Cerys Hafana (Wales) - Bray Jazz Festival 2026
At a glance
About this event
A triple-harpist, singer and sonic explorer whose performances feel at once ancient yet utterly contemporary, Cerys Hafana’s music honours old songs and storytelling from Wales in a remarkable way.
Hafana’s 2022 album Edyf, which drew inspiration from a Welsh online archive of two-hundred-year-old manuscripts and notebooks was named one of the Top Ten Folk Albums of the Year by The Guardian. It’s 2025 follow-up ‘Angel’ received the newspaper’s Album of the Month award.
Hafana is a wondrous player and singer with a beautiful voice. Inspiration is drawn from Welsh folk song, from nature, and from broader Celtic music traditions, including Breton folk dance rhythms and call-and-response techniques.
The triple harp originated in Italy in the 16th century and was first introduced to Wales in 1680. It’s commonly described today as ‘the Welsh harp,’ with three parallel rows of strings allowing all semi-tones to be accessed without pedals.
Cerys Hafana applies subtle electronics to create atmospheric textures. It’s timeless music that’s strikingly contemporary in mood and feel.
“…endlessly inventive… a profoundly moving listening experience.” – The Guardian
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Bray Town Hall, Main St, Bray, Co. Wicklow
Venue details
Bray Town Hall was originally built in 1884 and was substantially refurbished in 1992 to provide a restaurant and Council Chamber for Bray UDC. The building is considered one of the finest buildings in Bray.
