ALTER BRIDGE’s BLACKBIRD FESTIVAL takes flight – landing at Cardiff Castle in June 2026

ALTER BRIDGE’S BLACKBIRD FESTIVAL TAKES FLIGHT

ALTER BRIDGE TO HEADLINE BRAND NEW ROCK EVENT AT TK MAXX PRESENTS DEPOT LIVE AT CARDIFF CASTLE – JUNE 27, 2026

WITH VERY SPECIAL GUESTS SKINDRED, PLUS FLORENCE BLACK, CARDINAL BLACK, & MORE

L to R: Scott Phillips, Myles Kennedy, Brian Marshall, Mark Tremonti

Photo: Chuck Brueckmann

A brand new rock festival is landing in the heart of Wales – and it’s set to make some serious noise.

On Saturday 27th June, 2026, the grounds of Cardiff Castle will be shaken to their foundations as ALTER BRIDGE’s inaugural BLACKBIRD FESTIVAL bursts onto the scene with a monumental lineup the global rock heavyweights will headline.

Tickets go on general sale from 9:30am Friday 22nd August via blackbirdfest.com and Ticketmaster with a range of presales kicking off from 9:30am on Tuesday 19th August via depotlive.co.uk/blackbirdfestival2026.

Launching their own festival marks a key moment for ALTER BRIDGE – not just as a celebration of their legacy, but as a bold step into curating their own live experience, bringing together a handpicked lineup of artists and connecting with fans in a whole new way.

With more than two decades under their belts, ALTER BRIDGE continue to carve their name deeper into rock history. Known for their thunderous live shows, searing dual guitars, and unforgettable melodies, the Florida-formed four piece – Myles Kennedy (vocals/guitar), Mark Tremonti (guitar/vocals), Brian Marshall (bass) and Scott Phillips (drums) – have played to millions worldwide and earned a reputation as one of the most consistent and respected names in modern rock.

Now, after more than seven years away from Welsh stages, they’re coming back with something big.

“We realised we haven’t played Wales in over seven years,” says Myles Kennedy. “To make up for lost time, we thought it would be cool to do something extra special. So with that said, we are stoked to announce The Blackbird Festival. Not only does this commemorate 20-plus years of being a band, but it’s also a way to show our appreciation for the fans in Wales who’ve patiently waited for our return.”

Joining ALTER BRIDGE as very special guests are none other than SKINDRED, the unstoppable Welsh heroes whose unique blend of metal, reggae, punk and riotous energy has made them a live favourite across the globe. Expect nothing short of total carnage when Benji Webbe and co. hit the stage on home turf. And don’t forget a t-shirt to join in with the Newport Helicopter.

Also set to perform are rising Welsh powerhouse trio FLORENCE BLACK, known for their heavy-hitting anthems and gritty, melodic swagger, and the soul-infused, arena-ready sounds of CARDINAL BLACK, whose star continues to rise at rocket speed. One more band is still to be announced, so keep your eyes locked on the lineup for a final surprise.

Fans eager to be part of the first-ever BLACKBIRD FESTIVAL can get tickets and all the latest updates via blackbirdfest.com and official social media pages.

Fans can explore VIP upgrades, full tour dates, and tickets for all ALTER BRIDGE performances at alterbridge.com.

ALTER BRIDGE will release their new, self-titled, eighth studio album via Napalm Records on January 9th, 2026.

Produced once again by longtime collaborator Michael “Elvis” Baskette, the record promises to deliver the powerful, emotionally driven sound the band is known for – just in time to fuel a triumphant return to UK & European stages for the group’s previously announced Spring 2026 headline arena run. The album was recorded over two months at the legendary 5150 Studios in California and Baskette’s studio in Florida.

Album pre-orders are available now at https://www.lnk.to/AB-AlterBridge.

Blackbird Festival 2026 is presented as part of TK Maxx presents Depot Live at Cardiff Castle by promoters DEPOT Live and Cuffe and Taylor.

FIND BLACKBIRD FESTIVAL ONLINE:

About DEPOT Live

DEPOT Live is the live events arm of The DEPOT, Cardiff’s most creative events venue (est. 2015). Over the years they have packed out Cardiff Castle with a series of incredible shows – welcoming international artists like Tom Jones, Sting, Blondie, The Script and Fontaines DC to the Welsh capital, as well as their own signature, one-day festival DEPOT in the Castle.

DEPOT Live also introduced Blackweir Live to the Welsh capital, Cardiff’s largest greenfield music venue, launched in 2025 at Blackweir Fields. The site has already hosted global icons such as Stevie Wonder, Alanis Morissette, Noah Kahan and Slayer, with plans to welcome even more world-renowned artists in future years. To find out more, visit  depotlive.co.uk and blackweirlive.com

Cuffe & Taylor is one of the UK’s top live music, theatre and event promoters. Established for more than 10 years and part of the Live Nation family, they present breath-taking tours, festivals and shows across the UK filling football stadiums, arenas, theatres and major historical sites.  Cuffe & Taylor’s roster of artists is extensive and varied including Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Britney Spears, Rod Stewart, Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Lewis Capaldi, Sir Tom Jones, Bryan Adams, Kylie, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Stereophonics, George Ezra, The Strokes, Sam Fender and Def Leppard. They also operate a hugely successful theatre touring department across the UK and internationally programming thousands of nights of entertainment ranging from live podcasts, screen-to-stage TV adaptations and musical theatre. In 2023 they were recipients of an Olivier Award for their part in promoting and producing the hugely successful Hey Duggee The Live Theatre Show tour.

About TK Maxx

• TK Maxx is part of TJX Europe which comprises the TK Maxx and Homesense brands. TJX Europe is part of The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX), the leading off-price retailer in the US and worldwide.
• TK Maxx is Europe’s leading off-price apparel and homeware retailer selling a huge assortment of big names and designer labels, top brands, up-and-coming labels and exciting gems at up to 60% less than the RRP and at a significant discount to the price in a department store or on the high street, every single day.
• TK Maxx offers a unique treasure hunt shopping experience where customers can find something special at a great price, every time they visit.
• The average TK Maxx store receives several deliveries a week. The rapidly changing mix of high-quality merchandise creates the treasure hunt experience that customers love.
• Opportunistic buying, established relationships with vendors and a no frills operation means TK Maxx can pass huge savings onto customers.
• TK Maxx is committed to being a responsible retailer whether in the community, as an employer, in the supply chain or in the environment.
• As of November 2023¹, TK Maxx has 641 stores in six countries across Europe: the UK, Ireland, Poland, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands and is online at www.tkmaxx.com, tkmaxx.de and tkmaxx.at.

 ¹TJX Companies, Inc. Q3 FY24 results