One of the world’s most unique celebrations – dedicated to the myriad wonders of the human voice – takes place at the Wales Millennium Centre from October 9-13 as part of this autumn’s Cardiff Music City Festival, embracing everything from empyrean choirs and mythic balladry to Karnatic incantations, cosmic Americana and post-Soviet polyphony.

The many highlights at this year’s Llais include acclaimed Irish folk raconteur Lisa O’Neill, captivating Touareg guitar hero Bombino, Tamil Nadu-raised ambient experimentalist ganavya, Somaliland singer and freedom-fighter Sahra Halgan, a cappella aces Sweet Honey in the Rock, romantic lore revivalists The Breath and cult all-female ensemble Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares, along with an exclusive performance of ‘If I Could Only Remember My Name’: The Music of David Crosby, featuring The Waterboys’ Mike Scott, Hothouse Flowers’ Liam Ó Maonlaí, Lau’s Kris Drever and blissful harmonies from The Staves, and an appearance by legendary producer and record label boss Joe Boyd, who will be on hand to discuss his deeply insightful new book, And The Roots of Rhythm Remain: A Journey Through Global Music (whet your appetite with Songlines’ own recent interview with Boyd here). 

Commenting on Llais’ broad-ranging programme, Wales Millennium Centre’s Chief Creative & Content Officer, Graeme Farrow, says: “Fittingly for a venue situated on the edge of a harbour that has for centuries rung with voices from across the world, the richly diverse and global line-up for this year’s festival celebrates the incredible versatility of the human voice and its power to move and heal.”

Llais takes place at the Wales Millennium Centre from October 9-13. For full details and ticket information visit wmc.org.uk/llais