PLAYBACK

Media Cymru’s festival of Innovation coming to Cardiff this September.
About this Event

PLAYBACK is Media Cymru’s festival of innovation coming to Cardiff on Wednesday 16 September and Thursday 17 September 2026.

Years of progress and media sector innovation will culminate in an epic two-day showcase featuring talks, panels and immersive experiences - all set against the backdrop of the UK's third largest media centre.

What to expect

Over the last four years, Media Cymru have invested millions of pounds into hundreds of research and development (R&D) projects across Wales. PLAYBACK will showcase these projects, allowing you to explore the game-changing new products, services and experiences being created by the Welsh media sector.

Taking place at Tramshed, Tramshed Tech and CULTVR and Canopi, PLAYBACK will feature panels, lightning talks, keynotes and immersive experiences.

We are excited to announce our first keynote speakers – Takashi Kudo and Sakurako Naka from teamLab, an international art collective navigating the convergence of art, science, technology and the natural world, based in Tokyo, Japan.

We're also welcoming Alison Lomax, Managing Director at YouTube UK & Ireland as a speaker at PLAYBACK. Alison is a serious champion for digital innovation and has spent her career at the intersection of technology and creativity.

Tickets information

Can’t attend both days but want to maximise your time at PLAYBACK?

Our programme of events each day will cover different topics.

There are 3 ticket types available:

• 2-day ticket (Wednesday AND Thursday)
• Wednesday ONLY ticket
• Thursday ONLY ticket

We will be adding an exciting programme of fringe events in the evenings at PLAYBACK so do keep an eye on our socials for how to get involved.

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PLAYBACK yw gŵyl Media Cymru i ddathlu arloesi. Mae’n dod i Gaerdydd ar 16 a 17 Medi 2026.

Penllanw blynyddoedd o gynnydd ac arloesi yn sector y cyfryngau fydd arddangosfa ddeuddydd epig yn cynnwys cyflwyniadau, paneli a phrofiadau ymdrochol yng nghanolfan y cyfryngau mwyaf y DU namyn dau.

Beth i’w ddisgwyl

Dros y pedair blynedd diwethaf, mae Media Cymru wedi buddsoddi miliynau o bunnoedd mewn cannoedd o brosiectau ymchwil a datblygu ledled Cymru. Bydd PLAYBACK yn arddangos y prosiectau hyn, gan ganiatáu ichi gael golwg ar y cynhyrchion, y gwasanaethau a’r profiadau chwyldroadol newydd sy'n cael eu creu gan sector y cyfryngau yng Nghymru.

Yn cael ei chynnal yn Tramshed, Tramshed Tech a lleoliadau eraill ledled y ddinas, bydd PLAYBACK yn cynnwys paneli, cyflwyniadau cyflym, areithiau a phrofiadau ymdrochol yn ymdrin â phynciau fel.

Rydyn ni’n falch iawn o gyhoeddi ein prif siaradwyr cyntaf – Takashi Kudo a Sakurako Naka o teamLab, cydweithrediad celf rhyngwladol sy'n llywio cydgyfeiriant celf, gwyddoniaeth, technoleg a'r byd naturiol, wedi'i leoli yn Tokyo, Japan.

Rydym hefyd yn croesawu Alison Lomax, Rheolwr Gyfarwyddwr YouTube y DU ac Iwerddon, fel siaradwr yn PLAYBACK. Mae Alison yn eiriolwr dros arloesi digidol, ac wedi treulio ei gyrfa ar y groesffordd rhwng technoleg a chreadigrwydd.

Gwybodaeth am docynnau

Methu dod i'r ddau ddiwrnod ond eisiau gwneud y mwyaf o'ch amser yn PLAYBACK?

Bydd ein rhaglen o ddigwyddiadau bob dydd yn cwmpasu gwahanol werthoedd Media Cymru gan edrych ar Gwyrdd a Theg ddydd Mercher (16) a Thwf a Byd-eang yn cael sylw ddydd Iau (17).

Mae tri math o docyn ar gael:

• Yr ŵyl gyfan (Dydd Mercher A Dydd Iau)
• Tocyn dydd Mercher YN UNIG
• Tocyn dydd Iau YN UNIG

Byddwn yn ychwanegu rhaglen gyffrous o ddigwyddiadau ymylol gyda'r nos yn PLAYBACK felly cadwch lygad ar ein cyfrifon ar y cyfryngau cymdeithasol i weld sut i gymryd rhan ynddyn nhw.

Wednesday 16

🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Welcome to PLAYBACK
🕑: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Media Cymru REWIND (Cinema)

Info: Sit back, relax and rewind the Media Cymru programme through a continuous loop of videos straight from our archives.

🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
teamLab

Info: In this talk, Takashi and Sakurako will share their expertise on cross-sector collaborations, using local art, ecology and placemaking to create immersive experiences that focus on community and are inspired by a sense of place.

🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Ideas into Action: Innovation Stories from Media Cymru

Info: Chaired by Sir Peter Bazalgette, the discussion will explore how organisations turned ideas into practical outcomes, the impact that research and development has had on their businesses and what these experiences tell us about the future of innovation in the UK’s creative industries.

🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Making Emotions Measurable (Lightning Talk)
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Screening the Green (Cinema)

Info: In 2023, Media Cymru and Ffilm Cymru Wales collaborated on a joint R&D Content Fund called Climate Stories Fund. Today, we’re screening the green content made from this fund. Ft Richard Billingham, Lowri Roberts, Gavin Porter and host Louise Dixey.

🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
Exceptional Design (Lightning Talk)
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Lunch
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Rewriting the Script: towards an inclusive sector

Info: In this panel session, we’ll be joined by a collection of Media Cymru-funded projects: Rhys Miles Thomas and Paul Burke (Glass Shot), Yeota Imam-Rashid (Boom x Rondo) and Helen Davies (Triongl), who have made a real impact on equality, diversity and inclusion within the media sector.

🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Media Cymru REWIND (Cinema)

Info: Sit back, relax and rewind the Media Cymru programme through a continuous loop of videos straight from our archives.

🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Red Seam (Lightning Talk)
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Why AI is still a bit Shit with Robin Moore (Lightning Talk)

Info: Robin Moore is founder and Director of SHWSH ltd and resident Innovation Consultant for Media Cymru. He previously spent 20 years integrating new technologies into BBC workflows as Head of Innovation at BBC Wales. In this talk, Robin will tell us why AI’s still can’t tell you how many r’s are in strawberry.

🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Planet Positive Productions

Info: In this panel we’ll be joined by Media Cymru-funded projects that have made a real impact in environmental sustainability in the Welsh media sector. Hear from Morgan Williams (Rusty Design), Frances Jenkins (Protem Lightning), William Todd-Jones (Wild Connect) and Nicole Wait (Sustainability Consultant). Hosted by Emyr Afan MBE (Afanti).

🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Prototype to Production: Building Props with 3D Printing (Lightning Talk)
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Dead Reset LIVE (Cinema)

Info: Christie Haven will be hosting a LIVE playthrough of Wales Interactive’s DEAD RESET, an interactive horror film created in collaboration with Dark Rift Horror. This playthrough promises to be a dark, cinematic experience where your choices shape the story. Graphic Content Warning

🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
The BBC, Creative Clusters and the Future of Media
🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:10 PM
Day 1 Round Up
Thursday 17

🕑: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Screen Time: Understanding Tomorrow’s Audience

Info: YouTube is truly leading the charge when it comes to digital content. The platform is now the second most-watched service in the UK, behind the BBC (Ofcom, 2024). In this discussion, we’ll hear from Alison Lomax, Managing Director of YouTube UK and Ireland alongside Geraint Evans, Chief Executive of S4C and Christie Toal of Crash Productions

🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Featured and Funded: Digital Content Spotlight (Cinema)

Info: Explore the content digital content funded through our Digital Content Innovation fund in collaboration with Creative Wales and NFTS Cymru Wales. This promises to be the most varied YouTube playlist you’ve ever seen.

🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Nessa and Afango with Osian Davies (Lightning Talk)

Info: Funded through the Greening the Screen fund, Afango set out to create sustainable, transportable infrastructure measures for production companies.

🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Wales to the World

Info: In this session, hear from Media Cymru's international partners on their recent collaborations with Wales. Featuring Sukura Wang (Yoshimoto), Joris Hemson (Lab of Tomorrow), Hannah Wieswand Toby Cameron (On Par). Expect to gain an understanding of the importance of global collabs and insight into how you can bring Wales to the world.

🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Lunch
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Ludic Music with Leigh Davies (Lightning Talk)

Info: In this talk, Leigh Davies introduces Ludic Music, a new framework for understanding music-led interactive and immersive experiences. Drawing on examples from large-scale installations and emerging technologies, the session examines why new language is needed beyond the broad label of “immersive” and considers how clearer definitions can support the creation, recognition, and growth of innovative musical experiences.

🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Financing the Future

Info: A discussion around future finance opportunities and proactive methods and approaches you can take to finance work in the creative industry. Expect realistic conversations about funding opportunities and steps you can make towards financing your own future. With Rich Moss (Managing Director, Gorilla TV), Rod Beer (Managing Director, UKBAA) hosted by Louise Harris (CEO and Founder of Tramshed Tech).

🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
News for All (Cinema)

Info: We all know that journalism is facing existential questions around trust, news avoidance and the need to better engage with audiences. In this session, we’ll be joined by Shirish Kulkarni, Rhiannon White, Amira Hayat and Will Gritten to tell us why.

🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Closing Credits