Wales Millennium Centre announces the return of LLAIS, its renowned music festival which brings together some of the world’s greatest voices to Cardiff Bay.
Llais is proudly part of Cardiff Music City Festival: a two week-long celebration of gigs, happenings, talks, installations and pop-ups, harnessing the power of music, performance and tech to unite and inspire.
But unlike a usual British festival (which can often bring torrential rain, muddy clothes and long queues), Llais is completely different. Fully indoors at Wales Millennium Centre, which is renown for its breathtaking architecture and acoustic design, guests can enjoy world-class music from global artists. And better yet, guaranteed dry conditions, a fully stocked bar, and no chance of having to use a portaloo.
Llais – meaning voice in Welsh – is an exploration of music and performances that will leave you transformed – bringing together the most electrifying musical talents under one roof. Set in Wales Millennium Centre for another year, the event takes advantage of the venue’s multiple spaces for performances – creating the perfect atmosphere to foster an immersive, inspiring and accessible festival for all.
The latest acts to join the Llais festival include….
Meredith Monk, with Katie Geissinger and Allison Sniffin
Described as “One of contemporary music’s great innovators”, Meredith Monk makes her Wales-debut. Having made a huge impact in the arts scene for decades, her work spans across music, theatre and dance. Joined by two of her vocal ensemble, Katie Geissinger and Allison Sniffin, who have performed with Meredith since the 90’s, guests are in for a real treat as angelic harmonies come together in Hoddinott Hall for a once in a lifetime experience.
Mared & Friends
Blending folk, indie and pop, Mared and her 7-piece band join the schedule, adding Llais to their mini-tour across Wales and England. Winning Welsh Album of the Year in 2021, Mared promises soaring vocals and gorgeous melodies.
Khamira
Blending Welsh folk, Hindustrani classical music and jazz, Khamira bring ‘improvised World Music’ to Wales Millennium Centre for one night only. Formed in 2015, Khamira have two albums, bringing Welsh and Indian culture together through joyous music. Described as ‘mermerising to experience’ by Nation Cymru, it’s not to miss.
Poesis
Bringing all four corners of the UK together, Poesis are a collaboration of four extraordinary talents who bring a unique style to traditional folk music. Welsh-born Claire Victoria Roberts, vocalist and violinist, makes Poesis with Lulu Manning from Scotland, Conor McAuley from Northern Ireland, and Xhosa Cole from England.
From Malian magic and pioneering New York vocal mastery, to Welsh indie legends, Mongolian jazz, Gospel disco, mystical Irish harmony and Guatemalan avant-pop, Llais is a space to discover sound without borders. This isn’t just a festival. It’s a showcase of the most powerful instrument we all share, our voice.
As Graeme Farrow, Chief Creative and Content Officer at Wales Millennium Centre, puts it……
“Llais is here to feed your soul in ways no algorithm can. These artists are real, live and defiant. Take a journey off the beaten track and explore some of the best voices on the planet.”
This year’s line-up offers a thrilling taste of what’s to come at Llais 2025, with performances from boundary-pushing artists across genres and continents.
Highlights include an exclusive solo show from RUFUS WAINWRIGHT, and the return of Welsh indie icon CATE LE BON, who presents a new album. ADWAITH mark their 10th anniversary with two special shows, while cult singer-songwriter and activist BEVERLY GLENN-COPELAND, joined by special guest ELIZABETH COPELAND, makes a rare UK appearance celebrating over 50 years of genre-defying artistry.
The festival also welcomes US Soul sensations Annie and the Caldwells, experimental Guatemalan cellist Mabe Fratti, Mongolian jazz sensation Enji, genre-blending West African artists Vieux Farka Touré and Trio Da Kali, and the explosive energy of Ibibio Sound Machine. The Irish folk resurgence is represented by the a cappella harmonies of Landless and the shapeshifting electronics of RÓIS.
Audiences can also expect performances from Welsh Music Prize nominees and a celebration of the best operatic voices from BBC Cardiff Singer of the World: A Celebration. (Some acts are still under wraps – but trust us, you’ll want to stay tuned.)
You can listen to the Llais Playlist below.
This year’s festival will also feature Ceci est mon cœur (This Is My Heart) – a powerful new immersive experience, directed by Nicolas Biles and Stéphane Hueber-Blies. The piece explores an extraordinary love story: a child’s reconciliation with his body. A poetic, multi-sensory experience that is both aural and visual, storytelling like you’ve never felt before. The experience takes place in Bocs, Wales Millennium Centre’s purpose-built digital space, designed for 360-degree films and XR experiences. It offers an intimate, fully accessible environment ideal for this deeply moving, technology-enhanced performance.
What is so great about the festival is that we get to build the whole experience our own way.
Pick your shows. Book your seats. Experience the magic – all in one iconic venue: Wales Millennium Centre.
No fields. No wellies. No stress. Just dazzling voices, spine-tingling sound and musical connection.
Multi-show discounts:
• 10% off when booking 2 shows.
• 15% off when booking 3 or more.
To check out all the dates and get your tickets go HERE.
CARDIFF CITY MUSIC FESTIVAL runs from the 3rd to 18th October. A two-week-long celebration of gigs, happenings, installations and pop-ups, harnessing the power of music, performance and tech to unite and inspire.
The festival will bring together musicians, promoters, and immersive tech specialists from far and wide to create unique collaborations and unmissable one-off events.
Supported by Welsh Government / Cardiff Council, audiences can expect a series of unique performances, talks, gigs and unexpected happenings in the heart of the Welsh capital over fifteen music-filled days.
Proudly encompassing new music showcase Sŵn, Wales Millennium Centre’s international arts weekend, Llais, and the prestigious Welsh Music Prize which celebrates the finest music made in Wales or by Welsh people around the world, the 2025 festival programme promises to build on the success of last year’s inaugural festival and keep pushing the boundaries of music innovation, performance and technology.
This festival is a key initiative in the Cardiff Music Strategy which aims to protect, promote and develop the city’s music sector.
For more details on the Cardiff City Music Festival go HERE.
