ALLBWN / OUTPUT

Funding scheme to encourage more grassroots gigs in Cardiff returns after successful pilot.

Cardiff’s music scene is set to get another boost in 2026 as Cardiff Council’s ALLBWN / OUTPUT funding scheme returns, following a successful pilot earlier this year, with an expanded remit to support new and emerging electronic artists and DJs, as well as gigs.

Designed to encourage promoters to take more risks and increase the supply of up-and-coming new artists playing in the city’s independent venues during the traditionally quiet early months of the year, ALLBWN / OUTPUT guarantees promoters who secure support through the scheme against financial losses on events costing up to £1,000.

ALLBWN / OUTPUT will provide a guarantee against loss of up to £1000*. Designed to increase the number of gigs in the city this scheme will be open to new promoters as well as those who already have a proven track record. It will also be open to local bands who would like to put on self-promoted gigs.

*Please note that terms and conditions are applicable.

Objectives for OUTPUT

• To encourage new promoters to take their first steps in the business without the having to bear all the financial risk.
• To allow more established promoters to branch out either by scaling up in terms of venue or by experimenting with a different genre.
• To enable local bands to build a following by facilitating self-promoted events.
• To broaden the offer of live and original music.
• To increase the number of live music events in the city.

ALLBWN / OUTPUT will work by mitigating the financial risk associated with promoting Grassroots music events. Costs such as venue hire, PA and band fees will be covered by an agreed guarantee against loss meaning that if ticket sales do not reach the required level to cover these costs, we will make up the balance.

The scheme is funded via a UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund grant.

Criteria for application to ALLBWN / OUTPUT

• The gig must take place in a Cardiff in a Grassroots Music Venue or appropriate space
• The gig must be a paid ticketed event
• All bands / artists must be paid.
• The total risk guaranteed must be less than £1000.
• The break-even point must be at under 80% of ticket sales
• The majority of the material must be original.
• The applicant must be 18+
• Applications for support through the ALLBWN / OUTPUT scheme are open until 6 February 2026.
• The event must take place before 15 March 2026.