Llangollen Fringe Festival returns this summer for its
28th edition, from July 11-20.
Organisers say it promises to be a vibrant and eclectic celebration of the arts, showcasing
the very best in comedy, music, dance, theatre, spoken word, and community-led
workshops.
Established in 1997, the Fringe has
grown into one of Wales’ most distinctive independent arts festivals,
attracting performers and audiences from across the UK and beyond.
This year’s programme will feature an exciting mix of
internationally acclaimed artists, emerging talent, and local creatives.
The 2025 music line-up includes London Afrobeat Collective,
a high-energy eight-piece known for their electrifying fusion of afrobeat,
funk, jazz and Latin grooves. They will kick off the party with their joyful,
multilingual rhythms.
N’Famady Kouyaté,
the dynamic balafon player and Glastonbury Emerging Talent winner, brings his
rich blend of Mandingue traditions, jazz, indie, and pop.
Scottish folk innovators Breabach celebrate 20 years at the forefront of contemporary
traditional music with their powerful mix of pipes, fiddle, step dance and
Gaelic song.
Adwaith, the bold
Welsh-language trio and double Welsh Music Prize winners, showcase their
expansive new album Solas, exploring
identity, place, and transformation.
The Tubs bring jangly indie
rock with folk undertones and post-punk edge, hailed by Pitchfork and Iggy Pop
alike, while Afriquoi delivers a thrilling late-night set fusing Congolese
guitar, Gambian kora and UK dance music.
Festival favourite Mr. Scruff returns alongside MC Kwasi
for a legendary genre-hopping DJ set packed with deep cuts, visuals and infectious
energy.
Jali Bakary Konteh, heir to one of the
most revered kora dynasties in West Africa, brings his virtuosic playing and
fresh rhythmic arrangements, blending traditional Manding music with
contemporary influences.
Cerys Hafana,
the trailblazing Welsh composer and triple harpist, stirs ancient sounds with
experimental textures and archival inspirations, creating hauntingly innovative
folk fusions.
From across the border, Bill Ryder-Jones, former Coral guitarist turned critically
acclaimed solo artist and producer, brings the emotionally resonant songs of
his acclaimed 2024 album Iechyd Da to
the Fringe, following a year of sold-out orchestral shows and headline
performances.
Also appearing are Filkin’s
Drift, the dynamic fiddle-guitar duo whose spellbinding harmonies and
adventurous compositions - born from an 870-mile walking tour - blend English and
Welsh traditions with remarkable sensitivity and flair.
Artistic Director Neal Thompson said: "We’re
so proud to bring the 28th edition of the Fringe to life this July. Llangollen
has a long tradition of celebrating music and culture, and this year’s
programme reflects our ongoing commitment to artistic diversity and
accessibility. Whether you’re here for the music, to laugh, learn something
new, or simply soak up the atmosphere – there’s truly something for everyone.”
Alongside the headliners, Llangollen Fringe will once
again be buzzing with free events and live music thanks to the return of two much-loved
strands.
Free Workshops
offer a vibrant series of community-led sessions across a wide range of
artforms, welcoming all ages and abilities to take part.
Meanwhile, Music Around Town transforms Llangollen
into an open-air stage, with live performances popping up in local venues
across both weekends.
* Full programme details and tickets: www.llangollenfringe.co.uk
.png)
.png)
.png)
