Forty-five years after O Superman carried her, improbably, to number two in the UK singles chart, Laurie Anderson has finally played Wales. Her first ever Welsh performance, at Llais, was one of the standout moments of Cardiff Music City Festival 2026, which has just closed its third year after more than 100 events at over 20 venues across two weeks.
It was a programme that put visionary icons, cult favourites and new local talent on the same city map, and thousands of music fans came to see it.
Laurie Anderson performing at Llais. Image credit: Polly Thomas
Opening night
The festival began close to home, with local cult heroes Acid Casuals giving a one-off performance of their cult album Omni at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. Gwenno also played at the college during the fortnight, taking to the piano for her set.
The Welsh Music Prize
The Welsh Music Prize sits within the festival programme, and this year it went to Dafydd Owain.
Dafydd Owain celebrating his Welsh Music Prize win. Image credit: Welsh Music Prize
Sŵn
Sŵn, the Welsh word for sound, delivered some of the best sets of the fortnight. Among the highlights were 2026 Mercury nominee Dove Ellis, Working Men’s Club, Westside Cowboy, Bathing Suits and Honeyglaze. Bel Cobain also took to a Sŵn stage, and Minas played the atmospheric St John’s Church.
Bathing Suits playing at Sŵn Festival. Image credit: Sŵn
Llais
Llais, at Wales Millennium Centre, brought the big international names. Alongside Laurie Anderson, the Blind Boys of Alabama and Buena Vista All Stars both appeared as part of the programme.
Welsh talent at the Gate
In Roath, Melin Melyn topped a bill of Welsh talent at the Gate, with Morn and Internet Fatigue also on the line-up.
Church of Noise
DIY punk culture took centre stage at Arthole as part of Church of Noise, with The NaNaz among the acts and a Punk House Poets event held as part of the same celebration.
Seven hours at the Temple of Peace
For something slower, Richard James staged a seven hour sound installation at the Temple of Peace, the 1930s civic landmark in Cathays Park.
Talking shop
The talks programme was strong too, with industry panels and masterclasses featuring Bristol post-punk act Getdown Services, Kayus Bankole of Young Fathers, and Idles guitarist Lee Kiernan, who was in conversation at the Canopi.
Idles guitarist Lee Kiernan in conversation at the Canopi as part of the festival. Image credit: David Hardacre
The Night Market
Cardiff Music City Night Market returned, transforming the city’s historic central market into an after-hours music hub. Local alternative radio station Radio Sudd programmed three evenings of DJs and live music, with Panic Shack, The Orielles, John Mouse and Cerys Hafana all on the bill.
Around the venues
The Globe hosted both Miss Faithee and Friends and Jayahadadream, Miles Hunt of The Wonder Stuff was among the festival’s guests, and there was a packed DJ set from Rossi. Cardiff-based art collective Tactile Bosch also celebrated its 25th anniversary during the festival, and Womanby Street gained a new Manic Street Preachers lyric artwork.
Why it matters
The festival is more than a showcase. Backed by Welsh Government and Cardiff Council, it is a key part of Cardiff’s long-term Music City strategy, which has seen the Council fund grassroots venues, support new promoters, give grants to artists and musicians, and partner with Music Venue Trust to provide grassroots venues with high quality backline equipment.
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.”
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.”
Next year
Cardiff Music City Festival returns for its fourth year in autumn 2027. Watch cardiffmusiccityfestival.wales for the first names.
Music Life Tip!
Sŵn, Llais and the Welsh Music Prize all sit under the festival’s umbrella, so following those three through the year is the easiest way to spot who might turn up on next autumn’s bill.
Main picture: Melin Melyn performing at the Gate in Roath. Image credit: David Hardacre.
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More from the Welsh capital
For the city’s side of the story, from the venues to the Night Market, head over to our sister title. Read it on City Life Cardiff.
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