Llais 2025: First Acts Announced | Cardiff Music City Festival
This autumn, Llais returns louder, bolder, and more unforgettable than ever.
From global icons and crowd favourites to jaw-dropping new talent, Llais 2025 (6 – 12 October) brings together the most electrifying musical talents under one roof. No mud. No chance of rain. Just world-class sound, breathtaking performances and a week of music that will leave you transformed.
Highlights include an exclusive solo show from Rufus Wainwright, and the return of Welsh indie icon Cate Le Bon, who presents a new album. Adwaith mark their 10th anniversary with two special shows, while cult singer-songwriter and activist Beverly Glenn-Copeland with special guest Elizabeth Copeland, makes a rare UK appearance, celebrating over 50 years of genre-defying artistry.
The festival also welcomes US Soul sensations Annie and the Caldwells, experimental Guatemalan cellist Mabe Fratti, Mongolian jazz sensation Enji, genre-blending West African artists Vieux Farka Touré and Trio Da Kali, and the explosive energy of Ibibio Sound Machine. The Irish folk resurgence is represented by the a cappella harmonies of Landless and the shapeshifting electronics of RÓIS.
Audiences can also expect performances from Welsh Music Prize nominees and a celebration of the best operatic voices from BBC Cardiff Singer of the World: A Celebration.
This year’s festival will also feature Ceci est mon cœur (This Is My Heart) – a powerful new immersive experience, directed by Nicolas Biles and Stéphane Hueber-Blies. The piece explores an extraordinary love story: a child’s reconciliation with his body. A poetic, multi-sensory experience that is both aural and visual, storytelling like you’ve never felt before.
Some acts are still under wraps – but trust us, you’ll want to stay tuned.
WHAT IS LLAIS?
Llais is a week long exploration of music, performance and storytelling, all centred on the most powerful instrument we all share: the human voice.
From Malian magic and pioneering New York vocal mastery, to Welsh indie legends, Mongolian jazz, Gospel disco, mystical Irish harmony and Guatemalan avant-pop, Llais is a space to discover sound without borders.
This isn’t just a festival. It’s a showcase of the most powerful instrument we all share, our voice.
Llais is proudly part of Cardiff Music City Festival: a two-week-long celebration of gigs, happenings, installations, and pop-ups, harnessing the power of music, performance and tech to unite and inspire
“Llais is here to feed your soul in ways no algorithm can. These artists are real, live and defiant. Take a journey off the beaten track and explore some of the best voices on the planet.”
– Graeme Farrow, Wales Millennium Centre’s Chief Creative and Content Officer
BUILD YOUR FESTIVAL
Pick your shows. Book your seats. Experience the magic – all in one iconic venue.
No fields. No wellies. No stress.
Just dazzling voices, spine-tingling sound, and musical connection.
Multi-show discounts:
10% off when booking 2 shows
15% off when booking 3 or more
LLAIS 2025. You’ll hear it. You’ll feel it. You won’t forget it.