Cardiff’s award-winning Sŵn Festival has announced the second wave of artists set to perform at this year’s edition, which takes over venues across the Welsh capital from Thursday 16th to Saturday 18th October 2025. Alongside the new names, organisers have also revealed the festival’s day splits and confirmed that single-day tickets are now on sale.
Founded by Huw Stephens in 2007 and organised by Clwb Ifor Bach since 2018, Sŵn has grown into one of the UK’s most celebrated new music showcases. Its mission remains the same: to champion a diverse mix of local, national and international talent, while giving tomorrow’s breakthrough acts a platform.
The new announcement shines a spotlight on Welsh talent including Sage Todz, the bilingual rapper pushing Welsh-language rap into the mainstream, Adjua with her soulful alt-RnB, and rising pop force CATTY, whose singles have all landed on the BBC Radio Wales A-list. They’ll be joined by Green Man Rising winners Wing!, collaborative South Wales project Source, and Ynys, the solo project of Dylan Hughes (Race Horses).
A major highlight is the return of Gruff Rhys, who last played Sŵn in 2019. Known for fronting Super Furry Animalsand his acclaimed solo career, Gruff will perform tracks from his latest album Dim Probs, inspired by the Welsh electronic scene of the 1980s.
Elsewhere, standout UK names include Squid, fresh from the release of their third album Cowards, shoegaze talent TTSSFU, sleaze-pop provocateur Babymorroco, and Naima Bock with her hauntingly distinctive solo sound. Underground rap favourite Lord Apex also joins the line-up, while Ugly bring their unique mix of post-rock, choir-like harmonies and acoustic experimentation.
These artists add to an already stacked first wave that featured Mykki Blanco, Moonchild Sanelly, Jessica Winter, Deadletter, Dog Race, and many more.
This year’s multi-venue festival spans some of Cardiff’s best-loved stages, including Tramshed, Clwb Ifor Bach, St John’s Church, Jacobs Basement, Fuel, The Canopi, Tiny Rebel, Boho Club and Porters.
Alongside the live music, the Sŵn Connect industry conference also returns on 16–17 October, hosting panels, workshops and mentoring opportunities for artists and industry professionals, plus the Sŵn Spotlight showcase highlighting the next generation of Welsh talent.
William Dickins, Live Music Manager at Sŵn, said:
“We’re very proud of this year’s line-up and can’t wait to welcome both long-time favourites and fresh new artists to Cardiff. We’re also excited to make use of new venues across the city, which will only strengthen Cardiff’s music scene as a whole.”
Tickets are available now, with payment plans, concessions and volunteer schemes helping to keep the festival as accessible as possible.
👉 For the full line-up, day splits and tickets, head to the Sŵn Festival website.
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