Imagine a city where music takes over every corner for three glorious weeks—a place where basslines pulse through the night, synthesizers fill arenas, concert halls, and independent venues with electrifying energy, and melodies echo from street corners. Welcome to Cardiff during the inaugural Cardiff Music City Festival.
Supported by the Welsh Government and Cardiff Council, this new festival is set to attract 20,000 visitors in its first year. Kicking off on Friday, September 27th, the festival promises an unforgettable experience with a lineup that blends emerging talent with iconic artists, thrilling events, and mind-blowing installations across both well-known and unconventional venues in the city.
The festival celebrates artists who have pushed the boundaries of music production and performance, creating a space for new and established acts to inspire audiences, experiment, and deliver unique experiences.
Headline Acts and Local Talent
Leading the charge are pioneering electronic artists Leftfield and Orbital, alongside the genre-defying Ms. Lauryn Hill and The Fugees. Also taking the stage are the Irish rap trio Kneecap and jazz poet Alabaster DePlume. But the festival isn’t just about big names—local talent is front and centre too.
- Mace the Great returns to Cardiff’s Tramshed on Saturday, October 5th, showcasing Welsh hip-hop talent with Sage Todz, Luke RV, Aleighcia Scott, and more.
- High Contrast, Cardiff’s own drum and bass legend, will deliver a unique live-streamed event on Saturday, September 28th, offering a rare glimpse into his creative process.
- N’famady Kouyaté blends traditional West African rhythms with classical European instruments in a special performance at Porter’s on Wednesday, October 2nd.
Diverse Performances Across the City
The festival will also feature performances from Frankie Rizardo, Tân Cerdd’s showcase of Black artists, and Cardiff’s youth talent developed through the ‘Little Gigs’ schools programme. Not to mention, it will incorporate three of Cardiff’s most beloved music events: the Welsh Music Prize, Llais, and Sŵn Festival, each bringing its unique flavour to the broader celebration.
A City Transformed by Music
Cardiff will be transformed into a living, breathing music city, with artistic interventions, installations, and performances spilling out from every venue. Look out for a building-sized light projection by Paul Johnson of NeonBlack, one of the creative minds behind the Las Vegas MSG Sphere, which will pulse to the festival beat.
In addition to the music, the festival will host talks, meet-ups, industry sessions, and socials, making it an all-encompassing celebration of Cardiff’s vibrant music scene. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer, Cardiff Music City Festival is set to be a groundbreaking event that redefines what a music festival can be.
For the full lineup and more details, visit Cardiff Music City Festival. Don’t miss out on being part of this epic musical journey!
