Culture

Watch: CELAVI fly the flag for Wales at Download

07 Aug 2026 3 minute read

C E L A V I flying the flag for Wales. Image: Maggs Visuals

Stephen Price

Bangor nu-metallers CELAVI made Welsh language history at the UK’s biggest rock and metal festival this summer, and now those who weren’t lucky enough to be there can catch their groundbreaking set in a special documentary from S4C’s Hansh platform.

“The loudest thing to come from North Wales” CELAVI were chosen to play this year’s Download Festival, the UK’s biggest rock and metal festival, making history with their performance, as Download’s first Welsh language band.

Following the duo’s journey to Download Festival and capturing CELAVI’s historic performance was S4C’s unique young people’s platform Hansh for a special documentary called ‘SGRECHIAN’ (Screaming), which is available to watch now on Hansh’s YouTube channel.

Taking place at Donington Park from 10-14 June, Download Festival is widely regarded as the UK’s premier rock and metal gathering.

The 2026 festival was headlined by Limp Bizkit, Guns N’ Roses, and Linkin Park, alongside major acts including Trivium, BABYMETAL, and Bad Omens.

Gwion said: “It was our dream to play at Download Festival! I’ve been coming to this iconic festival for years and enjoying all the amazing artists who have performed at the festival and being part of such a welcoming community.”

Sarah added: “As an independent band we work so hard, and it’s such an achievement for us! We’re so grateful for this awesome opportunity.

“To be on this lineup with so many legendary bands including Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park and Bad Omens was such an honour, and to be part of history putting our Welsh language on the map is very emotional for us.”

Gwion said “Thanks so much to Hansh and Cwmni Da for supporting us and coming along with us on our amazing adventure! We’re both so passionate about representing the Welsh language and our Welsh language nu-metal music. We lived our Download dream!”

C E L A V I at Download. Image: Maggs Visuals

Formed by married duo Gwion Griffiths and Sarah Wynn Griffiths, CELAVI have built a reputation for emotionally charged performances and high-impact releases that explore identity, mental health, and self-expression.

Their bilingual approach continues to champion the Welsh language within modern alternative music while pushing into a wider global space.

Following support from Metal Hammer, BBC Radio 1, and BBC 6 Music, plus a Match of the Day sync, the band continue to build major momentum. BBC Radio 1 have already declared: “CELAVI – remember that name.”

Their latest single, PLASTER, finds CELAVI at their most expansive and hard-hitting, turning negativity into fuel for defiance.

Speaking about the track, Sarah explained: “With PLASTER, we wanted to channel something fierce and cathartic. It’s about taking all that negativity and toxicity that we experience externally and internally and turning it into strength.”

Gwion added: “Sonically PLASTER is a nu-metal banger – it’s aggressive with melodic hooks; it’s our fight-back anthem.”

C E L A V I – SGRECHIAN. Image: Hansh/S4C

Watch CELAVI make history on ‘SGRECHIAN’ on Hansh’s YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/fbwn1endLgg

Keep up to date with the band at their official website, on social media @wearecelavi and on Spotify.

Gigs

15 August 2026 – Supporting As December Falls at Chepstow Castle
7 November 2026 – Hangar 18 Music Venue, Swansea
And more to be announced soon!

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