Last night, Cardiff’s Utilita Arena played host to a double bill that felt more like a celebration than a concert. On Wednesday 9th September, TOM GRENNAN took to the stage for what proved to be a night of energy, warmth, and genuine connection. Before he appeared though, another Tom had already won the crowd over.
TOM WALKER opened the evening with a set that was both intimate and commanding. He has a way of filling a big room without losing the sense that he is singing directly to you. His mix of newer tracks and well-loved songs set the tone perfectly. The biggest reactions came for his two signature hits, Leave A Light On and Just You and I, which had the entire arena singing along word for word.
One of the most touching moments of his performance was when he paused to talk about his wife before singing a song he had written for her. It felt personal, and the audience leaned in to listen. Tom’s voice never faltered, and his control throughout the set reminded everyone why he has become such a respected artist in his own right.
It’s only a year since Tom Grennan played a sell out show at Cardiff Castle but by the time his name appeared on the back of the set in huge letters, the anticipation inside the Utilita was running high. When he finally burst onto the stage, the arena lit up in a wash of colour, strobes, and pyrotechnics. It was the kind of entrance that made clear this was going to be a night of no half measures. From the very first track it was hit after hit, Tom showing no interest in easing the crowd in gently.
One of the strengths of his live show is how personal it feels, even in a packed arena. Early on, he spoke about his Welsh family ties and thanked the Cardiff crowd for sticking by him over the years. He spoke with warmth, not polish, and the gratitude felt real. He promised to keep doing the job he loves every day, and the crowd responded with the kind of cheer that makes clear he will have their support for as long as he wants it.
The sound of the band was another highlight. The brass section in particular was powerful, lifting the songs into something bigger than their recorded versions. The four backing singers were also given space to shine, and their harmonies added depth and richness to Tom’s vocals. The whole set was put together with care, yet it never felt over-rehearsed.
Perhaps the most surprising moment came when Tom left the main stage and appeared at the back of the auditorium. Joined only by a pianist, he performed a song stripped of lights and effects. It was a reminder of the voice behind all the production, and the arena fell quiet as people hung on every word.
Notably, the night was free from swearing, from both Walker and Grennan. It may sound small, but for parents who had brought children along, it mattered. It allowed the gig to feel open to all ages without losing its edge.
By the end of the night, Tom Grennan had delivered exactly what fans came for: a flawless performance full of energy, sincerity, and community. Cardiff’s Utilita Arena shook with music, light, and applause, and nobody left disappointed.
Tom’s latest album ‘EVERYWHERE I WENT LED ME TO WHERE I DIDN’T WANT TO BE‘ is out now.
