Imagine a city composed entirely of music for three glorious weeks. A city not just of fantastic venues and cultural places, but of streets that pulse with immersive music happenings, secret gigs and inventive pop-ups. A city where music interventions and unusual residencies are suddenly coming alive in unexpected corners. A city where electronic and dance events, sonic art and talks with emerging artists and cultural thinkers are thrumming together simultaneously, beating like a huge heart.
The city is Cardiff, and the festival is the new Cardiff Music City Festival, a three week-long celebration of innovative and accomplished music coming to Wales’ thriving capital city this September and October.
A QUICK LOOK AT WHAT'S ON
Friday 27 September - opening party with Leftfield and Orbital (Utilita Arena Cardiff)
Still pushing boundaries 30 years after their generation-defining headline show at Glastonbury 1994, Orbital’s most recent album Optical Delusion welds the Hartnoll brother’s trademark modulated synths to the striking vocals of Anna B Savage and the punk-politics of Sleaford Mods, while Leftfield are still at the very top of their game - Mixing up box-fresh tracks with classic cuts to create an immersive, pulsating juggernaut of sound overlaid with repeated motifs and kaleidoscopic visuals.
Saturday 28 September - live-streamed music production masterclass with legendary DJ and producer, High Contrast (Atrium Theatre / online)
Cardiff Music City Festival invites you to delve into the mesmerizing world of HIGH CONTRAST, one of the UK’s most prolific drum and bass artists. This is a music production master class which promises a kaleidoscope of sound and vision where old-school technology meshes with cutting-edge production, creating a soundscape like none other.
Tuesday 1 October - Kneecap + guests (Tramshed)
Genre-bending, new age Irish rap trio Kneecap come to Wales. Expect thrills and spills!
Saturday 5 October - Welcome to Wales (Tramshed)
The biggest names and rising stars in Music Of Black Origin from across Wales join together for a one-of-a-kind event, showcasing the rich diversity and talent of our homegrown artists. This isn’t just a concert; it’s a moment, a celebration of Welsh culture, and a unifying experience for music lovers aged 16 and up.
Tuesday 8 October - Welsh Music Prize (Wales Millennium Centre)
Founded in 2011, the Welsh Music Prize celebrates the finest music made in Wales or by Welsh people around the world. Originally originally launched to co-incide with Swn Festival it has now grown into its own, taking place each Autumn. With a commitment to diversity and fine production, the Welsh Music Prize will continue to champion the best new music in Wales.
Wednesday 9 October - Ms Lauryn Hill & the Fugees (Utilita Arena)
Multi-Grammy-award-winning Lauryn Hill and the reunited Fugees are co-headlining this extension of The Miseducation Anniversary Tour in honour of her landmark album.
Wed 9 - Sun 13 October - Llais (Wales Millennium Centre)
This year's Llais - the international arts festival inspired by the voice - is presented as part of CMCF. With a mixture of free and ticketed events, Llais presents a programme of adventurous live music, thought-provoking performance and playful experiences for everyone to explore. Performers and artists include Joan As Policewoman, Fabiana Palladino, Georgia Ruth and many more. For full schedule and to book tickets, visit the Llais website.
Thurs 17 - Sat 19 October - Sŵn Festival (multi-venue)
Sŵn Festival is an award-winning, multi-venue, contemporary music festival, which has been a cornerstone of Cardiff’s cultural landscape since 2007. With an unwavering commitment to showcasing new music and emerging talent, the festival programme celebrates a diverse array of artists, ranging from homegrown to international acts. This year, Sŵn is proudly part of Cardiff Music City Festival.