Regenerating Wrexham through the power of the arts
WrexFest
WrexFest borrows components of other musical Festivals like FOCUS Wales but is unique as it combines the arts, theatre, spoken word, the Welsh Language and the people of Wrexham into one special annual event. We like to think of it as the sister festival to the main international showcase that FOCUS is in May with a home and local band first approach. It retains a grass roots ethos by promoting many up and coming local bands as well as major national headliners making it both distinct, original and a mainstay of the growing events calendar each year.
Meeting the founders
We first bumped into Brendan Griffiths, the lead festival organiser of WrexFest, some years ago when we previously attended a FOCUS Wales event. When we first talked of launching Visit Wrexham, Brendan was one of the very first people we were recommended to speak to about how we could help each other. We wanted to explore how we could help the WrexFest team extend the reach of the already successful festival through the growing platform and reach of Visit Wrexham.
Stealing Sheep - Capturing the Spirit
Experiences
Brendan and the team have hosted ten other WrexFest Festivals, and 2026 will be their 11th. In addition they have delivered countless smaller events but for us attending last summers festival during August Bank Holiday was the first time we attended with a view of capturing our experience and wanting to share it with others.
Baby Brave - local faithfuls
Weekend long
The first thing you notice is the outstanding value for money this weekend-long ticket affords. For just £35 you get front row access to some former famous artists, exciting up and coming local bands, a packed long weekend and a free family day all included – meaning it is nothing short of exceptional value. Hats off to Brendan and the team for getting the blend just right of quality, memorable acts balanced with being kind on your pocket.
Easy to get around in town
Venues
With dedicated spaces and venues hosting back-to-back gigs throughout the weekend, all within easy walking distance of each other, you’re spoilt for choice with your traditional 4-piece guitar led bands, solo performances and some exciting electronic genres – meaning a wide variety of musical tastes are all catered for. Whilst we caught some of the gigs at the secondary sites around town which included The Magic Dragon and Y/The Lab, we spent most of our weekend over at The Rocking Chair, a dedicated two stage live music venue, housed in a former railway station.
Legendary performers
The Ozrics
2025's line-up was a esoteric affair and a great trip down memory lane for this old raver with great psychedelic guitars and synth performances overlayed with flute – capturing the very magic of the true meaning of the Ozrics that has persisted and lasted now for decades. With new music and evidence of continuing creativity being passed successfully from father to son, their future immortality and legendary status is now complete and assured. Whilst only performing for the hour, there was a buzz left lingering in the air that seemed to make it feel like they had stayed here for so much longer. A true class act to play in and visit Wrexham. We can't wait for 2026's festival.
