Cardiff Council has announced Codi Llais, meaning ‘raise your voice’, an ambitious new city wide singing and songwriting initiative that will bring together thousands of young people in one of the largest massed choir events ever held in the capital.
The £60,000 project led by CF Music Education with support from Cardiff Council and the Welsh Government’s National Plan for Music Education, will unite children from Years 5–7 across Cardiff, culminating in a major performance at the Utilita Arena Cardiff on Wednesday 15th April 2026. The concert will feature a song written by pupils alongside Bronwen Lewis, singer, songwriter and host of BBC Radio Wales’ morning show.
Designed to inspire young people, strengthen music provision in schools and celebrate Cardiff’s cultural vibrancy, Codi Llais – raise your voice, will focus on themes of finding your voice, self-belief, being brave, being young and having fun.
Reaching up to 10,000 children through in school visits, professional vocal practitioners will work directly with pupils to support them in developing literacy and oracy alongside vocal technique, confidence and musicianship.
Around 1,600 pupils will take to the stage at the concluding concert, in a rock and pop infused performance showcasing Cardiff’s young talent on a high profile platform. They will be joined by professional musicians including Welsh singer-songwriter Shellyann, known for winning All Together Now and for her standout appearance on The Voice, comedian, singer and actor Mike Doyle and a professional rock band. The show will be compered by Huw Stephens a longstanding supported of the Welsh music scene and presenter on BBC radio.
The project supports the Curriculum for Wales expressive arts framework and aims to leave a long term legacy by strengthening whole school singing and laying foundations for future annual events.
Other benefits include:
Improved musical skills and confidence
Enhanced wellbeing and sense of belonging
Strengthened collaboration across Cardiff’s cultural sector
Increased teacher confidence and professional development uptake
Teachers will also benefit from free Professional Learning sessions, delivered online and face‑to‑face, aimed at building confidence and developing long‑term singing culture within schools. A comprehensive digital resource pack containing rehearsal tracks, scores and teaching guidance, will be provided at no cost to participating schools.
Cardiff’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: “Codi Llais is a wonderful celebration of the creativity and energy of Cardiff’s young people. By bringing together thousands of pupils from right across the city, we’re not only creating an unforgettable musical moment, but also strengthening confidence, wellbeing and a sense of belonging through the power of singing. This project shows what is possible when our schools, practitioners and communities come together with ambition and imagination – giving every child the chance to raise their voice and be part of something truly city‑wide.”
Bronwen appeared on ITV singing show The Voice in 2013, coming full circle when she was invited to join the judging panel of Y Llais, the Welsh language version. She also starred in the Bafta winning film, Pride, released a solo album, and toured with Welsh icon Max Boyce for three years, as well as gaining an online fan base through virtual concerts during the Covid pandemic and social media Welsh language covers.
Tickets are now on sale through Ticket Master
Codi Llais supports Cardiff Council’s music strategy work to build a sustainable, resilient music ecosystem.
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