Cardiff has welcomed the announcement that a prestigious world music festival will be held in the Welsh capital in 2013.
It has been said that The World Music Expo (WOMEX) is to music what the Cannes Festival is to film.
The Berlin based world music support and development project is held annually in different locations throughout Europe.
Cardiff has been selected due to its excellent reputation for the delivery of high quality events and the capability of the Wales Millennium Centre as a world-class music venue.
The event will include showcases from artists and musicians, a trade fair, conferences, film market, networking sessions and awards.
It also gives musicians the opportunity to make contacts for international touring and album distribution.
The event will run over five days and will attract music industry specialists including managers, publishers, distributors, festival bookers and journalists as well as an expected 3000 delegates.
The Leader of Cardiff Council, Cllr Rodney Berman said: “We have supported Cerdd Cymru and the World Music Foundation in the bid to bring this leading world music showcase to Cardiff and I am thrilled with the success.
“Cardiff is a proud city with strong musical roots. We have a thriving music scene and the city has bred a string of successful bands and artists in the past as well as playing host to international events attracting thousands to the city.
“WOMEX demonstrates our commitment to providing diverse and unique cultural events to suit all tastes, making the city an attractive choice for everyone whilst supporting the creative industries.”
Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells said: “It is great news that Cardiff has been selected to host the World Music Expo In 2013.
“We have a commitment to live music and to providing a platform for grass roots development.
“To host WOMEX will be a fantastic achievement and would help to secure Cardiff’s place on the world musical stage whilst have a significant cultural and economic value for Wales.”
Music Ambassador Catrin Finch fronted a Cerdd Cymru in the campaign, she said: “It’s fantastic news that WOMEX will come to Cardiff. WOMEX is a really exciting event for musicians and music lovers.
“For us in Wales, it’s a chance to hear the best in the world on our doorstep and a chance to make sure that Welsh music is known and heard around the globe.”
For more information about WOMEX please visit www.womex.com
