Entries Open for Folk Album of the Year Award 2027 Following Successful Launch

Posted by on 7 Aug 2026

Submissions now open to artists, labels and publishers for Folk Album of the Year 2026, with entries closing at 23:59 on Friday 30 October 2026. Application is here

Following a hugely successful inaugural year that reached more than 50,000 people online and attracted a global livestream audience of over 10,000 viewers, Sound Roots and Folk on Foot have opened submissions for the 2026 Folk Album of the Year Award.

Created to celebrate outstanding contemporary and traditional folk, roots and acoustic music from across Britain and Ireland, the award offers artists a unique platform to showcase their work to audiences, media and industry professionals.

The inaugural award saw Barry Kerr crowned winner for his album Curlew’s Cry, emerging from a shortlist that showcased some of the most exciting voices in folk music today. All shortlisted artists received dedicated publicity support, extensive media coverage and exposure through the Folk on Foot network.

Artists, labels and publishers are now invited to submit eligible albums for consideration. Entries will be judged by an expert panel of performers, broadcasters, journalists and music professionals, chaired once again by acclaimed singer-songwriter and BBC Radio 2 producer Kellie While.

Eight albums will be shortlisted in November 2026 before the finalists perform live at Rochdale Town Hall on Tuesday 26 January 2027. The event will be livestreamed to audiences around the world, with the overall winner announced on the night.

The award celebrates artistic excellence, originality and cultural impact, shining a spotlight on music from established and emerging artists regardless of commercial profile.

David Agnew, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Sound Roots, said:
“This award was created to champion the extraordinary creativity that exists across the folk community and to give artists a national platform for their work. The response to our inaugural year exceeded all expectations, and we’re excited to discover another outstanding group of albums for 2027. I’d encourage artists, labels and publishers to submit their work and be part of this growing celebration of folk music.”

Councillor Susan Smith, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Cooperation, said:
“We were incredibly proud to once again be hosting the Folk Album of the Year Award in Rochdale. The event which reaches audiences across the UK and internationally showcases not only the strength of the folk music community but also the important role that arts and culture play in bringing people together. We look forward to welcoming finalists to Rochdale Town Hall in January next year and encourage artists from across Britain and Ireland to put themselves forward for this fantastic opportunity.”

The Folk Album of the Year Award is supported by Rochdale Development Agency and complements the Official Folk Albums Chart, commissioned by Sound Roots in partnership with the Official Charts Company.

Entries are now open and will close at 23:59 on Friday 30 October 2026.