Focus Wales – Wrexham, Wales 2026
Overview
Focus Wales 2026, celebrating its 16th edition, descends on the vibrant city of Wrexham in North Wales for a whirlwind three-day showcase of emerging global talent from May 7 to 9. This internationally acclaimed music festival transforms over 20 stages across the city center into a buzzing hub of discovery, blending 250+ live performances with industry panels, networking mixers, and film screenings that spotlight Welsh innovation alongside acts from around the world, drawing over 25,000 attendees for an electric weekend of indie, electronic, and alternative sounds.
Organized by a passionate team dedicated to artist development and cultural exchange, Focus Wales continues its legacy as a launchpad for breakthroughs—past stars include Cate Le Bon, mclusky, and Goat Girl—while fostering sustainability through carbon offsetting and eco-conscious travel. Set against Wrexham’s historic streets and modern venues, it’s a compact, walkable escape that pulses with the energy of new music, making it essential for industry pros and fans chasing the next big thing.
Event Highlights
- Main Performances: 250+ acts across 20 stages, showcasing emerging Welsh talents like Adwaith and international gems such as BC Camplight or Dream Wife; genres span indie rock, electronic, and folk with non-stop sets from afternoon openers to late-night closers.
- Special Features: Interactive music conference with panels on artist development and global markets; FOCUS Wales Film strand with curated screenings supported by Ffilm Cymru; RSVP-only networking events and mixers for delegates.
- Unique Attractions: City-center crawl hopping venues like Tŷ Pawb and The Rockin’ Chair; free artist applications via AmpLead (100 slots reserved) for undiscovered gems; eco-initiatives like reduced travel footprints and volunteer-driven sustainability workshops.
About This Event
- Annual three-day international showcase festival since 2011, held across Wrexham’s city center, focusing on emerging music talent with a Welsh core.
- Produced by Focus Wales team, supported by Creative Wales, Welsh Government, and partners like Wrexham University and Greater Manchester Music Commission.
- All-ages at most venues (under-16s with adult); some 18+ spots—check per venue; attracts 25,000+ including 1,000+ delegates.
- Features 300+ live sets, conference sessions, and film program; 20 stages from intimate rooms to outdoor spaces.
- Committed to accessibility via Attitude is Everything partnership; environmental focus with carbon reduction and offsets.
- Global reach: #WelshMusicAbroad events year-round; winner of Best Festival for Emerging Talent at UK Festival Awards.
Why Attend
Focus Wales 2026 is the ultimate sonic treasure hunt in Wrexham’s compact heart, where you can stumble from a gritty basement indie set to an electronic warehouse rave, unearthing tomorrow’s headliners amid panels that demystify the music biz—all in a welcoming Welsh city that feels like a hidden gem. It’s more than gigs; it’s a catalyst for connections, from delegate mixers to film Q&As, blending raw talent with industry insight for an inspiring hit of creativity that lingers.
What sets it apart is the festival’s grassroots ethos—free artist apps, eco-offsets, and a spotlight on underrepresented voices—ensuring every attendee, from superfans to scouts, leaves energized and networked. In a world of oversized fests, Focus Wales’ intimate scale and city immersion deliver pure discovery, turning a May weekend into a career-defining or playlist-revolutionizing adventure you’ll rave about for years.
Date & Duration
- Dates: May 7 – May 9, 2026
- Duration: 3 days
Venue / Location
- City: Wrexham, Wales
- Main Venue: Multiple venues across Wrexham city center, including Tŷ Pawb (central box office and performance space), The Rockin’ Chair (two rooms for gigs), and GlyndwrTV at Wrexham University (conference hub).
- Notable Areas: 20 stages like Levant (18+ electronic), Llwyn Isaf (outdoor 14+), nghtclb. (14+ club vibes), and Saith Seren (18+ folk/rock); all within walking distance, with maps via app.
- Google Maps Address: The Foundry, 15 Yorke Street, Wrexham LL11 1BE, United Kingdom (festival HQ)
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Online via focuswales.com or Ticketmaster UK; weekend passes, day passes, and standalone show tickets; central collection at Tŷ Pawb box office (wristbands required for entry).
- Admission Type: Paid.
- Ticket Pricing Range: $80 USD (minimum) – $200 USD (maximum).
- Special Seating/VIP Options: Delegate passes (£100+ fee) include conference/film access, online database, and queue jump; carer/assistant tickets free (contact sarah@focuswales.com with proof); accessible via Attitude is Everything policy.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@focuswales.com (general inquiries); sarah@focuswales.com (accessibility/carer tickets); press@focuswales.com (press).
- Phone: +44 1978 345230 (English/Welsh available).
- Website: https://focuswales.com (See Official Site).
- Social Media: @focuswales (Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter).
- Key Staff: Not specified; direct to Focus Wales team via email.
- Press/Volunteers: Email press@focuswales.com (press); volunteer applications open via site (TBD for 2026).
- Note: Response time ~5 working days. English/Welsh support; join mailing list for updates.
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: Liverpool John Lennon (LPL), 40 miles north; Manchester (MAN), 50 miles east.
- Public Transport: Trains to Wrexham Central/General (direct from London Euston/Marylebone, 3 hours; Chester/Cardiff connections); buses via Traveline Cymru from Birmingham/Liverpool (1–2 hours).
- Parking: Limited city center spots; nearby multi-stories like Ty Pawb (pre-book advised); carpooling encouraged for eco-impact.
- Other: Drive via A55/M62 (Liverpool 1 hour, Birmingham 1.5 hours, London 4 hours); taxis/Uber (~£50 from airports); festival app for real-time routes.
Accommodation Options
- Hotels: Ramada Plaza Wrexham (central, family rooms); The Lemon Tree Wrexham (boutique, near venues).
- Airbnb: City-center flats or apartments for groups, close to Tŷ Pawb.
- Camping: No on-site; nearby options like Erddig Park Campsite (3 miles) or caravan parks in Ceiriog Valley.
- Booking Tip: Book via VisitWales.com early—May bank holiday overlap; packages include rail from Chester.
Reviews
- A whirlwind of fresh sounds across Wrexham’s hidden gems—discovered my new fave band every block!
- Conference gold for networking; accessibility on point, felt inclusive from gig one to film fest close.
- 250 acts in three days? Non-stop magic—Wrexham buzzes like a mini SXSW with Welsh warmth.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What is the lineup and schedule for Focus Wales 2026?
The 2026 lineup features 250+ emerging acts across 20 stages, blending Welsh talents like Adwaith with globals like past headliners Cate Le Bon or Dream Wife—full reveal autumn 2025 via mailing list. Schedule: Thursday (May 7) opens with early showcases/conference; Friday/Saturday (8–9) ramp up to 100+ gigs, panels, and films till late. Download the free app (iOS/Android) for timetables/maps once live (2025 version via Stereoboard.com). It's a hopscotch adventure—queue jump with delegate passes; expect indie/electronic/folk waves from noon to midnight.
How do I get tickets, and what do passes include?
Buy now on focuswales.com/Ticketmaster: weekend (£75+ fee) for all music/conference/film (venue capacities apply); delegate (£100+) adds networking/RSVP events/database profile; day (£40+). Collect wristbands at Tŷ Pawb box office (9 AM–10 PM Thu–Sat). Carer tickets free (email sarah@focuswales.com with DLA/PIP proof pre-May 5). No refunds; resale capped. High demand—early birds gone fast; app for e-tickets. It's flexible for mixing music with industry insights.
Is Focus Wales accessible, and how do I request support?
Partnered with Attitude is Everything: accessible wristbands, quiet spaces, and BSL at key events (request via sarah@focuswales.com, 5-day response). Multi-venue setup means some stairs—check policy for specifics; carer tickets processed pre-May 5. Under-16s with adult at all-ages spots (e.g., CREU, HWB); 18+ at bars like Levant. App flags access routes; volunteers assist. It's evolving inclusivity—email for escorts or needs; no post-May 5 guarantees but on-site help available.
How do I get to Wrexham, and what's parking like?
Trains to Wrexham Central (3 hours from London, 1 from Liverpool/Manchester); buses via Traveline Cymru (plan at traveline-cymru.info). Drive A55/M62 (Birmingham 1.5 hours). City-center parking limited—use Ty Pawb multi-story (£5–10/day) or nearby streets; pre-book for delegates. Taxis/Uber from stations (~£5). App integrates routes; eco-offsets for travel. Walkable venues minimize hassle—arrive via rail for seamless immersion.
What are accommodation options and tips for the festival?
Central: Ramada Plaza (£100/night, near Tŷ Pawb) or Airbnb flats (£80/group). Budget: Wrexham YHA hostel (£50 shared). No camping—nearby Erddig (£20 tent pitch, 3 miles). Book via VisitWales 6 months ahead—May swells town. Packages bundle rail/tickets; overflow in Chester (20 mins train). Eat local at venues or street food; app lists spots. It's compact, so stay central for late-night hops without fatigue.
