Inside Cardiff’s Biggest Night: The 2025 KLAT Awards

If you thought Cardiff’s creative scene was buzzing, the KLAT Awards 2025 just turned that buzz into a full-blown celebration. On November 1st, the Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel & Spa hosted the first ever KLAT awards as the city witnessed the debut of what is already set to become a landmark event for young creatives.

From the moment guests arrived, the night felt special. Billboards across Cardiff — from Queen Street to City Road, from the Cardiff International Arena to Cathays Station — had been hinting at something big in the days leading up to the big day, and inside the hotel, that promise was delivered tenfold. The room was alive with music, conversation, and that electric feeling that happens when a community of dreamers finally comes together.

The KLAT Awards were never meant to be just another evening of trophies. They were built to celebrate young creatives on their own terms, showcasing diversity, talent, and ambition in a space designed for connection and inspiration. As Noah, a key member of the KLAT team, reflected on the night:

“I want to express pride in what we’ve built. KLAT has grown from an idea into a movement celebrating creativity, culture, and community. Seeing our progress reminds me this is just the start of something bigger. Each of you brought energy and talent, creating something special.

Jazmyn, an attendee, captured the sentiment from the crowd:

“It was so lovely seeing so many creatives in one room to celebrate the journey so far — it’s only onwards and upwards from here.”

The Winners Who Stole the Spotlight

The awards celebrated creativity in all its forms — from writing and music to digital art and cultural impact. Here’s a look at the brilliant talents recognised:

• Writer of the Year – Connor Allen
  A poet, playwright, and performer, Connor’s work explores grief, identity, masculinity, and growth with honesty and depth. Beyond his writing, he mentors young creatives, using storytelling as a tool to build confidence and community.
• DJ of the Year – Monique B
  Known for her energetic sets combining Afro-house, amapiano, and deep dance grooves, Monique B has carved out her own lane in Cardiff’s nightlife. Her win is a celebration of creativity that moves both bodies and culture.
• Music Artist to Watch – Ben Ellis
  Rising pop artist Ben Ellis delivers songs that feel intimate yet stadium-ready, capturing raw emotion with polished production. His win confirms that his journey is only just beginning.
• Digital Artist of the Year – Noah Bakour
  Noah’s work sits at the intersection of art and emotion, exploring identity, culture, and belonging. His win shines a light on a new wave of digital art that is both deeply personal and globally resonant.
• Visual Artist of the Year – Caitlin Flood-Molineaux
  Caitlin tells stories through color, form, and emotion. Balancing strength and softness in her art, she’s quickly becoming one of Wales’ most exciting visual voices.
• Presenter of the Year – Bablu Shikdar
  Infectious energy, charisma, and sharp hosting skills make Bablu a standout figure in Welsh entertainment. His award reflects the connection he builds wherever he goes.
• Creative Collective of the Year – The Edit Wales
  Celebrating voices across Wales, The Edit Wales has built a community where art, culture, and identity intersect. Their win is a nod to the power of collaboration and representation.
• Cultural Hero Award – Ibby Abdi
  Recognising activism, mentorship, and dedication, Ibby has shaped spaces for young people to grow and lead, making a lasting impact on Cardiff’s cultural landscape.
• Event of the Year – Cynefin Pamoja: Afro Hair Showcase
  A celebration of heritage, identity, and storytelling through fashion and hair artistry, this showcase was a cultural reset that highlighted the beauty and pride of Afro-textured hair.
• Independent Business of the Year – Knight Vintage
  Mixing sustainability with nostalgia and style, Knight Vintage is a small business making a big impression in Cardiff’s fashion scene.
• Social Impact Champion – Zaynab Abbas
  A changemaker, advocate, and mentor, Zaynab uses her platform to inspire hope, opportunity, and tangible impact.
• International Creative of the Year – Gherdai Hassell
  Based in Manchester but born in Bermuda, Gherdai explores identity, history, and womanhood through layered collages and installations, pushing creative boundaries globally.
• KLAT Legacy Award – Liara Barussi
  Founder of Jukebox Collective, Liara has spent years nurturing talent and championing diversity. This award honours her vision and the countless creatives she has empowered.

Beyond the awards, the night was about celebrating talent and creativity. Guests mingled, laughed, and danced, all while feeling part of a movement that’s bigger than a single night. With a mix of an orchestra performance and other performances by artists like Ogun and Macy, red carpet interviews, and a youth DJ afterparty, KLAT used storytelling to create a beautiful experience.

The host, Chris J Birch, kept the energy high, bringing warmth, humor, and charisma to a room full of creatives. As the night drew to a close, it was obvious that Cardiff’s creative community was ready to take on the world.

The KLAT Awards aren’t stopping here. With ambitions to expand to Manchester, London, and beyond, KLAT is building a platform that celebrates and connects young creatives across the UK. For now, the first night will be remembered as a spark that set the city alight, leaving everyone inspired, seen, and ready to dream bigger than ever.

These partners played a massive role in bringing the inaugural KLAT Awards to life:

• Creative Wales – Sponsor of Music Artist to Watch
• Screen Alliance Wales – Sponsor of Actor to Watch
• WCS Agency (Cardiff Life) – Sponsor of Independent Business of the Year
• Watch Africa – Sponsor of International Creative of the Year
• Canopi – Sponsor of Creative Collective of the Year
• OTID Entertainment – Sponsor of Event of the Year
• Created Entertainment – Sponsor of DJ of the Year
• Jack Arts – Sponsor of Cultural Hero
• Energy Drink UK – Official Drinks Partner

Your support and collaboration helped make the KLAT Awards 2025 a powerful celebration of talent, culture, and community.

Read more about the KLAT Awards Here

See more photos from the KLAT Awards Here