skip to main content

Cardiff named as the UK's first 'music city'

Music has been placed at the heart of Cardiff’s future with the Welsh capital being officially declared a Music City - the first of its kind in the UK.

Published: 20 December 2017 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:29 PM

As a result, work is set to begin to develop a new music strategy which aims to protect Cardiff’s music scene and boost the city’s international profile.

This strategy will see Cardiff leading the way in the UK in assessing the ways in which music can help create the type of city people want to live in.

Paul Gray, MU Regional Organiser for Wales & SW England, says: ‘It is fantastic to see Cardiff Council embrace and recognise the numerous values that live music brings to communities as well as to the night time economy, even going so far as to buy a derelict building next to a long established existing music venues to save it from development. We look forward to working with the Council, Sound Diplomacy and stakeholders to protect and further develop the City’s music scene and hope that this will be the start of Councils around the UK considering similar strategies in the future.’


More details from Wales Online.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

An aerial view of Derry in Northern Ireland.

MU to Attend NW Music Makers Forum in Derry

Members are invited to join the MU in attending the NW Music Makers Forum in Derry to discuss collaborative support for the live music sector. Taking place on Friday 12 December 2025.

Published: 02 December 2025

Read more about MU to Attend NW Music Makers Forum in Derry

Charlie Baxter: Winner of The Youth Music Award for Inspirational Music Leader 2025

Congratulations to Charlie Baxter, winner of the MU-sponsored Inspirational Music Leader award at this year’s Youth Music Awards. In this guest blog, discover how Charlie’s career in education has focused on breaking down barriers and making music truly accessible and inclusive for young people.

Published: 26 November 2025

Read more about Charlie Baxter: Winner of The Youth Music Award for Inspirational Music Leader 2025