Folk Album of the Year Award 2026
The Folk Album of the Year Award celebrates contemporary and traditional folk, roots and acoustic albums from across Britain and Ireland, recognising originality, artistic quality and cultural impact regardless of commercial profile. Presented by Sound Roots and Folk on Foot, the award returns for 2026, with submissions closing at 11:59pm on Friday 30 October 2026.
About the award
We launched the Folk Album of the Year Award in partnership with Sound Roots to celebrate the most artistically acclaimed folk, roots and acoustic albums released in Britain and Ireland. Our jury of twelve leading musicians, broadcasters, journalists and promoters selected nine outstanding albums for the 2025 shortlist, and you can meet the artists behind them in our special episodes below.
The overall winner of the Folk Album of the Year Award, Barry Kerr's beautiful album Curlew's Cry, was announced at a livestreamed gala event from Rochdale Town Hall on 17 March 2026.
Watch the Folk Album of the Year Award 2025 Gala
Meet last year's nominated artists
Barry Kerr on
Curlew's Cry
Joshua Burnside on
Teeth of Time
Edith WeUtonga on
Varipasi
Spafford Campbell on
Tomorrow Held
Grace Stewart-Skinner on
Auchies Spikkin' Auchie
Poor Creature on
All Smiles Tonight
Cynefin on
Shimli
Peggy Seeger on
Teleology
Gigspanner Big Band on
Turnstone