Celebrating 10 Years of the NYFE

Since 2016, 95 young musicians have joined the National Youth Folk Ensemble, the flagship youth initiative of the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS).

• Freshly announced winners of the ABO Impact Award for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the Association of British Orchestras Awards 2026.
• A tenth anniversary series of gigs to kick off at Liverpool Philharmonic with a joint concert with New-Folk trio Tarren, and culminating at summer folk festivals.
• ‘Celebrating 10 Years of the National Youth Folk Ensemble’ Photography Exhibition launches at Cecil Sharp House in London.

Established in 2016 by the English Folk Dance and Song Society, the National Youth Folk Ensemble aims to elevate the profile of English folk music among young people, educators, and audiences. The Ensemble provides real-world experience for aspiring musicians, nurturing the next generation of folk performers, educators, and leaders.

Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England, said:

‘For a decade, the National Youth Folk Ensemble has nurtured the energy and talent of young musicians and enriched the folk traditions of our country with new diverse voices, while championing the future of our musical heritage. Arts Council England has been proud to invest in an ensemble that has supported so many aspiring folk musicians and inspired such vibrant and creative music-making.’

In February 2026, the National Youth Folk Ensemble received the ABO Impact Award for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the Southbank Centre. The Ensemble was recognised for increasing Global Majority representation through initiatives such as the Bhangra Ceilidh collaboration with Kuljit Bhamra MBE, which reached over 6,000 people. By prioritising creative diversity, the Ensemble is shaping a more inclusive and innovative future for English folk music.

Jo Freya, Artistic Director of National Youth Folk Ensemble, said:

‘It has been a fabulous honour to be Artistic Director of NYFE for the previous two cohorts and now, for my final term, which is the tenth year of this amazing project. This has been inspiring, validating and glorious.’

In May, the Ensemble is running their annual free open days – Cecil Sharp House (27th May), Exeter Phoenix (28th May), Leeds Conservatoire (30th May) – offering young people their first taste of English folk music and an immersion into its traditions, and to recruit next year’s Ensemble.

Read the full Press Release