Cardiff Music City Festival walking tours explore city’s musical history

Cardiff’s streets are alive with music, and this October music lovers can experience the city’s sonic heritage on foot. As part of the Cardiff Music City Festival (3–18 October 2025), two new walking tours led by DJ and Cardiff music scene veteran Gareth Potter will take audiences on a journey through the beating heart and soul of Wales’ capital.

The tours offer a unique opportunity to discover the stories, venues and characters that have shaped Cardiff’s musical landscape in the company of a certified Wales Official Tourist Guide who truly loves his city. Part of Cardiff’s music community since the 1970s, Gareth tours are peppered with anecdotes telling the ever-evolving story of a city that surprises at every turn.

“I’ve been going to gigs in Cardiff since I was a teenager, dismissing the warnings of my family to head ‘down the docks’ to listen to reggae,” said Gareth. “It wasn’t long before I started playing in bands and that love of music and love for Cardiff’s music scene took me through the punk and reggae scenes of the 80s, the club culture of the 90s and the Cool Cymru explosion, all the way to the present day.

“Cardiff’s got music in its bones and the tours are a chance to give people a taste of that, whether they’re lifelong music fans or curious newcomers. There’ll be stories, tunes, and maybe even a pint or two along the way!”

Cardiff Bay Tour

Explore historic Tiger Bay, birthplace of Dame Shirley Bassey and one of the UK’s oldest multicultural communities. From the legendary Casablanca club to the former venue where the world’s first million-pound cheque was signed, Gareth’s stories bring to life the venues, characters and legends that put Cardiff on the musical map. Did Steve Strange really share a pint with local dockers? Does Grace Jones have a Tiger Bay connection? Find out as you stroll the docks and discover the city’s global influence.

Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th October, 2pm – departing from Wales Millennium Centre

City Centre Tour

Walk the streets where U2, Coldplay and The Clash played their first Welsh gigs, and where Oasis staged their comeback. Hear about the Beatles’ last ever UK show, the Sex Pistols gig that never was, and the wild night the Rolling Stones turned Sophia Gardens upside down. From Super Furry Animals to Catatonia, Gareth’s stories reveal the hidden corners and colourful characters of Cardiff’s vibrant music scene.

Friday 17th October, 5.30pm & Saturday 18th October, 2pm – departing from Clwb Ifor Bach

Cardiff Music City Festival is two weeks gigs, happenings, talks, installations and pop-ups, harnessing the power of music, performance and technology to unite and inspire. Tickets for the walking tours are available now.