March 22nd saw Immersed Festival 2025 hold its annual celebration at Cardiff's Tramshed which delivered another eclectic and vibrant celebration of music, art, and sustainability. Curated by Creative Industries students from the University of South Wales and Creative Wales, the festival featured over thirty artists across four stages, blending genres from hip-hop and grime to indie-pop and metal.

A reminder ahead of the event on their social media accounts was a message to say that set-times would not be shared online, which made sense with the festival's ideology set around immersing yourself amongst the excitement on offer. And upon arrival, it truly brought out that atmosphere as the packed out courtyard of Tramshed pumped life in to the bustling venue. 

One of the festival’s biggest draws was Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn, making their Welsh debut with an electrifying set. Their fusion of hip-hop, garage, and dance music created a hypnotic energy that resonated through the venue. Fans of Loyle Carner and Tom Misch were treated to a soundscape rich in emotion and groove earning big crowd reactions.

Elsewhere, Manchester’s fast-rising electro-pop collective Porij brought infectious enthusiasm to the festival. Their blend of indie, dance, and house beats created a vibrant atmosphere, getting the crowd moving with pulsating synths and smooth, genre-defying vocals. Tracks like Unpredictable and Nobody Scared showcased their knack for danceable, intelligent songwriting, and their playful stage presence cemented them as a festival favourite.

Electronic music enthusiasts were drawn to the set from Douvelle19, who delivered a deep, atmospheric performance packed with pulsating bass and intricate sound design. Whilst Cardiff's Half Happy delivered luscious swells of dreamy guitar pop melodies and flowing vocals.

Porij

Beyond the headliners, the festival also provided a platform for emerging Welsh talent, with local artists adding a raw, authentic energy to the event. From SP Afro Collective who kicked things off with their high energy rhythms and tight grooves, to Cardiff's Razkid who brought his versatile grime productions to life, through to Waterpistol who shared their visceral 60's-inspired psychadelia, the line-up truly catered for all with a rich diversity in sound.

Immersed Festival isn’t just about music - it’s about fostering a broader cultural experience. The festival’s art installations and immersive theatre performances added a multisensory element to the day. Walk-through exhibits and live murals transformed the Tramshed into a living, breathing gallery space, offering festival-goers an opportunity to engage with visual storytelling alongside the music.

Sustainability was another key theme this year, with the festival partnering with Music Declares Emergency to raise awareness about environmental issues in the music industry. Stalls encouraged attendees to consider the environmental impact of live events, promoting greener practices and sustainable audience participation.

With its commitment to supporting both emerging talent and sustainability, it continues 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, ensuring that Immersed remains a key date in Wales’ cultural calendar for years to come showcasing the very best in talent from South Wales and beyond.

w: https://immersedfestival.co.uk/festival/