Cardiff to Host St David's Day Sessions Celebrating Local Music and Culture
Cardiff is set to commemorate Dydd Gŵyl Dewi with a vibrant celebration of local music, culture, and independent venues through special 'St David's Day Sessions' taking place across the city. The programme, running from Friday, February 27 to Sunday, March 1, features a series of live music events at grassroots independent venues, alongside exclusive Market Nights sessions hosted by bilingual local radio station Radio Sudd at the historic central market.
Grassroots Venues and Featured Artists
Grassroots venues such as Chapter, The Canopi, Fuel, Paradise Garden, and Porter's are playing a crucial role in supporting local artists and nurturing Welsh musical talent. These venues are central to the celebration, hosting performances by artists including Ani Glass, the bilingual nu-metal band Celavi, and the psychedelic rock band Spwci.
Market Nights at Cardiff Market
Alongside the venue programme, Cardiff Market will open its doors after dark for two nights of acoustic sessions and DJ sets under its famous glass roof. Market Nights blend music with street food from the market's eclectic range of independent traders, such as The Bearded Taco, Ya Souvlaki, Bao Selecta, and Ffwrnes Pizza, offering a unique St David's Day experience in one of Cardiff's historic public spaces.
Official Statements and Funding
Cabinet Member for culture, parks, and events, Councillor Jennifer Burke, stated: "Music has long been at the heart of Welsh culture, and it's also central to our vision for Cardiff's future. That's why we wanted to create the St David's Day Sessions—a modern, city-wide celebration rooted in Welsh culture and community." The St David's Day Sessions are funded by the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund and form part of Cardiff Council's Cardiff Music City initiative, which recognises music as a key component of the city's cultural identity and aims to strengthen the local music ecosystem at all levels.
