Cardiff’s music scene is set to get another boost in 2026 as Cardiff Council’s ALLBWN / OUTPUT funding scheme returns, following a successful pilot earlier this year, with an expanded remit to support new and emerging electronic artists and DJs, as well as gigs.
A return of a support scheme for grass roots music is giving promoters in Cardiff the confidence to take more risks on live music, particularly during the quieter early months of the year. The ALLBWN / OUTPUT scheme has been designed to help bring more emerging artists to the city’s independent venues, while reducing the financial pressure that often stops gigs from going ahead.
The scheme works by guaranteeing promoters against financial losses on events costing up to £1,000. If ticket sales fall short and do not cover costs such as venue hire, PA or band fees, the scheme will step in to cover the difference. When events do well and the full amount is not needed, any unused funding is then recycled to support future gigs.
Cardiff Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said the pilot phase showed how removing the fear of losing money can make a real difference. By offering that safety net, promoters felt able to put shows on at times of year they would usually avoid and to book artists at the very start of their careers, when audiences are still building.
She also highlighted a wider issue facing the city and the UK as a whole. In recent years, Cardiff has seen a drop in the number of active promoters, something the local music sector has raised through the Cardiff Music Board. This decline has had a knock on effect on the city’s music scene, and the council hopes this scheme will help reverse that trend.
During the initial two month pilot, seventeen promoters applied for support. Funding was approved for thirteen gigs, all of which were guaranteed against loss.
The ALLBWN / OUTPUT scheme is open to new promoters, experienced promoters, and local bands, artists and DJs who want to put on their own events. To qualify, gigs must take place in a Cardiff grassroots music venue or suitable space, all performers must be paid, and most of the music played must be original. The total risk covered must be under £1,000, and the event’s break even point must be below 80 per cent of ticket sales.
Applications for support are open until 6 February 2026, with all funded gigs needing to take place before 15 March 2026. The scheme is funded through the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund.
The launch follows the recent opening of a second round of applications for Cardiff Council’s Grassroots Venues Fund. That fund is supported by income from last summer’s outdoor concerts at Blackweir Fields, alongside UK Government funding. The first round saw nearly £200,000 awarded to independent venues across the city.
Full details on how to apply to the ALLBWN / OUTPUT scheme can be found on the Cardiff Music City website.
