Beats, bites and bright lights as historic Market transforms into Cardiff Music City Festival Night Market

Tuesday, 7 October 2025

Cardiff’s historic Central Market will transform into a vibrant, music-filled night-time destination as part of the Cardiff Music City Festival, with a free, open-to-all night market taking place during the Sŵn weekend (Thursday 16^th – Saturday 18^th October).

For three special evenings only, the Grade II listed Victorian market will come alive after its usual opening hours, welcoming visitors to enjoy a unique cultural experience that blends music, food and art, under its iconic glass roof.

This exciting event invites festival-goers and curious passers-by to dip in and out of Sŵn and other Cardiff Music City Festival events, creating a fluid, festival atmosphere in the city centre.

At the heart of the night market is a specially commissioned lighting installation by local lighting designers Neon Black – part of the creative team behind the visual spectacle of The Sphere in Las Vegas. Their immersive lighting design will reimagine the market’s architecture, casting it in a new light and turning the space into a glowing beacon of creativity and celebration.

Adding to the sonic landscape, Radio Sudd – Wales’ new bilingual alternative radio station – will broadcast live daily from a pop-up radio station on the ground floor of the market. The tunes will continue into the evening, with a selection of Radio Sudd and guest DJs playing the best in alternative, underground and global sounds from a booth on the balcony, near the legendary Kelly’s Records. The full line up will be announced on the Radio Sudd Breakfast Show on Wednesday, 8^th October.

Food lovers will be spoilt for choice, as the market’s eclectic collection of independent food vendors, including Market favourites Dirty Gnocchi, The Bearded Taco, Ffwrnes Pizza and The Real Ting, will be serving up their signature dishes late into the evening. From street food favourites to global flavours, the night market promises a treat for every tastebud.

“This is about opening up one of Cardiff’s most loved spaces to the city in a new way,” said Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke. “We want people to experience the market as they’ve never seen it before – lit up, buzzing with music, and full of life. It’s a chance to celebrate Cardiff’s creative energy and the incredible talent that makes this city sing.”

The night market is part of a wider programme of Cardiff Music City Festival events, which aim to showcase the city’s music scene, support local artists, and create unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors alike.

Whether you’re heading to a gig, grabbing a bite, doing a spot of late-night shopping, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, the Cardiff Market night market offers a free, welcoming space to enjoy the best of the city’s music and culture.

Cardiff Music City Festival is supported by Welsh Government and Cardiff Council.