BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017

Presented by Mark Radcliffe and Scottish singer Julie Fowlis live from the Royal Albert Hall, the evening will celebrate the UK’s thriving folk scene with performances from Ry Cooder, Al Stewart, Billy Bragg, Shirley Collins, Jim Moray, Fara, Daoirí Farrell, and Afro Celt Sound System.

The BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, now in its 18th year, is one of folk music’s annual highlights and shines a light on the most exciting and interesting artists on the British scene and beyond.

This year, American roots rock legend Ry Cooder makes a rare UK appearance as he receives a Lifetime Achievement Award in the 50th year of his career. Platinum-selling songwriter Al Stewart, known for a narrative brand of folk-rock will be playing live and will also receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. Billy Bragg performs a special tribute to influential US folk icon Woody Guthrie, who died 50 years ago. Activist and songwriter Guthrie, who sang with Pete Seeger and mentored Bob Dylan, is inducted into the Folk Awards Hall of Fame. English traditional singer Shirley Collins MBE performs a track from her remarkable comeback album, Lodestar.

Plus, live performances from cross-cultural musical group Afro Celt Sound System; Orkney group Fara; highly-rated Dublin singer Daoirí Farrell; and singer and instrumentalist Jim Moray with his full-blooded Upcetera band. There will also be a specially curated performance from The Ballads of Child Migration, which will feature the voices of former child migrants; narration by Barbara Dickson; and original songs performed by Kris Drever, Jez Lowe, While & Matthews, Boo Hewerdine, O'Hooley and Tidow, John McCusker, Andy Cutting and Mike McGoldrick.

Prizes handed out to celebrate the best in folk and acoustic music include Folk Singer of the Year, Best Group, Best Traditional Track, Best Original Track, Musician of the Year, and the Horizon Award for the best emerging act. The 2017 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award is also presented to one of four nominees, all of whom are UK-based musicians aged 16-21. These inspiring young acts also perform live during the interval, in a special programme hosted by Northumbrian musician and broadcaster Kathryn Tickell.

The Folk Awards are also available to watch live on the BBC Radio 2 website at bbc.co.uk/radio2, and highlights will be broadcast on BBC Four on Sunday 9 April.

Presenters: Mark Radcliffe and Julie Fowlis
Producers: Jon Lewis and Kellie While for Smooth Operations

Publicity contact: BBC Radio 2 Publicity