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Cardiff’s Hidden Gems – uncover the jewels that make up Cardiff’s music scene
Cardiff has a rich and thriving arts scene filled with culture and it goes much further than our well-known venues. From live music venues and intimate performance spaces to jazz bars and experimental playhouses, Cardiff has many hidden gems to uncover.
Arts Management marketing placement student, Rebecca Coleman, investigates these diamonds in the rough.
Small venues – why support them?
Smaller venues give so much life to Cardiff’s music scene. They show the new, the old, and the experimental, and give upcoming artists the space to find their voice. Small venues support our students and local artists, giving Cardiff a rich variety of performances to offer.
If you’re a performer, see what’s out there. If you love to watch shows and listen to music, why not try it out live!
Rebecca’s pick of the top 8 venues in Cardiff:
1. Clwb Ifor Bach
Clwb Ifor Bach is an independent live music venue that gives thousands of upcoming artists the chance to develop their craft. Over the last 40 years, Clwb has enabled artists to engage with the music sector on and off the stage, creating a thriving centre for all things music.
Located on Cardiff’s famous Womanby Street, you’ll find a variety of events happening here, sometimes all at once, across their three floors, so there’ll always be something you want to go to.
What makes it special?
Clwb Ifor Bach has Wales and the Welsh language at the heart of their venue, helping to keep independent Welsh music alive.
2. The New Moon
The New Moon has just opened on the site of the original Moon club and is ready for music. It’s a smaller, more intimate venue, offering live performances and DJ sets, including genres like Motown, Soul, Old School hits and more.
What makes it special?
New Moon, new phase! The focus is on giving local talent a platform, and where else can you find such a variety of genres in one night?
3. Paradise Garden
Cosy café by day, relaxing bar by night - perfect for music lovers. Sit back, relax and take in some amazing live music. Right in the heart of City Road, this is THE space to meet up for coffee and cocktails.
What makes it special?
Paradise Garden is home to Cardiff’s only audiophile sound system with live music every week. With RWCMD students regularly performing here, it’s THE destination to go and support your pals and enjoy a drink or two (especially with their student and industry discounts!)
4. The Globe
Originally a fully operational cinema, The Globe hosts an eclectic mix of live music from the past 50 years and is a favourite on the UK touring circuit. Offering a range of local and well-known artists and a mix of genres and themed events, concerts have ranged from Skindred and Catfish & The Bottlemen, to Alexander O’Neal and Immortal Technique...
What makes it special?
This venue is split into a standing floor and balcony – it’s wider than it is deep! It stands out from the crowd and shows something a little bit different. It’s also been home to The Year of the Dog (who formed while they were at RWCMD) where they performed sell-out shows.
5. New Theatre
If you’re looking for top touring musicals, comedy, dance, or sweeping orchestral performances, then the New Theatre is the perfect place. The New Theatre has productions all year round, with the Christmas panto being a big highlight every year (oh yes, it is!).
What makes it special?
The New Theatre has community at heart, working with youth theatres and summer schemes. They also offer volunteering opportunities at the theatre so everyone can get involved.
6. Sherman Theatre
It’s only a 10-minute walk from the College, so why not watch a show at the Sherman Theatre? It hosts plays, musicals, opera and children’s shows, as well as award-winning in-house productions.
What makes it special?
The Sherman is great friends with the College, and hosts some of our productions, so why not book in to see one of our shows while you’re there.
7. Porter’s
With its regular offer of live music, open mic nights and quizzes every week, this venue is a popular stomping ground for RWCMD students, giving a platform for them to promote their talents. Porter’s is upbeat, welcoming and based in the middle of Cardiff, so it’s easy to get to, wherever you’re coming from - and all the events are free, so what’s stopping you?
What makes it special?
It’s monthly Bandaoke events makes an interesting spin on your classic karaoke evening, and they’ve just opened an intimate 60-person theatre, focussing on local talent and touring theatre.
8. The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
We may be biased, but did you know that RWCMD is one of the largest arts centres in Wales? We have a huge range of performances and events showcasing the talents of our students and visiting artists, and some of these are free to attend – especially if you’re an RWCMD student.
Bonus treasures - Cardiff’s classical music scene
Llandaff Cathedral showcases a range of choral music from visiting choirs and has its own Choral Society. It also hosts the Concerts by Candlelight series, featuring a range of orchestral and pop music - accompanied by a room filled with candles.
Wales Millennium Centre is one of Cardiff’s larger music venues, but within the walls of WMC is BBC’s Hoddinott Hall, an intimate venue specifically for orchestral works. It has a focus on classical music, but there’s always something new and innovative going on.
Cardiff’s music scene is alive with hidden gems waiting to be explored, offering something unique for everyone. So, dive into the city’s vibrant sounds, and discover live music in Cardiff!
