English Folk Expo

English Folk Expo is a trading name of Sound Roots, a charity which helps to build sustainable music careers in folk and beyond.

We are the event delivery partner for WOMEX 2024 in Manchester

English folk music, as a genre distinct from British Celtic traditions, has experienced a dramatic revival in recent years, seeing a new generation of young, daring and skilled artists emerge, with this explosion of young talent creating some of the best music, of any genre, coming out of England. Meanwhile iconic artists, some of whom first took to the stage in the original folk revival of the 1960s, continue to provide inspiration and unforgettable performances. English Folk Expo welcomes the world’s music industry to experience this vibrant and rapidly expanding source of folk music talent.

Showcasing:
Our primary showcase is held in Manchester in the heart of England, presenting 60+ artists to more than 200 delegates
It provides an effective and previously unavailable route into the English folk, roots and acoustic market. Delegates are given access to all festival performances, as well as additional industry-only showcases and events which will provide opportunities to make links with and form new working relationships with industry gate-keepers to the folk, roots and acoustic music industry in England.

Mentoring:
Our artist mentoring programme prepares emerging and early stage career artists with training, performances and networking opportunities to help them become export ready

Training:
We run industry training events including a Promoter Training Programme to teach a new wave of young promoters how to succeed in the industry

Advocacy:
We work hard to positively promote and grow the English folk, roots and acoustic music sector. This includes through commissioning, digital engagement and wider industry networking.

Live events:
We run festivals and events year round including the Manchester Folk Festival and a regular promotions programme.

...and more:
We produce the UK Official Folk Albums Chart, develop new commissioned work, deliver event consultancy, run an online subscription platform, host online sector specific conversations, sit on the Manchester Music City Steering Group, the Greater Manchester Music Commission and participated in the first round of the European Music Business Task Force.