Love it or hate it, it is generally accepted that Autumn marks the end of festival season; yet, for the happiness of those who are not ready to let go of the festival thrills quite yet, it has become increasingly frequent for large-scale events to be held well into the colder season. Cardiff’s Sŵn Festival has pioneered this trend, and has by now become a staple of the month of October in the Welsh capital. Quirky, ambitious, and with a particular attention for the new and unexpected, the beloved multi-venue festival has shown a continued drive to improve and expand through the years; undaunted by the momentary setback of the COVID lockdown, it has quickly bounced back, bigger and stronger than ever. Its 2023 edition can easily go on record as having been one of the most memorable yet, attracting a truly impressive roster of artists from Wales, the UK, and further afield; and if the announced line-up is anything to go by, 2024 promises to be even better. In a music scene that can feel increasingly London-centric, it is truly refreshing to see Cardiff take centre stage and show its potential as a setting for such a varied range of grassroots music.
Multi-venue festivals can sometimes be geared towards a specific music genre: this has never been the case with Sŵn. Indeed, its palette has been expanding year on year, starting with the classic indie and garage rock acts to eventually incorporate rap, electronica, post-punk, and even acts which blend music, spoken word, and performance art. One of the most laudable aspects of the festival’s programming has always been the attention devoted to Welsh artists, many of which have ended up using Sŵn as a first step towards greater glories. This year, the Welsh contingent at Sŵn includes rap artists like Mirari and Manlikevision, experimental indie outfits like Pys Melyn, purveyors of retro synth-rock like Plastic Estate, and household names like Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard—who are returning to the festival after some truly triumphant past performances.
The list of acts from further afield in the UK is no less impressive. Recent Mercury Prize winners English Teacher bring their distinctive brand of hazy pop, while Porij offer a serving of dance-pop fun, and Lambrini Girls ride a wave of recently released music with the promise of yet another riotous punk performance. For those with an interest in the quirky and experimental, acts such as Alien Chicks, Shtëpi, University, and Wu-Lu can’t be missed, while those who are looking for a touch of the eerie and atmospheric might want to take a look at She’s In Parties with their unusual brand of shoegaze, or The New Eves with their blend of folk-rock and spoken word. And if you’re interested in something with a bit of a sharper edge, sets by familiar faces like Crows and Welsh artists like Shlug are guaranteed to deliver.
Taking over a number of beloved venues in the centre of the Welsh capital, Sŵn Festival is once again bringing the festival spirit into the spookiest month of the year. Past editions have shown the festival’s potential for attracting enthusiastic crowds from well beyond the Welsh border—and Sŵn 2024 is likely to prove just as intense, diverse, and exciting.
Sŵn Festival takes place in multiple venues in the Cardiff city centre from Thursday, 17th October – Saturday, 19th October. Tickets and more information can be found here.
Photo Credit: Jamie Chapman
