Did you know that more than 890,000 travellers visit Wales each and every year? A sizeable portion of this figure is attracted to the eclectic range of music festivals that simply cannot be found anywhere else. Whether you plan to arrive for business or pleasure, it is always a good idea to highlight a handful of must-see events so that you can create a well-rounded itinerary well in advance. Without further ado, let’s jump right in.
The Glastonbury Festival
No article discussing musical events would be complete without first mentioning the Glastonbury Festival. Sometimes known simply as “Glasto”, this gathering is one of the largest of its kind in England. Although contemporary music tends to be the mainstay, this is not the only thing the festival has to offer to their visitors:
- Comedy shows
- Cabaret
- Circus acts
- Theatre exhibitions
The Glastonbury Festival is normally held in late June each year, as the weather tends to be accommodating. If you hope to visit Wales during this time period, make it a point to experience all that Glastonbury has to offer.
The Cardiff City Music Festival
Modern music festivals understand that offering attendees some diversity is key to attracting a good audience. We’ve seen the same in other aspects of life. In the last few years, both music festivals and game platforms have learned that offering a good arrangement of popular options is a good way to get a big audience that can boost their pedigree. Cardiff City Music Festival is one of the prime examples of this philosophy.
This event is primarily concerned with the latest electronic and techno music flavours. It also caters to international pioneers who continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the digital domain. Another interesting point to make is that this festival is just as keen to cater to amateurs who are eager to make their presence known. Held in numerous locations in and around Cardiff, even those who are not necessarily fans of electronic music should still enjoy the overall experience.
FOCUS Wales
Although this next recommendation is rather new to the world of music, it should still be mentioned. The goal of FOCUS Wales is to showcase local up-and-coming talents that might not yet possess the clout to emerge on the international stage. More than 10,000 visitors have attended this event in the past, and up to 200 bands will showcase their unique skills. Other attractions include meet-and-greet events, interactive networking sessions, film screenings, and even stand-up comedy routines.
The Green Man Festival
The Green Man Festival (sometimes known as “Green Man”) was first introduced in 2003, and since this time, it has attracted more than 25,000 attendees each year. The Green Man is one of the most unique events held in Wales, as it caters to a wide audience base. Previous well-known headliners include PJ Harvey, Laura Marling, Kraftwerk, and Fleet Foxes. The Green Man is also known for its anti-corporate approach, and it has earned several accolades over the years (such as the Best Medium-Sized Festival 2010, and Best Grass Roots Festival 2012). It is normally held near Crickhowell in South Wales, and dates vary.
We can now see that music and art have both become important to Welsh culture, and these gatherings continue to attract crowds from all walks of life. Those who hope to learn more are encouraged to visit the official websites, as these will provide important information such as prices, dates.
