Cardiff Music City Festival has brought thousands of music fans to the Welsh capital, with more than 100 events taking place across the city during its third year.
The two-week celebration featured a packed programme of live performances, talks, installations and pop-up experiences at more than 20 venues, showcasing everything from internationally recognised artists to emerging Welsh talent.
Venues including Tramshed, Clwb Ifor Bach, Wales Millennium Centre, The Globe, Porter’s, Paradise Garden, Acapela, CULTVR and District all played their part in the festival, which celebrated the diversity of Cardiff’s music scene.
The festival opened with a special performance from local cult favourites Acid Casuals at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, where they performed their album Omni.
Now in its third year, Cardiff Music City Festival once again brought together some of Wales’ biggest music events, including Sŵn Festival, Llais and the Welsh Music Prize, alongside a programme of specially curated performances and activities.
Among the highlights was Dafydd Owain being crowned winner of the Welsh Music Prize, while Laurie Anderson made her first ever appearance in Wales as part of Llais.
Sŵn Festival also delivered a series of standout performances, with artists including 2026 Mercury nominee Dove Ellis, Working Men’s Club, Westside Cowboy, Bathing Suits and Honeyglaze taking to the stage.
Welsh talent was firmly in the spotlight too, with Melin Melyn headlining a bill at The Gate in Roath alongside Morn and Internet Fatigue.
Elsewhere, DIY punk culture was celebrated at Arthole, while Cardiff-based art collective Tactile Bosch marked its 25th anniversary during the festival.
The programme extended beyond traditional gigs, with a seven-hour sound installation at the Temple of Peace and a series of industry talks and masterclasses featuring musicians including Getdown Services, Kayus Bankole of Young Fathers and Idles guitarist Lee Kiernan.
One of the more unusual events saw Cardiff’s historic Central Market transformed into an after-hours music venue for the return of Cardiff Music City Night Market.
Local alternative radio station Radio Sudd curated three evenings of DJs and live performances, featuring artists including Panic Shack, The Orielles, John Mouse and Cerys Hafana.
Cardiff Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said: “Music is Cardiff’s beating heart, and you could hear that loud and clear during this year’s festival. As well as delivering unforgettable experiences for audiences, the festival supports our independent venues, creates opportunities for local artists and shines a spotlight on the incredible strength of Cardiff’s music scene.”
Welsh Government Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport, Heledd Fychan, said: “Cardiff Music City Festival continues to demonstrate Wales’ capital as a vibrant and vital home for music – and that’s why we’ve supported this year’s festival, helping to showcase the incredible talent across our music scene, from grassroots artists to internationally renowned names.
“This investment reflects our commitment to backing our live music sector, supporting independent venues and ensuring Cardiff continues to be recognised as a true music city on the world stage.”
Supported by Welsh Government and Cardiff Council, the festival forms part of Cardiff’s wider Music City strategy, which aims to strengthen the capital’s music industry and support its grassroots venues.
The strategy has already seen funding made available to independent music venues, new promoters and local artists, alongside a partnership with Music Venue Trust to provide venues with high-quality equipment.
It also includes work to secure the future of St David’s Hall and support the delivery of Cardiff’s new arena in Cardiff Bay.
Following another busy fortnight of music and events, organisers have confirmed that Cardiff Music City Festival will return for its fourth year in autumn 2027.
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