Four huge names took to the stage at Llangollen Pavilion this summer, but Wrexham’s own festival is about to steal the spotlight. WREXFEST returns to the city on 14 and 15 August, marking its thirteenth year.
From Humble Beginnings to a World Music Festival
WREXFEST started in 2013 as the brainchild of Beth Morait. It grew out of a campaign to change perceptions of Wrexham. The festival then expanded into a multi-venue event between 2014 and 2019. Organiser Brendan Griffiths admits the early years were a struggle to find an identity, though. Outdoor events were plagued by bad weather, and the budget rarely stretched far enough.
Even so, those years produced some fond memories. Highlights included headline sets from Slow Readers Club and the first Larynx night in Wrexham. After lockdown, the festival re-emerged as a world music celebration. Consequently, headline performances from N’Famady Koyote and A Certain Ratio followed in the years after. This year, the festival has more community events than ever. These include a free family day at Eagles Meadow.
Two Days, Two Very Different Atmospheres
Saturday 15 August brings a free community day with two stages and children’s activities. Meanwhile, Tŷ Pawb transforms into a world music hub for the day. The highlight will be Composing Belongings, where Welsh artists celebrate their roots and culture through music. In the evening, Wrexham becomes an urban musical theme park. Headliners include Welsh acts Melys, Mali Haf and Fleur de Lys, alongside Scottish artists Pictish Trail and Duke Duncan and the Hurricanes.
Welsh act Holy Coves will also launch their LP at the festival, a moment organisers call a great honour. Furthermore, this year’s partners include City Radio, Shelter UK, The Hive and The Arts Council of Wales. Griffiths credits much of this year’s growth to This Is Wrexham, who joined as a main partner. He says the two organisations complement each other. He describes them as two sides of the same coin, working towards the same goal.
Tickets Are Available
Tickets are available now at seetickets.com/tour/wrexfest, or from ReVibed Records at Tŷ Pawb. Early bird tickets are already on sale, so anyone hoping to catch the evening headline acts is encouraged not to wait too long before booking.
Away from the main stages, families can enjoy a dedicated programme of children’s activities, workshops and arts and crafts sessions. The Heliotrope Art installation by Marja Bonada also promises a striking visual centrepiece for visitors exploring the city centre venues. Notizen, a vibrant fusion of signdance and puppetry, adds another layer of spectacle to Saturday’s free family day.
Organisers say the festival’s growth reflects a wider shift in how Wrexham sees itself. What began as a response to negative press has become a genuine celebration of local identity, Welsh culture and grassroots talent. Consequently, WREXFEST now sits alongside the city’s biggest cultural moments, drawing performers and visitors from across Wales and beyond. Anyone yet to experience the festival is encouraged to give it a chance this August.
Feature Image: Founder and organiser Brendan Griffiths.
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