Wales Millennium Centre has unveiled a major wave of new artist announcements for Llais 2025, the city’s most distinctive indoor music festival, returning this October as part of the newly launched Cardiff Music City Festival.
![Bodybasix](https://itsoncardiff.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/BodyBasix.jpg")
Now in its latest edition, Llais — which means “voice” in Welsh — will once again transform Wales Millennium Centre into a multi-stage celebration of global sounds, storytelling, and innovation. The week-long event is known for fusing music with performance, technology and immersive experiences, and is entirely hosted indoors, offering a uniquely comfortable and atmospheric alternative to the traditional British festival scene.
Among the latest additions to the line-up is a rare Wales debut from one of contemporary music’s most influential figures, Meredith Monk. The celebrated American composer, vocalist and performer will appear with long-time collaborators Katie Geissinger and Allison Sniffin in a special performance at Hoddinott Hall. Known for her pioneering work across theatre, music and movement, Monk’s appearance is expected to be a highlight of this year’s festival.
Also newly announced is award-winning Welsh artist Mared, who brings her blend of pop, folk and indie to the stage with a full seven-piece band. Winner of the Welsh Album of the Year in 2021, Mared will join Llais as part of a short tour across Wales and England.
Another standout act is Khamira, a collaborative band fusing Welsh folk, jazz and Hindustani classical music. Known for their cross-cultural compositions and powerful live shows, the group formed in 2015 and have since gained international recognition for their genre-defying sound.
The line-up also includes Poesis, a pan-UK folk collaboration featuring Welsh vocalist and violinist Claire Victoria Roberts, alongside Lulu Manning (Scotland), Conor McAuley (Northern Ireland), and Xhosa Cole (England). Together, they bring a fresh and contemporary perspective to traditional folk influences.
These new names join an already impressive bill featuring:
- Rufus Wainwright, performing an exclusive solo show
- Cate Le Bon, returning to Wales for a special set
- Beverly Glenn-Copeland, in a rare UK performance with Elizabeth Copeland
- Ibibio Sound Machine, known for their vibrant Afro-funk sound
- Annie and the Caldwells, a rising force in US soul
- Vieux Farka Touré & Trio Da Kali, representing the best of West African music
- Mabe Fratti, experimental cellist from Guatemala
- Enji, the Mongolian jazz artist gaining international acclaim
- RÓIS and Landless, part of the new Irish folk revival
The festival opens on Monday 6 October with the Welsh Music Prize, and will also feature BBC Cardiff Singer of the World: A Celebration on Wednesday 8 October. Alongside live performances, the festival programme includes Ceci est mon cœur, a multi-sensory immersive installation exploring love, identity and reconnection with the body.
Llais is a cornerstone of the broader Cardiff Music City Festival, a two-week celebration of the city’s music culture, featuring gigs, pop-ups, installations and industry events across the capital.
Tickets for Llais 2025 are on sale now. For full programme details and bookings, visit www.wmc.org.uk/llais.
