CYMRAEG
OUR STORY
Beacons Cymru is entering an exciting new chapter.
Welcome to the home for shaping music futures in Wales.
Built on 15 years of strong foundations supporting young people pursuing careers in the music industry, we’ve grown into Wales’ leading music industry talent development organisation.
Now, as we transition into a fully independent community interest company, we are proud to stand on our own terms - stronger, more resilient, and more determined than ever.
We exist to empower young people across Wales, providing access to the tools, networks and opportunities they need to thrive in the music sector. Our work has helped launch careers, transform lives, and create unforgettable moments - from Welsh voices on global stages to groundbreaking award wins and video-game soundtracks heard around the world.
This next step allows us to build a more sustainable and diverse organisation, ensuring our work continues to grow in reach and impact.
With a renewed focus on equity, creativity, and community, we are committed to reshaping the future of music in Wales - making it more inclusive, more connected, and more inspiring for the next generation.
This is more than a transition. It’s a statement of intent.
OUR TEAM
OUR TEAM
.webp)
Cate Le Bon
Artist & Producer
.webp)
Don Leisure
Artist, Producer, & DJ
Don Leisure is a Cardiff-based producer known for his eclectic beats and boundary-pushing sounds. A founding member of Darkhouse Family, he has collaborated with artists across the UK and beyond, fusing hip-hop, jazz, and global influences.
In recent years, Don has released acclaimed solo projects including Shaboo Strikes Back and Tyrchu Sain — the latter in partnership with the legendary Welsh label Sain, blending nostalgic Welsh samples with forward-thinking production.
"Beacons Cymru is such an important force for new music in Wales. It’s a real honour to be an ambassador — supporting the next generation of artists, producers and creatives who are shaping the future. The energy, creativity and talent coming through is incredible, and I’m proud to be part of it"
.jpg)
Lucas Woodland
Artist (Holding Absence)
I am a musician from South Wales, best known as the vocalist for Holding Absence! Over the past fifteen years, I’ve had the privilege of touring extensively around the world and releasing music that’s been both commercially and critically acclaimed, and just last year our band won the Heavy Music Award for "Best UK Live Artist". In more recent years, I have had the honour of fronting Funeral For A Friend - a band that helped shape the scene I grew up in, and one I’ve deeply admired for many years. I remain incredibly proud of my roots in the Welsh music community and feel strongly about supporting the next generation of artists.
"I am honoured to be an ambassador for Beacons Cymru! Nurturing and inspiring young talent is becoming one of the closest things to my heart as I grow older... Having lived a life I never believed possible, I want to help show young Welsh musicians that music can be a vessel toward success, connection, and personal enrichment - I believe Beacons Cymru is the first step towards a lot of that. As a frequent performer and ex-alumni of the Young Promoters Network many moons ago, I know how important these projects can be firsthand, and am grateful to be on-board."
.jpg)
Mirain Iwerydd
TV & Radio Presenter
Mirain Iwerydd is a Welsh radio DJ and broadcaster with a passion for new music and people, where she shares her love every Wednesday night on BBC Radio Cymru, platforming the best of new musical talent Wales has to offer. Getting to talk to both new and established artists and sharing their music is kind of a bit like Christmas, but every single week!
"Beacons Cymru are making sure that Wales’ young, new and emerging musicians and building their careers arming them with the information, knowledge and tools necessary to create the solid foundations needed to build a career in music in today’s world. I’ve seen firsthand the work that Beacons do to support Wales’ music future and it’s absolutely fantastic!"
Hana Lili
Artist
Hana Lili is a Welsh indie rock singer, songwriter, and producer, known for her emotive, guitar-driven sound and introspective lyricism. Drawing influence from bands like No Doubt, Deftones, and Refused, she writes music as a form of escapism, blending raw energy with melodic depth. Hana has supported major artists including Coldplay on their Music of the Spheres world tour, as well as Circa Waves and Tom Grennan. She’s played standout festivals such as The Great Escape, Dot to Dot, and Live at Leeds, and recently completed her debut UK headline tour.
“Beacons is such a fantastic project we have here in Wales. It’s a brilliant space for artist development that really helps you discover your identity as a musician. Being able to go out and play shows, meet other artists, and experiment creatively—while having a supportive network around you—is such a vital part of finding out who you are. We’re incredibly lucky to have a safe, nurturing space like this to grow and create. I learned so much during my time with Beacons, and it was a huge part of my journey as an artist.”
OUR AMBASSADORS
Cate Le Bon
Artist & Producer
Cate Le Bon is a musician from Penboyr, Wales. Whether she is producing for others (St Vincent, Wilco, Horsegirl, H.Hawkline, Deerhunter); collaborating with the likes of Bradford Cox and John Cale; or helming her own deconstructionist music, her method remains the same: take it apart, find the stone that sings and build it back from the top down.
"As an ambassador for Beacons Cymru I’m happy to have the opportunity to share the experience and knowledge I've acquired from touring, making my own records and producing other peoples records with budding Welsh musicians and producers."
.jpg)
Huw Stephens
TV & Radio Presenter
Huw Stephens is a radio presenter with shows on BBC Radio 6 Music, Radio Cymru and Radio Wales. He co-founded the Sŵn Festival and the Welsh Music Prize, and worked at Glastonbury, Green Man and many other festivals.
His documentary Anorac won the Welsh language music scene won 5 Bafta Cymru Awards, and his book Wales : 100 Records collects 100 interesting records from Wales. He lives in Cardiff.
"I am honoured to be a Beacons Ambassador, because the work they do with music makers in Wales is vital. They encourage, inspire, give practical support and help music makers across Wales realise their potential. They work professionally, with kindness, and provide essential support for the next generation of musicians."
Don Leisure
Artist, DJ & Producer
Don Leisure is a Cardiff-based producer known for his eclectic beats and boundary-pushing sounds. A founding member of Darkhouse Family, he has collaborated with artists across the UK and beyond, fusing hip-hop, jazz, and global influences. In recent years, Don has released acclaimed solo projects including Shaboo Strikes Back and Tyrchu Sain — the latter in partnership with the legendary Welsh label Sain, blending nostalgic Welsh samples with forward-thinking production.
"Beacons Cymru is such an important force for new music in Wales. It’s a real honour to be an ambassador — supporting the next generation of artists, producers and creatives who are shaping the future. The energy, creativity and talent coming through is incredible, and I’m proud to be part of it"
Lucas Woodland
Artist (Holding Absence)
I am a musician from South Wales, best known as the vocalist for Holding Absence! Over the past fifteen years, I’ve had the privilege of touring extensively around the world and releasing music that’s been both commercially and critically acclaimed, and just last year our band won the Heavy Music Award for "Best UK Live Artist". In more recent years, I have had the honour of fronting Funeral For A Friend - a band that helped shape the scene I grew up in, and one I’ve deeply admired for many years. I remain incredibly proud of my roots in the Welsh music community and feel strongly about supporting the next generation of artists.
"I am honoured to be an ambassador for Beacons Cymru! Nurturing and inspiring young talent is becoming one of the closest things to my heart as I grow older... Having lived a life I never believed possible, I want to help show young Welsh musicians that music can be a vessel toward success, connection, and personal enrichment - I believe Beacons Cymru is the first step towards a lot of that. As a frequent performer and ex-alumni of the Young Promoters Network many moons ago, I know how important these projects can be firsthand, and am grateful to be on-board."
Cate Le Bon is a musician from Penboyr, Wales. Whether she is producing for others (St Vincent, Wilco, Horsegirl, H.Hawkline, Deerhunter); collaborating with the likes of Bradford Cox and John Cale; or helming her own deconstructionist music, her method remains the same: take it apart, find the stone that sings and build it back from the top down.
"As an ambassador for Beacons Cymru I’m happy to have the opportunity to share the experience and knowledge I've acquired from touring, making my own records and producing other peoples records with budding Welsh musicians and producers."
Mirain Iwerydd
TV & Radio Presenter
Mirain Iwerydd is a Welsh radio DJ and broadcaster with a passion for new music and people, where she shares her love every Wednesday night on BBC Radio Cymru, platforming the best of new musical talent Wales has to offer. Getting to talk to both new and established artists and sharing their music is kind of a bit like Christmas, but every single week!
"Beacons Cymru are making sure that Wales’ young, new and emerging musicians and building their careers arming them with the information, knowledge and tools necessary to create the solid foundations needed to build a career in music in today’s world. I’ve seen firsthand the work that Beacons do to support Wales’ music future and it’s absolutely fantastic!"
Hana Lili
Artist
Hana Lili is a Welsh indie rock singer, songwriter, and producer, known for her emotive, guitar-driven sound and introspective lyricism. Drawing influence from bands like No Doubt, Deftones, and Refused, she writes music as a form of escapism, blending raw energy with melodic depth. Hana has supported major artists including Coldplay on their Music of the Spheres world tour, as well as Circa Waves and Tom Grennan. She’s played standout festivals such as The Great Escape, Dot to Dot, and Live at Leeds, and recently completed her debut UK headline tour.
“Beacons is such a fantastic project we have here in Wales. It’s a brilliant space for artist development that really helps you discover your identity as a musician. Being able to go out and play shows, meet other artists, and experiment creatively—while having a supportive network around you—is such a vital part of finding out who you are. We’re incredibly lucky to have a safe, nurturing space like this to grow and create. I learned so much during my time with Beacons, and it was a huge part of my journey as an artist.”
OUR AMBASSADORS
Find out more and express your interest in joining our Board of Directors.
Find out more and express your interest in joining our Committee.