A new mobile app designed to help people discover Welsh-language live music is launching, offering a digital boost to a growing industry that plays a central role in Welsh culture — particularly in North Wales.

The Awni? app, which means “Shall we go?” in Welsh, brings together Welsh-language and bilingual gigs on one interactive platform, allowing users to follow their favourite artists, track events happening nearby and receive alerts when new shows are announced.

The platform was first launched as a website in January 2025 and has already attracted more than 35,000 visits and over 17,000 users, becoming a widely used hub for artists, promoters and venues promoting live Welsh-language music.

Developed in partnership with Sain Records, the new mobile app builds on that success by putting gig listings directly into people’s pockets.

The project was founded by siblings Jona Owen and Martha Owen from Y Felinheli, who said the idea grew out of a common frustration.

They often heard people say they had missed gigs simply because information about events was scattered across different social media pages and websites.

Martha Owen said the website proved there was strong demand for a single place where people could easily find Welsh-language live music.

“The app is the natural next step, making it even easier for people to discover gigs and support their local venues,” she said.

Music has long played a central role in Welsh identity, particularly through traditions such as the National Eisteddfod of Wales — one of Europe’s largest cultural festivals — which celebrates Welsh-language literature, music and performance every year.

North Wales has historically been one of the strongest heartlands for Welsh-language culture and music. Areas such as Gwynedd and Anglesey have some of the highest proportions of Welsh speakers in the country, with more than 60 per cent of people speaking Welsh in parts of Gwynedd, according to census data.

That cultural strength has helped nurture a vibrant music scene, with Welsh-language artists regularly emerging from the region and performing at venues, festivals and community events across the country.

The Welsh music industry has grown significantly in recent years, with Welsh-language artists gaining wider recognition both in the UK and internationally. Live music venues and grassroots gigs remain a key part of that ecosystem, offering opportunities for emerging artists to build audiences and develop their careers.

Platforms like Awni? aim to support that growth by helping fans discover more events and encouraging greater attendance at live performances.

Live venues continue to play an important role in communities across North Wales, from smaller grassroots stages to major events and festivals.

By making it easier to find gigs nearby, the app’s creators hope it will strengthen the connection between audiences, artists and local venues.

Users can explore concerts through an interactive map, follow artists they like and receive notifications about trending events or ticket releases.

The new Awni? app is now available to download on both iOS and Android devices, offering music fans across Wales a new way to keep track of the country’s thriving Welsh-language live music scene.