Global Roots in FOCUS is a brand new international showcasing, networking and industry exchange programme for Traditional, Folk, Roots and Indigenous music, language and culture — taking place within the internationally recognised FOCUS Wales Showcase Festival.

Designed for artists, festivals, presenters, booking agents, managers and cultural organisations, Global Roots in FOCUS creates a dedicated professional space for those working across folk, roots and indigenous music worldwide.

Each year, the programme will:

Showcase Wales’s leading and emerging artists in traditional, folk and roots music

Bring together the organisations, venues, festivals and practitioners who support the Welsh music ecosystem

Host an international spotlight country, featuring artists and industry delegates from one partner nation

Create meaningful international connections through curated networking, B2B meetings and sector-focused discussions

Why Global Roots in FOCUS?

Hosted within the established FOCUS Wales festival and conference infrastructure, and taking place in “Gwlad y Gân” — the Land of Song — Global Roots in FOCUS offers international delegates an unparalleled gateway into Welsh music, language and culture.

The delegate programme includes:

Curated industry networking and hosted receptions

Bespoke B2B meetings and speed networking

Panel discussions and workshops focused on international touring, language, culture and collaboration

Artist showcases presented by leading partner organisations

Unique opportunities to engage with minority languages and indigenous cultures from around the world

Dates & Location

Global Roots in FOCUS 2026
Wrexham, Wales | Wednesday 6 – Saturday 9 May 2026
Across multiple venues as part of FOCUS Wales International Showcase Festival

THE 2026 PROGRAMME

Spotlight Country: Scotland

Scotland is the official Spotlight Country for Global Roots in FOCUS 2026.

Showcase Scotland Showcase

Friday 8 May | Hope Street Church, Wrexham | 6:30pm

Showcase Artists: Esther Swift, Ryan Young, Tom Campbell Trio

Yn Cyflwyno… (Presented by)

Each year, a Welsh presenter partner is invited to host an industry networking reception and artist showcase under the “Yn Cyflwyno…” banner.

2026 Presenter Partner: TRAC Cymru

TRAC Cymru ‘Yn Cyflwyno…’ Reception & Showcase

Thursday 7 May | Hope Street Church, Wrexham | 6:30pm

Showcase Artists: Aneirin Jones, Angharad Jenkins & Patrick Rimes, Mari Mathias

Partner Showcases

Additional partner showcases within the Global Roots in FOCUS programme include:

Sound Roots (England): Arts Council England’s leading organisation supporting career pathways into the folk, roots and acoustic music industries.
Artists showcasing:
Arthur Coates and Kerran Cotterall (England & Scotland)
Eleanor Dunsdon & Gregor Black (England & Scotland)
Ceitidh Mac
Something Sleeps (England)

Twenty Music Roots (UK): One of the UK’s fastest-growing music service companies, delivering booking agency services, live events and talent development across the roots music sector.
Artists showcasing:
Alex Francis (England)
Charlotte Carpenter (England)
Veronica Fusaro (Switzerland)

NETWORKING & DELEGATE ACTIVITIES

Global Roots in FOCUS offers a tailored programme of networking and engagement specifically for registered delegates.

Activities include:

• Hosted networking receptions
• Curated B2B meetings
• Speed networking sessions with Welsh and international artists
• Panel discussions and workshops
• Partner-led mixers and cultural exchange events

PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS

Including:
TRAC Cymru • Tŷ Cerdd • Sound Roots • Twenty Music Roots • Theatr Mwldan • Other Voices • Showcase Scotland Expo • Creative Scotland • British Council • Québec Delegation • BBC Radio Cymru • Wales Arts International • PRS for Music • PPL • PRS Foundation

ARTISTS

Wales

• Cerys Hafana
• Angharad Jenkins & Patrick Rimes
• Aneirin Jones
• Gwenifer Raymond
• Mari Mathias
• Kizzy Crawford
• Tristwch y Fenywod
• Carreg Lafar
• Elin a Carys
• Jasmine Power

International

• Joshua Burnside (Ireland)
• Ryan Young (Scotland)
• The Tom Campbell Trio (Scotland)
• Esther Swift (Scotland)
• Alex Francis (England)
• Charlotte Carpenter (England)
• Veronica Fusaro (Switzerland)
• Moonchild Sanelly (South Africa)
• RAKEL (Iceland)
• Alanna Matty (NS, Canada)
• Arthur Coates & Kerran Cotterell (Scotland)
• Muri (The Philippines)
• Daniel James McFadyen (NS, Canada)
• Eleanor Dunsdon & Gregor Black (England & Scotland)
• Kaia Kater (ON, Canada)
• Ceitidh Mac (England)
• Something Sleeps (England)

Other artists of interest:

• Gwenno
• Half/Time (Aotearoa : New Zealand)

Plus many more showcasing artists to be announced.

TAKE PART AS A DELEGATE

Places are limited.

Register your interest to receive a 50% discount code for a standard FOCUS Wales delegate pass.
Eligible applicants will be contacted with a unique code following submission of the form.