Wrexham University Students Hone Production Skills At Major Music Showcase
Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Wrexham University students had a taste of working for a global music showcase as they filmed and recorded acts for this year’s FOCUS Wales.
The Creative Industries Building (CIB) at the Plas Coch campus in Wrexham welcomed artists from around the world as part of the annual international showcase event, which celebrates music from Wales and beyond.
Students from the university’s Media Production course were tasked with various responsibilities as part of the event, including camera work, audio recording, live sound among other responsibilities.
Coverage of FOCUS Wales will be shared on Glyndwr TV – the university’s Youtube channel.
Tracks from the event were set to be played on the BBC Introducing show on Radio Wales, with Adam Walton.
Harry Mawdsley, who is studying for a Master’s degree in Creative Media Production (Sound Pathway), was an audio recordist for the first and controlled the lighting the following day.
“The sessions went extremely well, and I thoroughly enjoyed working on them. I hope that I'll have the opportunity to come back and work on them next year, even if I am no longer a student by then as I have really enjoyed working on them throughout my time at Wrexham University,” he said.
“Events like these are extremely valuable for students because they help to develop practical industry skills in a supportive environment alongside experienced staff and fellow students. They also provide opportunities to network with people working in the creative industries and help students build their professional portfolios.”
Now in its 16th year, FOCUS Wales FOCUS Wales is a Wrexham-based festival which places the spotlight firmly on rising musical talent from all over Wales, alongside a variety of new acts from around the world.
More than 250 acts took part on 20 stages throughout the area from May 7-9, alongside a full schedule of interactive industry panels, network events, and film screenings.
A host of acts from across the globe came to the Creative Industries Building (CIB) on the Plas Coch campus in Wrexham to perform over two days.
Thursday’s performers included Canadian artists Sunglaciers, Dill the Giant, Alanna Matty and Dream Creeps; Indonesian act XANDEGA, KyoYoko from China and Half/Time from New Zealand.
Acts who performed on Friday included Two Man Giant Squid from American, Canadian groups His His, Bitterfly, Boutique Feelings and Kimmortal; as well as Logic Lost and Su San from Indonesia.
Steffan Owens, programme leader for sound technology at Wrexham University, said: "Our students are at the heart of our work with FOCUS Wales. The festival gives them genuine, real-world experience working directly with international artists in an exciting, fast-paced environment that mirrors the realities of the film and TV industry.
“These opportunities accelerate their development in ways that no classroom can; being part of the crew for a major live event gives them confidence and practical skills that truly prepare them for their future careers."