Bastille at the Castle

First gig of 2023 for us this weekend. Bastille were heading a day of music organised by The Depot in the grounds of Cardiff Castle. 

We hadn't been to a gig there before. Probably one of the coolest entrances to a venue I've been through.

There was a full afternoon of performers lined up. The only other set we bothered with was by Example. I enjoyed it. He brought plenty of energy to his set and really knew how to get the crowd going. Although his comments about the castle being a medieval fortress were hysterically historically inaccurate.

However, Bastille were the main reason we went and they didn't disappoint. A good mix of tracks off their albums and some covers thrown in too. Everyone joined in with 'No Scrubs' as if it was one of their songs.

We had a reasonable, fairly central view. Photos at gigs are always a bit crap. But at least they're colourful.

Being in the castle meant we had a good view of the old keep as the sun went down. It was to our left as we faced the stage.

And during the last song they let off a hunch of fireworks over the keep. Cathy got a spectacular photo that looks like a painting.

Genuinely #nofilter

A problem with the location of the fireworks was almost everyone turned to look at the keep, meaning the crowd wasn't focused on the song. It didn't feel very well thought out.

We were lucky with the weather because it threatened to rain all afternoon and evening but didn't quite manage it. If it had rained it would have quickly become a mud bath. 

Leaving was stressful too. Ancient fortresses (even pretend ones) don't have big wide gates to let people out. As the crowd funnelled out of the exit a crush developed that was unpleasant and could have turned into a situation. There is a real safety issue there.

Overall, I'd rate the gig worth going to for the performance, but I would think twice about going to another gig at the castle. It would have to be someone I really wanted to see.