Folkworks

Folkworks was instrumental in the creation of the first BMus in Folk and Traditional Music in England which began in 2001 and still plays a part in its running at Newcastle University, currently under the stewardship of acclaimed Shetland fiddler and teacher Catriona MacDonald.

Successful folk musicians who were among the first students to graduate from the degree course include Ian Stephenson, Fay Hield, Damien O'Kane, Tom Oakes, Jim Causley, Rachel McShane, Calum Stewart, Emily Portman and David Newey.

Regular tutors include Karen Tweed, Chris Wood and Andy Cutting, Brian Finnegan, Catriona MacDonald, Robert Harbron, Nancy Kerr and James Fagan.

The youth summer school has become renowned as a meeting place for young folk musicians, and bands including 422, Kerfuffle and Last Orders have met at or attended the event.

For most of its history, the semifinals of this competition were held at Kendal Youth Hostel and the Brewery Arts Centre, and the finals at the Union Chapel, Islington.