Cardiff's music scene revival: how community action sparked change in 2017
- In 2017, protests arose in Cardiff against the redevelopment of Womanby Street, threatening local music venues.
- The council responded by withdrawing the redevelopment application and commissioning a strategy to support the music scene.
- The Cardiff Music City festival was established to celebrate and promote the city's diverse musical talent, highlighting the importance of community support.
In 2017, Cardiff faced a crisis in its music scene as independent venues along Womanby Street were threatened by proposed redevelopment. Local residents organized protests, successfully pressuring the council to recognize the importance of this cultural area. The planning application for redevelopment was withdrawn, leading to the commissioning of Sound Diplomacy to create a strategy for the city's music scene. Despite some venue closures due to rising business rates, the Cardiff Music Strategy was published in April 2019, marking a significant step in supporting local music. The Cardiff Music City festival emerged as a culmination of these efforts, showcasing diverse musical acts and fostering community engagement. Artists express hope for continued support and the need for more grassroots spaces, reflecting ongoing challenges in the industry. The festival aims to highlight Cardiff's unique cultural voice and strengthen its music community.