Marking its 15th anniversary, FOCUS Wales 2025 delivered its most ambitious and confident edition to date. Over three days, 260 artists performed across 21 stages throughout Wrexham, filling venues with creative intensity that captivated both audiences and industry delegates alike.
“This year truly felt like a significant step forward for the event,” explains Andy Jones, Co-founder, Director and Head of Music for FOCUS Wales. “It was our biggest lineup yet, and every venue I stepped into was alive with energy. The crowds were buzzing, and delegates were genuinely thrilled by the sheer quality of the fresh, world-class talent.”
The festival proudly showcased its commitment to diversity and inclusion, with 58% of performers identifying as non-male and 21% POC representation. A strong emphasis was placed on celebrating Welsh identity, with 60% of the bill from Wales and a remarkable 20% of artists performing in Welsh. Alongside this homegrown talent, FOCUS Wales welcomed guests from across the UK and beyond, including 57 international acts from across Europe, North America, Asia and Africa, further cementing the festival’s reputation as a vital crossroads of cultural exchange.
Further establishing itself as a key player on the international music industry stage, FOCUS Wales attracted 422 delegates from across the globe, including festival bookers, media representatives, and key industry figures—all eager to discover new talent and connect with the festival’s growing creative community.
Mikey Rishwain Bernard, Artistic Director of M for Montreal, a long-time partner of FOCUS Wales, reflected on the partnership: “Since 2017, FOCUS Wales has played a key role at M for Montreal, with both organisations supporting each other’s efforts across the Atlantic. Our collaboration has opened up new opportunities for artists, professionals, and audiences, strengthening ties between the UK and Canadian music industries. FOCUS Wales is recognised for its dedication, ambition, and global outlook—and is valued not just as a partner, but as family.”
“The Focus Wales team are always a pleasure to work with and have hosted some memorable shows by French artists since we began our partnership, with many acts finding new partners and opportunities as a result of playing in Wrexham,” adds David McKenna, UK & Ireland Consultant for the Centre National de la Musique (France). “It’s a great event for making contacts in a relaxed, friendly setting, and discovering exciting new acts. Long may it continue!”
A cornerstone of the festival, its music industry conference, ran alongside the live programme. This year’s theme, ‘A Healthier Future for Music’, offered a timely exploration of artist wellbeing, sustainability in music infrastructure, and equitable industry practices. Building on last year’s focus on the future of music, the 2025 edition encouraged actionable strategies to create a more resilient and inclusive sector.
Highlights of the conference included a Music Venue Trust workshop on securing funding through clear values, a joint presentation by Eisteddfod Genedlaethol and FOCUS Wales addressing support networks for women in music, and a panel from Marshall exploring whether a level playing field for artists is a reality. IQ magazine’s ‘Watershed Moment’ panel spotlighted the next generation of music talent, while the British Council provided global perspectives on the peaceful sharing of culture through showcasing. These conversations enriched the festival experience and underscored FOCUS Wales’ role as a thought leader in music industry development.
Adding to the festival’s cultural depth, the BAFTA-Cymru qualifying FOCUS Wales Film Festival ran alongside the music programme, featuring a packed schedule of Welsh and international film screenings and industry events that celebrated storytelling in all its forms.
With over 25,000 music fans attending the event, FOCUS Wales 2025 not only marked a celebration of culture and community but also pointed toward an inspiring future. As it embarks on its next chapter, FOCUS Wales remains firmly committed to championing diverse voices, driving industry evolution and creating a more inclusive, sustainable music landscape.
FOCUS Wales 2025 was proudly supported by Welsh Government, Arts Council of Wales and PRS Foundation.
