The first in-person festival to be held by 6 Music since 2020, the Cardiff based live music event is not one to miss. Taking place across multiple venues from April 1-3, this is a delightfully far cry from last year’s digital-only event.
It’s a mighty lineup – ranging from the likes of the Pixies, Wet Leg, Self Esteem, Father John Misty, Bloc Party, Little Sims and Sports Team to relative up-and Plus an array of support acts such as audiobooks, beabadoobee, Big Joanie, Carwyn Ellis & Rio 18, Curtis Harding, David Holmes, Deyah, Elkka, Emma-Jean Thackray, Ezra Collective, Georgia Ruth, Green Gartside, Gruff Rhys, Gwenno, H. Hawkline, Ibeyi, Ibibio Sound Machine, Lucy Dacus, Mykki Blanco, Obonjayar, Orlando Weeks, OVERMONO, Porij, Sherelle, The Bug Club, The Mysterines and more.
The Festival is part of BBC 100 – as 2022 marks a century of the BBC. It’s set to be a whirlwind 12 months, with an array of events special content, and determined education initiatives to educate, inform and fascinate the UK. And Wales’ capital city of sunny Cardiff seems to be a prime destination for the first half of their anniversary.
Wet Leg performing at Green Man 2021 – Photo by Parri Thomas
It will see live performances, DJ sets and, most interestingly, In Converstaions all throughout the city. Hotspots such as St David’s Hall, The Great Hall, Y Plas in Cardiff University Students’ Union and Tramshed, will be the places to be the first days of next month.
Head of BBC Radio 6 Music, Samantha Moy, said: “After two years, it feels very special to say that the 6 Music Festival is back with a bang in Cardiff. This is a city which has always had a thriving music scene and I can’t wait to bring the 6 Music family, of both presenters and listeners, together for the magic of the 6 Music Festival.”
Presenters are fan favourites from the 6 Music roster, with names such as AFRODEUTSCHE, Amy Lamé, Cerys Matthews, Chris Hawkins, Craig Charles, Don Letts, Gideon Coe, Gilles Peterson, Huey Morgan, Jamz Supernova, Lauren Laverne, Mark Radcliffe, Mary Anne Hobbs, Nemone, Steve Lamacq, Stuart Maconie and Tom Ravenscroft broadcasting from Cardiff over the course of the weekend. Bringing DJ sets, live music and interviews across the British isles.
They’ll be a special curation of programmes by Welsh and UK radio through the weekend. BBC Radio Wales will feature Huw Stephens’ simulcast (Sunday 3rd April, 4-7pm), a number of highlights and events live, and a re-broadcast of Cerys Matthews’ 6 Music Festival programme (Sunday 3rd). BBC Radio Cymru will see Rhys Mwyn, Georgia Ruth, Lisa Gwilym and Huw Stephens go through the festival highlights.
Father John Misty performing at All Points East, London
Whereas they’ll be special editions of 6 Music’s Indie Forever (Saturday 2nd April, 3-4am), Ambient Focus (Saturday 2nd April, 4-6am) and Lose Yourself With… (Sunday 3rd April, 3-5am). All available on BBC Sounds after broadcasting.
Post-fest, BBC Four and BBC Wales will deep dive into the festival’s best moments, with a special programme dedicated to the best bits of the weekend. Highlights will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer over the weekend, plus 30 days afterwards.
Huw Stephens enthusiasm for the festival does not stop at his multiple stops at Welsh radio stations, as he said: “It’s great news that the 6 Music Festival is coming to Cardiff. We love our live music here; gigs and club nights are a massive part of what makes Cardiff special, and live music is in our blood. We also love BBC Radio 6 Music and to have this incredible festival happening here at this important time in live music venues’ recovery, is really exciting.”
It’s definitely one to watch (or listen to) whether you’re there, in the car or at home – it’s a post-pandemic festival where everyone’s welcome.
