Fast approaching nearly two decades of new music discovery, Cardiff's inaugural Sŵn Festival makes its very welcomed return to the city this October for its impressive 19th edition. A long-established household name, and firm calendar favourite amongst music fans and those keen to get in early on the next hype, the festival's continued support, drive and passion for new music shows no signs of slowing with its strongest line-up to date. 

Taking place Thursday October 15th to Saturday October 17th the festival will welcome Irish modern folk artist Dove Ellis alongside Cork quintet Cardinals, London contemporary artist Bel Cobain and ex-porridge radio singer Dana Margolin. Elsewhere, Yorkshire synth-pop-punk outfit Working Men’s Club will take their vibrant sound to the stage, with Manchester trio The Orielles making their return to the capital with a fresh album in tow. 

It also wouldn't be Sŵn without its showcase of local talent, and this year is no exception. Whether you’re after something atmospheric, energetic or downright intense, there’s plenty to discover. Cerys Hafana continues to push folk music into fascinating new territory, while ifan’s genre-blurring sound feels both intimate and inventive. For a dose of fuzzy guitars and feel-good energy, Pys Melyn are always a reliable choice with Wrkhouse quickly making a name for themselves with catchy bilingual alt-pop.

A full list of acts playing across the weekend can be found below..... with plenty more to come. 

Sŵn 2026 is once more multi-venue across all three days of programming. Venues this year include: Tramshed, Clwb Ifor Bach, St. John’s Church, Jacobs Basement, Fuel, The Canopi, Tiny Rebel, Little O’Neill’s and Porter’s.

Adam Williams, Head of Music for Sŵn, offers the following on this year’s festival: “Whilst we live in a world that surrounds us with negativity, it's been extremely uplifting to work on Sŵn’s 19th edition. 2026's lineup is filled with incredible new music. We have the pleasure of welcoming Dove Ellis to Cardiff for the first time who will be performing a special guest spot over at Tramshed. Other Cardiff first-timers come in the form of Cardinals, Lucia & the Best Boys, Theatre, Bathing Suits, 2charm, Lauren Auder, Shaking Hand plus dozens of others, as well as much anticipated returning artists including Working Mens Club, HMLTD and Porridge Radio's Dana Margolin who come loaded with new music.”

Sŵn Festival remains as accessible and community-focused as ever - once again offering a wide array of schemes to make tickets as widely available as possible and to offer in-roads into the festival. Payment plans for tickets are available as well as concession tickets for young people, students and Blue Light account holders, while volunteer programmes and the apply to play scheme will also return. Sign up to the mailing list to be notified about when applications open.

Tickets for Sŵn are on general sale now with instalment plans available. Head here for ticketing options and more info: https://swnfest.seetickets.com

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