30 Years - how did that happen?

In June 2009, fRoots magazine will hit its 30th anniversary! We already published our 300th issue this year, putting us well into the record books for having published every single issue on time without a break, and with the same editor.

Come by and visit us on our Womex stand, grab a free copy of the latest issue if you're not already one of our many Womex subscribers, or say hello if you are. We're at 2-S.07 - right by the central café in the main hall.

Four of our staff will be present this year - myself, assistant editor Sofi Mogensen, our main photographer Judith Burrows and top journalist Elizabeth Kinder.

We have exciting news about the higher profile for this year's Critics Poll for Albums Of The Year. Founded in 1986, for the past seven years it has been the centre point of the BBC Awards For World Music. This year it's onwards and upwards with cross-industry support now the BBC Awards have ended. With our massive international panel of 300 experts, it's the world roots music community's flagship award. More at http://www.frootsmag.com/pollwinners

We're expecting some "meet & greets" by visiting artists including Les Amazones De Guinea, who graced our cover a few months back as one of our series of special Guinea features this year marking the 50th anniversary of independence for that musical powerhouse.

AND: the international money market has GOOD NEWS for you! The rapidly falling Pound means that for non-UK people your fRoots subscriptions and advertising are now up to 25% CHEAPER than a year ago. Now your absolutely essential worldwide roots music guide is even more affordable!

Ian Anderson (the buck very long ago stopped here . . . )

• article submitted by: Ian Anderson, fRoots Magazine