Live: Immersed Festival 2025 Review

Papa Jupes T.C. on the main stage of Tramshed Cardiff

Immersed Festival made a spectacular return to Tramshed in Cardiff with electric live performances and a strong message of 'Regeneration' told through performance art.

The 22nd of March saw Immersed Festival 2025 hold its annual celebration at Cardiff's Tramshed which was arguably the best edition yet which delivered a vibrant celebration of music, art, and sustainability. Expertly put together by Creative Industries students from the University of South Wales and Creative Wales, the one day festival included over thirty of the best artists from Wales and beyond across four stages, blending genres from hip-hop to indie-pop and metal which made for an eclectic experience.

Not releasing set-times online before the festival was a bold move but it made sense with the festival's ideology of immersing yourself in the entertainment, it is always full of surprises which are a welcome addition and make for a unique experience. Upon entering, it is a special atmosphere with the packed courtyard of Tramshed which flows nicely to the inside.

All four stages bring something different and connect nicely, it was brilliant to experience them all this year. From the intimacy of the Metro District stage to the relaxing Harmony Hall, which is set in a comfortable cinema room, there is something for everyone. Acts were spread out across the stages and having it all in one place on one day creates a buzz, there are no breaks so there is always an act to see. The operation of this festival was flawless and impressive from the talented team of university students who all help to make this one of the best festivals in Wales.

On the main stage, Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn made their Welsh debut with an electrifying set. Their fusion of genres created a hypnotic energy that resonated through the venue. Manchester’s finest electro-pop collective Porij are infectious, their blend of indie, dance, and house beats created a vibrancy, getting the crowd moving with pulsating synths and smooth, genre-defying vocals. Their latest album 'Teething' was highlighted and proved their talent for intelligent songwriting, and their playful stage presence made them a fan favourite.

One of my favourite bands around right now graced the stage before them, Cardiff's Half Happy delivered a dreamy performance through guitar pop melodies and flowing vocals mixed with their heavier riffs and catchy choruses.

Half Happy

Elsewhere, some of the best upcoming talent from South Wales graced the other stages, Pop sensation Local Rainbow delivered an intimate and beautiful set in Harmony Hall where she blended Welsh and English language music, her cover of 'High and Dry' was phenomenal and gave me goosebumps. Macy and Aderyn both put on incredible performances on the Unity Stage upstairs with their undeniable energy an talent which got the whole audience dancing.

The Metro District stage hosted 15 Sound Progression artists and was packed full for every set. These performances included the punk energy of the popular Lady Garden, the beautiful haunting harmonies of Noon Wolf, and the inventive hip-hop sound of Replay plus many more upcoming talents in Cardiff.

Macy

Beyond the headliners, the 'Greenhouse' provided a platform for emerging Welsh talent, with local artists adding a raw, authentic energy to the event. SP Afro Collective kicked things off with their high energy rhythms and tight grooves followed by emerging Cardiff rapper Razkid who brought his versatile grime productions to life with Minas on the decks, then through to Waterpistol and Papa Jupes T.C. who both shared their unmatched energy, the line-up truly catered for everyone attending with a rich diversity in sound.

Sustainability is always at the forefront of the festival, with Immersed partnering with Music Declares Emergency to raise awareness about environmental issues in the music industry. Promoters wore shirts which encouraged attendees to consider the environmental impact of live events, promoting greener participation through the use of public transport to get to the festival. Something which I considered by walking to the iconic venue from my workplace in Cardiff Bay.

Immersed Festival has never just been about music - it’s about delivered a unique cultural experience to the city. The festival’s included art installations and immersive theatre which added to the sensory adventure. Walk-through exhibits between sets and live murals transformed the Tramshed into a gallery space, offering participants an opportunity to engage with the visual storytelling alongside the music. The multitude of bars and food trucks kept everyone happy throughout the eight hours.

Live performance art at the festival

The commitment of the festival to supporting both emerging talent and sustainability helps it to stand out as one of Cardiff’s most innovative festivals. The seamless curation by the University of South Wales students showcased their dedication and passion for the creative industries which is vital for the preservation of live music and events, ensuring that Immersed remains a key date in Wales’ cultural calendar for years to come showcasing the very best in talent from right here in Cardiff and further afield. A truly special experience and one of their best yet.