Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff has today (July 7) announced the first wave of artists for Llais 2023, its flagship international arts festival.

Llais 2023 will once again activate the spaces around Wales Millennium Centre with an eclectic programme inspired by the instrument that connects us all – the voice.

2023 programme highlights include an unmissable ode to Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now and Travelogue albums featuring an incredible line-up of all female singers including Mercury Prize shortlisted icon Gwenno, multi-instrumentalist ESKA, Cardiff’s very own Charlotte Church and British singer Laura Mvula. The four formidable talents will be joined by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in a world first orchestral performance of Both Sides Now. 

On top of this, Bat for Lashes will also appear at Llais, performing iconic hits from her five albums which awarded her three Mercury Prize nominations. 

Also performing will be Welsh musician and festival co-curator Gwenno, who received the Welsh Music Prize for her 2014 album release Y Dydd Olaf and whose latest release Tresor (2022) was shortlisted for the Mercury Music Prize. Her retrospective performance will feature renditions from across all her acclaimed albums.

The Unthanks will also host a special all-day event featuring concerts, participatory events and performances from their critically acclaimed albums The Bairns, Here’s The Tender Coming and Last.

LLais will return to Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre from October 11-15.