Cardiff Market to become an after dark music hub for Cardiff Music City Festival

Thursday, 1 October 2026

 

Cardiff’s historic Central Market will open after dark as part of Cardiff Music City Festival, bringing together music lovers, families, visitors and festivalgoers for three free evenings of live broadcasts and performances, DJ sets, food and culture in the heart of the city.

From 5pm – 10pm, Thursday 15 to Saturday 17 October, Cardiff Music City Night Market will see Welsh alternative radio station Radio Sudd take over the iconic Victorian market, transforming the landmark venue into a vibrant gathering place during the Sŵn Festival weekend.

Throughout the day, Radio Sudd will broadcast live from Cardiff Market, with artist interviews, festival coverage and special guest programming including a special edition of On the Record with SHLUG, plus guest slots from Dewin, The Dogs, Wrkhouse and more.

As evening falls, DJs including Sarah Sweeney, John Rea, Deckshark, Ceyda, and Willow will turn up the volume and live performers including Ifan, Pypi Slysh and the John Mouse Multiverse will take to a balcony stage overlooking the market floor, creating a unique soundtrack to a night in one of the city’s most atmospheric heritage buildings.

Meanwhile, the market’s eclectic range of independent traders will be keeping energy levels high, with food and drink on offer from Dirty Gnocchi, Bao Selecta, Patagonia, Thai Asian Delish, Pierogi, The Bearded Taco, Ffwrnes and more.

Cardiff Music City Festival Curator, Ruth Cayford, said: “Cardiff Market has to be one of the city’s most loved public spaces. It has its own unique atmosphere and, like Cardiff’s music scene, it’s built on community. For three evenings Cardiff Music City Night Market is bringing the two together so that as many people as possible can experience the energy, creativity and spirit that make Cardiff such a vibrant music city.”

“The market was a standout experience for many people last year – there’s nothing quite like it in my book – great music, great lights, great food. It’s going to be brilliant, and there’s still loads of special guests still to be announced so tune in to Brecwast on Radio Sudd on 7th October for the full lineup.”

Cardiff Music City Night Market forms part of Cardiff Music City Festival, a city-wide celebration of music’s power to unite and inspire.

Supported by Welsh Government and Cardiff Council, the festival runs from October 2 – October 17 and encompasses Sŵn, Llais and the Welsh Music Prize alongside a diverse programme of one-off gigs, talks, happenings and installations in venues across the city.

Follow @cardiffmusiccity on Instagram and Facebook for more festival news and information, or visit https://cardiffmusiccity.wales/

Image credit: Coal Poet Media