FOCUS Wales once again this May returns to Wrexham brings together over 400 industry professionals and more than 250 showcasing artists from across the globe. Celebrating the festival’s 15th edition, this year’s FOCUS Wales Conference programme is dedicated to a healthy and sustainable future for music, with a focus on evolving best practices, equitable opportunities, and strengthening connections between artists and professionals. Across three days, attendees will engage in thought-provoking discussions, insightful panels, and networking sessions designed to drive collaboration and innovation.
Eisteddfod Genedlaethol will host a panel on support networks for women in music, featuring Ani Glass (pictured), Heledd Watkins (HMS Morris), Adjua and Tara Bandito. Cardiff University will present a session on music and language in Cymru and Aotearoa. IQ Magazine is staging Watershed Moment – The Next Generation of Music, a panel moderated by Deputy News Editor, Lisa Henderson. Molly Palmer, founder of a new digital radio station supported by an R&D grant from Radio Cymru, will share her insights alongside booking agent at Earth Agency, former BBC producer and programmer at the Royal Albert Hall Duncan Smith and Katie Morgan, a programming manager at ASM Global.
The festival will feature a live episode of The Money Trench podcast, exploring the inner workings of the music industry. Produced by Tape Notes and hosted by PPL, The Money Trench is the brainchild of music journalist Mark Sutherland.
The conference’s keynote speaker is Neil Ingham, Executive Director of Samaritans, who will talk about the role of empathetic listening in suicide prevention.
Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, Jack Sargeant, explains:
“FOCUS Wales exemplifies the creative spirit that makes Welsh culture renowned worldwide, and we’re very proud to be supporting the organsation via Creative Wales again in 2025. As we celebrate its 15th year this flagship event showcases our homegrown talent whilst strengthening Wales’ position on the global music stage.
This year’s programme, with its focus on building a more sustainable and equitable future for music, reflects our commitment to nurturing diverse voices. These conversations are essential as we ensure Welsh creativity continues to thrive and resonate both at home and internationally.”
FOCUS Wales is headlined by Gruff Rhys, SPRINTS, Nova Twins and features artists from around the world. Otto Aday and em koko play for God Is In The TV at Ty Pawb flexible pace (Sat 10 May, 8.55pm) and The Parish (Thurs 8 May, 9.15pm)
For the full schedule and more details about the conference programme, visit https://focuswales.com/conference/
FOCUS Wales is at various venues across Wrexham Wrexham from 8 – 10 May 2025.
Photo credit: Bev Crraddock
