Building on a shared commitment to independent music, the partnership
marks the next chapter for Clwb Ifor Bach and Sŵn Festival.
Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff’s iconic independent music venue and one of Wales’ leading
grassroots music organisations, today announces a new long-term partnership with
independent promoter Crosstown Concerts. Bringing together two organisations with a
shared commitment to artist development, grassroots music, and independent culture, the
partnership will see Sŵn Festival become a co-production from 2027, creating new
opportunities to build on the festival’s success while preserving the values that have shaped
it for nearly two decades.
Founded by Huw Stephens in 2007 and led by the Clwb Ifor Bach team since 2018, Sŵn
has become a vital platform for emerging artists from Wales and beyond. Spanning Cardiff’s
network of independent venues, the festival has earned a reputation for fearless
programming, championing new talent and helping audiences discover their next favourite
artist.
The partnership marks the next chapter for Sŵn as it prepares to celebrate its 20th
anniversary in 2027. Bringing together Clwb Ifor Bach’s curatorial vision with Crosstown
Concerts’ experience in delivering festivals and live events, the collaboration will create new
opportunities to broaden the festival’s reach, support more emerging artists, and further
establish Cardiff as one of the UK’s most exciting cities for discovering new music.
Guto Brychan, Chief Executive of Clwb Ifor Bach, said:
“Sŵn has always been about discovery. It’s about giving artists their first big
opportunities, bringing people together through live music, and celebrating Cardiff’s
incredible independent music community.
Crosstown shares our belief in artist development, independent music and building
for the long term. This partnership gives us the support, expertise and capacity to
grow Sŵn sustainably, while keeping the festival’s identity and values at its heart.
We’re incredibly excited about what this means – not just for Sŵn, but for artists,
audiences and the wider Welsh music scene.
“To facilitate the partnership, Adam Williams will take up a new role as National Promoter
and Artist Manager at Crosstown Concerts. Having spent more than a decade shaping Clwb
Ifor Bach’s music programme and Sŵn Festival, he’ll continue to lead the festival’s creative
vision while expanding opportunities for Welsh artists on a national stage.
As Sŵn looks ahead to its next chapter, this year’s festival remains firmly in focus. Sŵn 2026
returns to Cardiff from 15 to 17 October as part of Cardiff Music City Festival, with its first
wave of artists already announced, with more to come. Tickets are on sale now.
