth II, for the first time ever, a British monarch has completed 70 years on the throne. Many British towns and cities are choosing to mark the occasion with street parties and concerts, and Cardiff certainly isn’t one to miss out on the fun!
That’s why Cardiff Castle is hosting a concert especially to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on 4th June, and it's set to be one of the best summer events in Cardiff in 2022.
Predicted to be the biggest party of the year, it will host live music performances from Welsh legends Aled Jones, Bonnie Tyler, Mike Peters and John Owen Jones, as well as comedy, orchestras and many famous faces. All proceeds from ticket sales go to Shelter Cymru, so whether you’re a staunch royalist or just along for the ride, you can be sure that your donation goes to a cracking cause.
Aqua Park
On a hot summer’s day in Cardiff you have to take advantage of the opportunity to visit the Aqua Park!
The park, set at the beautifully named Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay, opens on 23rd June 2022, smack bang in the middle of the summer. You need to wear a swimsuit or a wetsuit and bring a towel. There are changing rooms where you can leave your bags in a locker. The park consists of slides and inflatables where you can play for 50 minutes per session.
Nearby you can also check out the Norwegian Church which served the Norwegian sailors who used to dock in the city. Now it features a gallery and a tranquil cafe with a patio offering views across the bay. The bay is also home to many places to eat, cultural attractions and boat trips.
Depot in the Castle
Another day out in the stunning grounds of the castle, run by local venue Depot, it’s surely set to be another of the best summer events in Cardiff in 2022. Depot in the Castle is Cardiff’s very own summer festival, and the pride of the Welsh capital. The headliner this year is Rag’n’Bone Man, a prolific underground artist who has more recently broken through to the mainstream thanks to his ferocious live reputation and impressive guitar solos.
Hijinx Unity Festival 16-26 June
For something a little more unique, check out the Hijinx Unity Festival. It’s amongst Europe’s largest inclusive disability arts festivals, and is the only one of its kind in Wales.
With a programme jam packed with events, this is a celebration of life and one of the most uplifting and thought-provoking summer events in Cardiff in 2022.
Cardiff Triathlon
The Cardiff Triathlon is an unmissable event on the city’s calendar. It takes place on the Roald Dahl Plass in front of the Wales Millenium Centre in Cardiff Bay. It is, without a doubt, one of the UK’s finest triathlons, with closed road routes and international coverage. You’ll see runs of all categories from Super-Sprint to Olympic and World Triathlon Age Group Qualifier. It truly is a spectacle and is well worth it!
Stand Up in the Park Amnesty International
On 3rd July, you’re set to witness one of the funniest summer events in Cardiff in 2022. We are, of course, referring to the Stand Up in the Park event at the Cardiff Open Air Festival. The event runs in association with Amnesty International and exists to raise awareness of all the good work that they do. It’s a night of comedy featuring Stephen Bailey, Eleanor Tiernan, Carl Donnelly, and compered by Clint Edwards. Who doesn’t like a good laugh? And all for a good cause!
The Big Walk
The Big Walk has been a key event in Cardiff for several years now, and this year it returns in July. People of all ages and fitness levels walk 26 miles either taking it bit by bit throughout the month, or doing it all at once in one day. The event exists to support men with prostate Cancer by raising awareness and funds, and participants ask for sponsorship from friends and family for their efforts. All proceeds going to the charity, of course. If you fancy taking part, you can either do it alone or in teams and share your progress using Strava.
If you raise more than £50 in sponsorship you’ll receive a commemorative t-shirt and a medal. This year you even have the chance to walk with celebrities, including Carol Vorderman MBE (of Countdown fame!). The walks go through some of the most breathtaking landscapes and scenery in Wales, and are lots of fun! So there you have it - just 7 of the many summer events in Cardiff this summer, to ensure that you get the most out of every moment during your time studying and living in Cardiff.