Missed out on major festival tickets? Here are five unforgettable Welsh festivals to liven up your summer.
1) Green Man
Positioned amidst the rolling green hills of Wales’ Brecon Beacons, Green Man is a dream getaway for festival fanatics. With a lineup that mixes indie, folk, and electronica, Green Man attracts a crowd as eclectic as its tunes. Beyond the main festival, one can enjoy workshops, comedy shows, and late-night DJ sets beneath the stars. And if that’s not enough, the burning of the Green Man effigy is an iconic rite of passage for festival-goers everywhere.
(14th – 17th August 2025)
2) Gottwood
Set in the thick ancient woodlands of north-western Anglesey, Gottwood is a haven for electronic music lovers. Pulling in top DJs from across the globe, house, techno, and dub reggae blast through the trees. Expect DJs spinning from stages in woodland clearings, connected by psychedelic art installations, ensuring Gottwood feels more like a free party than an organised event. With intimate stages and a crowd ready to let loose, this festival is a community-driven haven for dance music aficionados.
(12th – 15th June 2025)
3) Focus Wales
In Wrexham, the world’s music scene collides with local grit. Here, tomorrow’s headliners are born as fresh-faced bands rub shoulders with seasoned pros, so every gig feels like a new discovery. Expect raucous indie, introspective folk, modern synthpop, hip-hop, soul, and much more, filling Wrexham’s old streets with modern sound. Come here to say, ‘I saw them before they were famous.’
(8th – 10th May 2025)
4) Sŵn Festival
Cardiff’s answer to a city-wide musical treasure hunt, Sŵn Festival turns Wales’ capital itself into a festival ground, with events spread across the city’s range of eclectic venues. Cardiff during Sŵn Festival is like shaking a bottle of fizz and popping the cork. Live music spills from every venue, from sweaty basement clubs to grand old theatres. You’ll stumble on an enormous range of genres. And for music nerds, the festival’s panels, talks, and workshops allow one to peek behind the curtain of the music industry.
(17th – 19th October 2025)
5) Eisteddfod
For those who want a traditional experience, Eisteddfod is the only option. This festival is a love letter to Wales in all the best ways. Every August, a different Welsh town hosts this nomadic celebration of language, music, and storytelling. You’ll hear soul-chilling choirs and witness fierce poetic hymns where ancient traditions meet modern voices. Whether you’re catching a live band in the music tent or sampling local delicacies from one of the festival’s many food stalls, there’s no shortage of authentic experiences. And don’t worry if your Cymraeg is a little rusty – the warm welcome and vibrant atmosphere will make you feel like a local in no time.
(August 2nd – 9th 2025)
Wales might not have the Pyramid Stage, but it’s got musical magic in every corner. From deep house in a fairy-tale forest to summer vibes on the sunny slopes of the Brecon Beacons, there’s a festival that’s calling your name. Get your tickets and make this summer a great one to remember.