Cardiff’s biggest music festival is back this month: Here’s everything you need to know

Calling all music lovers, gig-goers or anyone who just loves singing in the shower: Cardiff’s biggest music festival is here, and we’ve got all the information you need to know.

The Cardiff Music City Festival kicked off last weekend, and will run until Saturday 18th October. Across over 25 venues, local artists will be covering a variety of genres. From indie to soul, rock to classical, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

The city-wide celebration began last year, merging several popular music festivals, making this the largest festival in the Welsh capital. The festivals include Llais, Sŵn, and the Welsh Music Prize.

So, here’s a lowdown of some of the things that are going on.

LLais (October 6th-12th)

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This is the place to be for all our vocalists. Artists like Rufus Wainwright, Adwaith, and Cate Le Bon will be playing, showing off their raw talent.

Even though most tickets will be sold, you can try and get your hands on last-minute ones now.

Sŵn (October 16th-18th)

Artists in this event will be playing across venues both intimate and large, with edgy and fresh music. It has a line-up including Squid, Slate and Adjua.

Black Welsh Music Awards (October 4th)

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Although this event has happened, it was a first for the Cardiff Music City Festival. The event was created with the idea of shining a light on Black music and creativity in Wales. The leader of Cardiff Council said: “Cardiff is a city of artists, musicians, singers, producers, sound engineers and of course music lovers.”

Taking place at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, the event hosted many nominees whose art expressed their Black culture.

The festival also financially backs Black organisations and artists to ensure everyone has access to this platform. Singer-songwriter Lily Beau told Nation Cymru: “Cardiff’s music scene genuinely feels more diverse than it’s ever been, and Black Welsh culture feels more tangible than ever”.

Little Gigs (October 15th)

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For those who aren’t pros, there is also the event Little Gigs taking place. Pupils who have been mentored and trained under the Cardiff Curriculum Team and Cerdd CF, run by The National Music Plan, will take the stage on October 15th at 7:30pm at The Gate. Tickets are only £3 and can be purchased here.

All other ticket information can be found on the official website here.

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