Latest news with #FOCUSWales
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.
