Introducing Memo Presents: A New Chapter for Live Music in Barry

2026 marks the launch of Memo Presents – a brand-new original music programme at Memo Arts Centre, made possible through funding from the Arts Council of Wales.

Created to champion contemporary artists working in Wales, Memo Presents is about access, ambition and audience development. The programme brings bold live music to Barry at affordable prices, spanning Welsh-language indie, big band jazz, Latin grooves, and emerging pop.

This is the first season of a long-term commitment to nurturing live music locally – and it’s already underway.

A Landmark Opening: Kat Rees & The Siglo Section

On 14th February, Memo Presents opened in style with Kat Rees & The Siglo Section.

The 18-piece big band delivered a powerful evening of jazz, soul and funk, showcasing Kat Rees’ pioneering Welsh-language big band compositions alongside vibrant contemporary arrangements. It was an ambitious and energising start to the series – demonstrating the scale and quality Memo Presents aims to bring to Barry audiences.

Launching with a full big band set the bar high. The rest of the season continues that momentum.

Dadleoli + Taran + Penbleth

Friday 13 March 2026

In partnership with Beacons Cymru, Memo Presents next turns its focus to contemporary Welsh-language indie.

Headlined by Dadleoli, alongside Taran and Penbleth, this is a showcase of three rising bands shaping the modern Welsh sound – from electrifying indie rock to punchy pop-punk and hook-laden indie-pop.

Ticket pricing has been deliberately kept accessible:

• Early Bird: £5 (limited availability)

• Concessions & Under 18s: £8

• Full Price: £10

With early bird tickets still available, this is one of the most affordable ways to experience cutting-edge Welsh-language music live. For younger audiences especially, it’s an opportunity to see artists who are building serious momentum across Wales.

My First Gig: Mali Haf & Macy

Thursday 9th April

Memo Presents isn’t only about headline shows – it’s also about building the next generation of gig-goers.

My First Gig with Mali Haf and Macy is designed specifically for younger audiences and families. These performances create a welcoming first live music experience, helping children and young people connect with original artists in a safe, supportive environment.

Developing future audiences is central to the Memo Presents mission, and My First Gig plays a vital role in that strategy.

The Sun Kings + Lemongel

Saturday 2nd May

Later in the programme, Memo Presents welcomes The Sun Kings, an all-star band drawn from Cardiff’s vibrant music scene, featuring members of Railroad Bill, Junior Bill, The Heavy Quartet and Baracwda Samba Band.

Their sound blends Latin grooves with accomplished songwriting, creating live shows that are rhythmically infectious and emotionally rich. Their album Lovers Always Win received strong praise from Radio Wales, and the band has performed at Glastonbury, Camp Bestival and Italy’s Pennabilli Festival.

Supporting them is Lemongel, a Cardiff-based alternative duo known for emotionally layered songwriting and cinematic soundscapes. Recently selected for the BBC Horizons Fund, they represent the next wave of ambitious Welsh artists.

This promises an evening of Latin-infused celebration paired with atmospheric alternative music – a genre-blending double bill.

Why Memo Presents Matters

Memo Presents exists to:

• Champion Welsh and Wales-based artists

• Provide accessible pricing

• Support Welsh-language music

• Develop new audiences

• Bring ambitious original work to Barry

As a newly launched 2026 initiative funded by the Arts Council of Wales, this programme represents a significant investment in the cultural future of the Vale of Glamorgan.

From big band jazz to indie-rock, from family-first gigs to Latin-infused dance nights and reggae-led double bills, Memo Presents is intentionally wide-ranging – reflecting the richness of contemporary music in Wales.

This Is Just the Beginning

The first season of Memo Presents is well underway, but this is only the starting point. The ambition is long-term: to make Barry a consistent home for high-quality original music and to build a loyal audience that grows with the programme.

Explore the full Memo Presents line-up and book tickets at: memoartscentre.co.uk

2026 is the launch year. The future is live.