FOCUS Wales, the Wrexham-based music and conference, is returning for its 17th edition on 6-8 May 2027.
Now, the festival for emerging talent and the music industry has released details on its impact. In 2026, the festival says it featured 250 acts from 26 countries, welcomed 434 music industry delegates and brought together 151 Welsh and 99 international acts.
The music programme saw participation from international music export offices and showcase organisations, including CNM France, M for Montreal, Canada’s BreakOut West, Music Nova Scotia and more from across the globe.
Conference sessions focused on sustaining cultural diversity in music, strengthening grassroots ecosystems, global cultural exchange, and developing Black music export in Wales—together reflecting a forward-looking agenda addressing both local and international industry priorities.
Sarah Jones, Director of FOCUS Wales, said: “The success of this year’s FOCUS Wales once again highlights the festival’s unique position as an outward-looking national showcase for Wales, creating meaningful connections between Welsh artists and the international music community while welcoming artists and delegates from across the world to Wrexham.
What also continues to make FOCUS Wales so special is its role as a genuine discovery festival — not only for industry professionals, but for audiences too!”
