Wrexham international showcase festival FOCUS Wales has announced the first wave of artists for its 15th anniversary edition, taking place in May next year. FOCUS highlights the very best in new and emerging and established Welsh talent, and artists from around the world.
The upcoming 2025 anniversary edition also introduces the start of a new partnership with Marshall, whose support will enhance the performer experience with world-class backline and upgraded artist village facilities.
Sarah Jones, Director of FOCUS Wales, shares: “We’re thrilled to reveal the first names for our 15th anniversary edition, which promises to be our most international and most diverse lineup yet. As always, FOCUS Wales will showcase an incredible variety of artists for fans to discover, and we have plenty of surprises still to come. This year, we’re also very excited to announce our partnership with Marshall, an iconic name in music. Their support will boost the artist experience and will help us to grow the festival moving forward.”
Nicole Ross, Head of Marketing EMEA at Marshall adds: “FOCUS Wales stands as a beacon for independent music, offering an essential platform for grassroots artists and emerging talent to thrive. Our partnership reflects a shared dedication to fostering creativity and supporting the vital work FOCUS Wales does in creating opportunities for new voices in music. By working together, we aim to elevate their incredible event and celebrate the transformative role it plays in championing the independent music community.”
The 2025 lineup reflects FOCUS Wales’ passionate mission to elevate Welsh talent to an international stage, with headliner Gruff Rhys returning to the festival. It’s so fantastic to see former Super Furry Animals bandmates Das Koolies and GULP announced also, Welsh Music Prize winner LEMFRECK (pictured), Neutron Prize 2024 winner Ynys, total legends McLusky, 9Bach and Melys – who this week release their first material in 19 years – along with Mace the Great, Ani Glass, Ogun, Catrin Finch, Panic Shack, with more to be announced.
Artists outside Wales are no slackers either, including BRIT Award winners Nova Twins, emerging band SPRINTS, Berlin-based Irishman AS Fanning who plays his debut show in the country at the festival, Liverpool’s Laura J Martin, Scottish Album of the Year Award, and Neutron Prize 2019 winner Kathryn Joseph, dreamy psych wonders White Flowers, Girl Ray, and many more.
Over the past decade, the festival’s international focus has grown steadily, with 22% of last year’s lineup comprising international acts. The 2025 edition is set to continue this tradition, with today’s announcement featuring artists from across Europe, as well as Canada, South Korea, and Somaliland. With artists hailing from Cardiff to Jakarta, FOCUS Wales 2025 underscores its reputation as a platform where global and local music converge.
Supported by the Arts Council of Wales, Welsh Government, and PRS Foundation’s Talent Development Network, FOCUS Wales continues to champion emerging talent while connecting local and global audiences.
FOCUS Wales 2025 takes place in various venues across Wrexham, 8 -10 May 2025.
