Derby Folk Festival Acts win big at BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards

Thu 5 May 2016

We would like to congratulate three artists who are performing at the tenth Derby Folk Festival on winning awards at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

It is a great indication of the quality of performers lined up for this year’s festival which is taking place from Fri 30 Sep to Sun 2 Oct. 

The wonderful The Young’uns who will be playing on the Saturday evening of the festival took Best Group for the second year in a row. The Young’uns have fast become one of the foremost groups on the UK folk scene. They seamlessly switch from beautiful ballads to brilliant banter, from profoundly poignant songs to infectiously irreverent humour.

Sam Kelly was pleased to take the Horizon Award which celebrates artists who push the boundaries. His widely anticipated debut full-length album, The Lost Boys released last November takes you to all corners of the British Isles, across the Atlantic, and back again. He takes you on a musical journey led by his expert vocals, tasteful arrangements, and high-class instrumental performances. 

Musician of the Year was won by friend of the festival and Derby resident Andy Cutting, who often plays with the winner of the Good Tradition Award, John McCusker. John’s band will performing on the Sunday night in the City Marquee. On top of the award winners, local young musician, Benammi Swift was nominated for the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award. He was shortlisted into the final four from an original group of 10, but narrowly missed out on the top step – though he did perform a fabulous set live on Radio 2. Benammi can be seen at two venues over the weekend. 

You can see these acts perform at the Derby Folk Festival, which is being held at a fantastic set of venues throughout the Cathedral Quarter. The festival will also include a host of free fringe events, dance acts, sessions, as well as an Arts and Craft Fair. These free events will be taking place in Derby City Centre. 

Festival tickets are available on our website, or you can book in person at our Box Office, or call 01332 255800. It’s never too early to book with an early bird offer for those who book weekend tickets before 31 July 2016.

Find out more at derbyfolkfestival.co.uk and keep up to date with the latest festival announcements on twitter and facebook.