Cardiff Council to relaunch ALLBWN / OUTPUT scheme to boost grassroots gigs
Cardiff Council to relaunch ALLBWN / OUTPUT scheme to boost grassroots gigs
Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.
Picture credit: Ren Faulkner
Cardiff Council has confirmed that its ALLBWN / OUTPUT funding scheme will return in 2026 after a successful pilot earlier this year, aiming to increase the number of grassroots gigs staged in the city during traditionally quieter months.
The scheme, which supports live music in independent venues, will relaunch with an expanded remit to include new and emerging electronic artists and DJs, alongside live bands and promoters.
It is designed to encourage promoters to take greater risks on early-stage artists by offering financial protection on small-scale events.
Through ALLBWN / OUTPUT, promoters can secure a guarantee against losses on events costing up to £1,000. If ticket sales fail to cover core costs such as venue hire, PA and artist fees, the scheme will cover the shortfall. Where events are successful, any unused funding is recycled to support additional gigs.
Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said: “The pilot showed that by removing the financial fear factor we can give promoters the confidence to take a chance, put shows on at a time of year when they wouldn’t normally risk it, and promote artists at the very early stages of their career when audiences aren’t guaranteed.”
“We’re determined to support Cardiff’s music scene and one of the issues the sector has raised with us, through Cardiff Music Board, is the significant drop in the number of promoters working here in recent years and the impact that has on the city’s music ecosystem.
“It’s a trend that’s repeated across the UK, and one that, through this scheme and our continued music city work, Cardiff’s aiming to buck.”
During the two-month pilot phase, 17 promoters applied for funding, with 13 gigs approved and guaranteed against loss.
The scheme is open to new and established promoters, as well as local bands, artists and DJs staging self-promoted events.
Eligible gigs must take place in a Cardiff grassroots venue or suitable space, all performers must be paid, and most material performed by bands must be original.
The guaranteed risk per event must be under £1,000, with a break-even point below 80 per cent of ticket sales.
Applications for the 2026 ALLBWN / OUTPUT scheme close on 6 February 2026, with supported gigs required to take place before 15 March 2026.
Want more from Businessin Wales? Why not follow us on our socials
Listen to the Businessin Wales podcast
