Latest news with #FOCUSWales
Cambrian News
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Cambrian News
Aberystwyth band Ynys win the Albwm Cymraeg y Flwyddyn Award
An album of off-kilter catchy and melancholic psychedelic pop songs, the release generated a buzz with glowing reviews across the likes of The Line of Best Fit, Brooklyn Vegan, and God Is In the TV, followed up with appearances at Other Voices, FOCUS Wales, and SWN, alongside a long list of summer festivals.
South Wales Argus
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Newport Music Trail 2026 dates announced for March 2026
Last year's music trail brought 25 venues, 90 acts, and 36 hours of live music to the city across two days. Next year's event looks to build on these already impressive inaugural figures. This free event is curated with FOCUS Wales and will showcase some of the best talent from a range of different genres that Newport and the rest of the UK has to offer. Last year's music trail saw over 13,000 extra people visit the city centre over the two days and 2026 looks to increase that figure. FOCUS Wales' Andy Jones talks of his excitement for the event (Image: Newport City Council) Emma Stowell-Corten, Cabinet Member for Communications and Culture, said at the launch event: 'The night before the first day of the Music Trail last year, I thought 'what if no one turns up?' But by the time we got to 5PM on Saturday night I couldn't leave Le Pub for fear of not getting back in.' Andy Jones, co-founder of FOCUS Wales, said: 'When we were approached about the project, I was immediately excited because there's lots of great bands and venues involved.' Newport Music Trail 2025 - all the highlights here Those who frequent Newport's thriving music scene, either on stage or as a punter, often share the same sentiment that the city has a rich and flourishing music scene that involves people from all walks of life. A wide variety of acts will perform across the city over two days (Image: Newport City Council) The venues themselves share this sentiment, with Sam Dabb, manager of Le Pub and chair of The Corn Exchange, saying: 'There are so many amazing venues in Newport who all work together, which is something you don't get in other cities.' The venues are in constant communication with each other, which only adds to the feelings of community and belonging that the music scene gives visitors. This event looks to build on Newport's already rich music history which spans from James Thomas Rogers, one of the earliest members of the musical community in the city, right up to Sam Fender's use of the iconic transporter bridge on the cover of 'People Watching'. With the constant growth of Newport music scene, the 2026 Newport Music Trail looks to become even bigger and better, attracting even more visitors to the city centre.
Leader Live
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Highlights from day two and three of Focus Wales in Wrexham
This year marks the 15th year of FOCUS Wales, and is expected to welcome more than 22,000 people to the city. 2024's event saw record attendance, with more than 250 artists taking part in this year's jam-packed weekend. It also hosts a full schedule of interactive industry panels, networking events, and film screenings. Days two and three did not disappoint, with several acts proving a hit with audience members. At the Penny Black, Cardiff-based Afro Cluster and Australian Stella Bridie delighted fans, while The Parish saw performances from a host of names, including Better Joy, Marvin's Revenge, MORN, and em koko. Campfire Social, Lizzie Esau, Macy, Nova Twins, Roscoe and Sprints also wowed crowds. Wrexham's own, Talulah, made further appearances at The Parish and Ty Pawb after the hometown favourite had performed earlier in the week. Bluegrass group Taff Rapids impressed at St Giles' Church and crowds at the Penny Black caught a glimpse of Indonesian singer-songwriter Tanayu. Tom Collins' acoustic set at the Fat Boar was popular, and garage punk band TWO TONNE MACHETE brought their customary high energy, feel good punk anthems to the fore. Manchester trio Yaang and solo artist Twst also featured. More than 300 live sets of music will take place over the course of four days in Wrexham, with established names and international acts all taking to the stage. For a full programme of events, including today's line up, visit Click our gallery above to see some pictures from the event courtesy of photographer Brent Jones.
Leader Live
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Tom Walker performs "incredible" gig for Wrexham hospice
More than 1,000 music fans gathered under the Big Top tent on Sunday, (May 4), for a very special evening of live music in support of Nightingale House Hospice. Headlined by the outstanding Tom Walker, the concert was a powerful celebration of music, community, and compassion. The event, held in collaboration with FOCUS Wales, featured incredible performances from local favourites Declan Swans and the inspiring voices of Choirs for Good, setting the stage for a night to remember. A highlight of the evening came when 18-year-old Liverpool-based singer-songwriter Gabriel Roberts held up a sign reading 'Can I sing with you Tom?' Moved by the moment, Tom Walker invited Gabriel on stage to perform his top-10 hit 'Leave a Light On', to the delight of the crowd. The concert was a true community effort, raising vital awareness and funds to support patients and families with progressive and life-limiting illnesses receiving specialist care from Nightingale House Hospice. Elise Jackson, Event, Campaigns & Community Fundraising Manager at Nightingale House Hospice, said: 'We're absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity and spirit shown on Sunday night. 'A huge thank you to Tom Walker for his incredible performance and heartfelt support of our hospice, and to our brilliant local talents Declan Swans and Choirs for Good, who helped create such a magical atmosphere. 'We're so grateful to FOCUS Wales for this amazing partnership. This event truly highlighted what we can achieve when we come together. The funds raised will help us continue providing vital care to those who need us most. 'Thank you to everyone who came, sang, danced, donated, and made the night unforgettable.' MOST READ: Neal Thompson, Co-Founder of FOCUS Wales, added: 'It was fantastic to see so many people come out to support Nightingale House Hospice and enjoy an incredible performance from Tom Walker. 'The atmosphere under the Big Top tent was magical, and it was heartening to see the community rally behind a cause that provides such vital care for people in Wrexham. 'We were honoured that FOCUS Wales could be part of this special event, shining a light on the power of music to bring people together.'
Leader Live
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
GALLERY: Focus Wales 2025 gets underway in Wrexham
This year will mark the 15th year of FOCUS Wales, and is expected to welcome over 22,000 people to the city, building upon 2024′s record attendance across a jam-packed weekend of events. There's no place like Wrexham during the FOCUS Wales international showcase festival, as it showcases over 250 artists, filling out a variety of spaces and music venues. It also hosts a full schedule of interactive industry panels, networking events, and film screenings. The festival got underway on May 8 and will last until Sunday (May 11). The likes of Llwyn Isaf, Saith Seren, Coleg Cambria and even St Giles' Church will host some top musical talent. TOP STORIES The likes of Red Telephone, Half Happy, Denuo and Talulah, who is from Wrexham, have already wowed the crowds. Other acts performing throughout today/tonight include Campfire Social, Lizzie Esau, Jamie Grey, and the Canadian trio of The Deep Dark Woods, Moonriivr and His His. Over 300 live sets of music will take place over the course of four days in Wrexham, with established names and international acts all taking to the stage. For a full programme of events, visit Click our gallery above to see some pictures from the event courtesy of photographer Brent Jones.
