BBC RADIO 2 FOLK AWARDS

The BBC Folk Awards 2008 were announced last night(Feb 4th) recognising achievments in the folk arena in 2007

Whilst a number of bands shared nominations with the Fatea Awards, the only band to win an award in both ceremonies this year was Rachel Unthank And The Winterset

New and established acts shared the stage in a glittering night of presentations

Congratulations to those who won the awards, commiseration to those that didn't quite get there on the night. Welldone to everyone that won, made the shortlist, made the long lists

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1. Duo of the Year: John Tams & Barry Coope
Presented by Sean Bean

2. Horizon Award (best emerging artist): Rachel Unthank & The Winterset
Presented by Alan Keen MP, member of the House of Commons Culture select committee and founder member of the All Party Parliamentary Folk Group.

3. Best Traditional Track: ‘Cold Haily Rainy Night’ by The Imagined Village
Presented by Bob Harris, Radio 2 presenter

4. Musician of The Year: Andy Cutting (accordionist with Kate Rusby Band, June Tabor)
Presented by John Paul Jones

5. Best Original Song: ‘Never Any Good’ by Martin Simpson
Presented by Steve Harley, Radio 2 presenter

6. Folk Club of the Year: Dartford Folk Club
Presented by Jez Lowe, Folk Singer of the Year nominee and acclaimed folk musician

7. Album of the Year: ‘Prodigal Son’ by Martin Simpson
Presented by Aled Jones, Radio 2 presenter

8. Best Live Act: Bellowhead
Presented by Romeo Stodart of The Magic Numbers

9. Good Tradition Award: Shirley Collins (for an exceptional contribution to folk music)
Presented by Graham Coxon

10. Best Group: Lau
Presented by Brenda Blethyn

11. Folk Singer of the Year: Julie Fowlis
Presented by KT Tunstall

12. Lifetime Achievement Award: John Martyn
Presented by Phil Collins

Highlights of the Awards show will broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in an extended edition of The Mike Harding Show at 7.00pm on Wednesday 6th February and will be available on the BBC iPlayer for up to a week after transmission.