DAFYDD Iwan is among the first 60 acts announced for FOCUS Wales 2023.

The event has become one of the most popular in the Wrexham calendar over the years.

Next year's FOCUS Wales festival will welcome 20,000 attendees, and see over 250 acts from Wales and around the world descend upon Wrexham between May 4 and 6.

Today, (Monday, November 28), its organisers have revealed the first 60 new music acts for their 2023 edition.

Read more: Trustees of the Stiwt Theatre thankful for funding

Among the first acts announced, there is the fierce, funny, post-punk soloist Billy Nomates who will headline Llwyn Isaf on Thursday, May 4, hot on the heels of their national TV debut on the BBC’s Later with… Jools.

This will be followed up by a show from North Wales' own critically acclaimed band The Joy Formidable at The Rockin’ Chair.

Friday, May 5 will see Squid headline Llwyn Isaf, following the release of their top 10 debut album Bright Green Field (WARP records), and a string of worldwide festival performances in 2022 including Primavera Sound, and Glastonbury.

Elsewhere, the Neue Grafik Ensemble will bring an explosive show featuring the UK’s finest musicians in new jazz. Also performing that night, will be dance music pioneer, A Guy Called Gerald - best known for his hit single ‘Voodoo Ray’, which became a touchstone of Manchester’s acid house scene.

Closing the festival on Saturday, May 6 will be the multi-award-winning band The Coral, headlining Llwyn Isaf, followed by a show from Dream Wife whose new single 'Leech' has earned rave reviews from NME, and The Guardian, amongst many others.

Among the other notable artists announced was Welsh music icon Dafydd Iwan whose hit 'Yma O Hyd' has become synonymous with the Wales national football team.

To see the full list of 60 acts, visit www.focuswales.com - 200 more acts are still to be announced in due course.

With around 500 international industry professionals due to attend the 2023 festival, FOCUS Wales has become Wales’ biggest music industry event, with three days of panels, keynote talks, and industry advice.

FOCUS Wales is supported by Arts Council of Wales, PRS Foundation and Welsh Government.