Music festival kicks off for the second year

Cardiff Music City Festival starts today Credit: Cardiff Music City Festival

Cardiff Music City Festival starts today, October 3 as it returns for its second year.

Running from 3 to 18 October, the festival is two weeks long and includes gigs, happenings, talks, installations and pop-ups.

This year’s programme features headline performances from global stars including Rufus Wainwright, Cate Le Bon, Gruff Rhys and Moonchild Sanelly.

Welsh artists will be performing including Adwaith and Georgia Ruth.  

The festival’s flagship events, Sŵn and Llais also return, with Sŵn presenting new music from artists such as Mykki Blanco and Lord Apex.

Llais will explore the power of the voice through performances by Beverly Glenn-Copeland and Mabe Fratti.

Cllr Jennifer Burke, Cardiff council cabinet member for culture, parks and events, said: “Cardiff Music City Festival is a celebration of our city’s creativity, diversity and ambition and a key element of our music strategy. It brings people together through music and performance, supports local artists and venues, and showcases Cardiff as a place where culture thrives.”

Welsh Government culture minister, Jack Sargeant MS said: “The Cardiff Music City Festival truly offers something for all musical tastes, from global stars to emerging Welsh talent, and showcases the incredible diversity and creativity of our music scene,” adding that he encourages “everyone to attend and experience the full range of performances and events on offer”.

The festival will also host the Welsh Music Prize / Gwobr Gerddoriaeth Gymreig and a special event in partnership with the BBC, Cardiff Singer of the World: A Celebration.

In addition to performances, the festival will also include Sŵn Connect, a conference programme, and immersive and experimental work at CULTVR’s done.

Find the full programme details and ticket information here.