If you’ve got a weekend ticket for this year’s Sŵn Festival, here’s our pick of the top acts you won’t want to miss.
Cardiff’s much-loved Sŵn Festival is about to take over the city once again, transforming venues across the capital into a buzzing showcase of the UK’s best new music.
Now part of the Cardiff Music City Festival, this multi-venue event has become a staple of Wales’ live music scene, giving fans the chance to catch rising stars and future headliners before they hit the big stages.
With so much talent packed into one weekend, it’s easy to feel spoiled for choice – so we’ve rounded up some of the must-see acts to catch at Sŵn Festival 2025.
GEORGIA RUTH – The Welsh singer-songwriter has as collab with the Manics and having a Welsh Music Prize under her belt, was one of the first to take to the stage at this year’s Green Man Festival and left the crowd spellbound. Expect soaring vocals and heartfelt storytelling when she takes to the stage in St Johns Church on Saturday 21:30pm
PRIMA QUEEN – After an incredible year they are kicking off the weekend at Clwb Ifor Bach on Friday, this indie duo are known for their bittersweet harmonies and emotional lyricism – the perfect Friday sound Clwb Ifor Bach 16:45
ADJUA – Hailing from Splott, Adjua’s expressive mix of R&B has helped her leave a firm footprint on the Welsh scene, since she started out in 2021. Blending soulful vocals with alt-RnB and powerful lyricism, Adjua brings her unique sound to Jacobs Basement, a must for anyone who loves boundary-pushing Welsh music. Jacobs Basement – 21:15
GRUFF RHYS – A true national treasure, the Super Furry Animals frontman will perform a special solo set at St John’s Church on Friday before heading back on tour with SFA for their first Uk tour in years. Expect wit, warmth, and Welsh pop perfection. St Johns Church Friday 17:00pm
BABY MOROCCO – Expect the unexpected from this electric performer at Jacobs Antiques. Known for wild sets (sometimes topless, sometimes in his pants), Baby Morocco channels chaos, charm and Cuban Brothers-level energy.
MORN – The Triskell Award-winning band from Monmouth are ones to watch, bringing their Brixton-inspired Post-Punk sound to Clwb for bach, with sets brimming with potential and on stage chaos as the band certainly are lively – they are at Clwb Ifor Bach on Saturday 16:45
SARAH METH – A Green Man Rising finalist, Sarah Meth’s haunting, intimate style will light up Tiny Rebel on Saturday – ideal for fans of ethereal indie and confessional songwriting.
SHALE – Another Green Man Rising finalist, Shale wowed crowds at this year’s festival with a secret set. Catch them at The Canopi on Saturday for moody alt-rock with depth and heart.
SQUID – Experimental rock heavyweights Squid bring their pulsating live energy to Tramshed on Saturday, fresh from the release of their acclaimed third album. Expect big sound and hypnotic visuals.
SAGE TODZ – Our top pick of the whole festival! One of Wales’ most exciting bilingual rappers getting recognition with fans all over the the uk with ‘Rownd a Rownd’ being played across the country and amassing intense online attention as well as landing collaborations with the likes of FAW. Sage Todz is set to bring his signature energy to Boho on Friday night, fusing Welsh and English with confidence and fire. – BOHO Friday 20:15
NANCY WILLIAMS – One of Cardiff’s most exciting new voices, who also won a trickle award at this years Welsh Music prize. Nancy’s set at St John’s Church on Friday promises soulful vocals and rich, emotive songwriting.
VAN HOUTEN – Having recently supported Supergrass, Van Houten are quickly building buzz with their nostalgic, lo-fi indie sound – perfect for fans of 90s alt-rock and dreamy guitars.
WING – Winners of Green Man Rising, this Cardiff-based band’s dreamy shoegaze is unmissable. They play Clwb Ifor Bach on Saturday.
ANI GLASS – Cardiff’s electro-pop visionary Ani Glass performs at Tiny Rebel, fusing Welsh-language lyrics with futuristic beats and striking visuals.
From church halls to dancefloors, Sŵn Festival 2025 is set to deliver another unforgettable weekend celebrating Wales’ thriving live music scene.
Sŵn Festival 2025
📅 16–18 October
📍 Multiple venues across Cardiff
🎟️ Weekend and day tickets available now via swnfest.com
