Get To Know Our EFEx 2026 International Partners' Showcasing Artists
Earlier this month we shared the exciting news that our International Partners for English Folk Expo 2026 are: Catalan Arts (Catalonia), Port Fairy Folk Festival (Australia), Showcase Scotland Expo (Scotland) and Music Export Memphis (Memphis).
Today, Port Fairy Folk Festival and Showcase Scotland Expo share the three outstanding showcasing artists they’ll each be bringing to join us from 18–21 March 2026.
"International partnerships bring brilliant and diverse music to English Folk Expo. For 2026, we are absolutely thrilled to be working with Catalan Arts, Port Fairy Folk Festival, Showcase Scotland Expo and Music Export Memphis - bringing a total of twelve world-class artists to our programme. With today's announcement, we already know that English Folk Expo 2026 is on track to feature some truly exciting international talent alongside our England-based artists." — David Agnew, Sound Roots CEO
Port Fairy Folk Festival
Celebrating their fiftieth year in 2027, the Port Fairy Folk Festival is an annual four-day music festival held in the historic fishing village of Port Fairy, Victoria, Australia. Taking place on the second weekend each March, the folk and roots music-inspired gathering offers invaluable support to the local community and an unforgettable weekend of song by the oceans of the south-west coast.
“The Port Fairy Folk Festival is so grateful to be a presenting partner at English Folk Expo in March 2026, just after the conclusion of our 49th festival in Australia. We can’t wait to connect with the global folk community in the wonderful city of Manchester and look forward to Fanny Lumsden, Charm of Finches and Daisy Kilbourne showcasing under our banner.”—Justin Rudge, Program Director, Port Fairy Folk Festival
Charm Of Finches
Australian sister duo Charm of Finches craft intricate folk-pop that’s both graceful and darkly bewitching, their seamless blood harmonies weaving melancholy and wonder. Mabel and Ivy Windred-Wornes have toured widely across the UK, Europe, and Canada (2022–2024) and earned accolades including Best Folk Album at the Australian Folk Music Awards (2022) and Best Folk Act at Music Victoria (2021).
Fanny Lumsden
From a sheep farm in western NSW to Glastonbury Festival, Fanny Lumsdenhas become one of Australia’s most acclaimed country artists. A 2× ARIA, 9× Golden Guitar and 3× AIR Award winner, her chart-topping albumHey Dawn cemented her status as a distinctive storyteller and powerhouse performer redefining modern Australian country music.
Daisy Kilbourne is a soul-stirring artist with a heart firmly rooted in the music of the ’70s. Born into a musical family, her talent and love for song run deep, inspired by the legacy of her late father, Wayne Kilbourne, a revered songwriter. Having supported artists such as Adalita, Kyle Lionhart and Damien Rice, Kilbourne is fast becoming one to watch.
Showcase Scotland Expo
Showcase Scotland Expo exists to expand live export opportunities for Scottish-based artists working across folk, traditional, world, and acoustic music. Initiated by Active Events, the project aims to build relationships with international music trade events and advocate for showcase opportunities for Scottish artists.
“Events such as English Folk Expo and Showcase Scotland @ Celtic Connections bring together friends from across the globe — creating opportunities, sharing challenges, and celebrating the connections that help our artists and audiences thrive. We’re delighted to present Chloe Matharu, Heron Valley and Ryan Young — three outstanding artists who reflect the strength and spirit of Scotland’s folk scene.
Having already partnered over the past two years with Kings Place, Cambridge Folk Festival and Shrewsbury Folk Festival, we’re proud to bring Scotland’s music to English audiences and beyond, supporting our artists to be discovered, developed, and heard around the world. We look forward to meeting everyone and celebrating great music.”—Lisa Whytock, CEO
Ryan Young, a multi award winning fiddle player, is injecting fresh and innovative ideas into the realm of traditional Scottish music. He has gained international acclaim for his captivating fiddle interpretations. Ryan's debut album, produced in collaboration with four-time GRAMMY winner Jesse Lewis, was unveiled at the Feakle Traditional Music Festival in County Clare.
Chloe Matharu is a multi-award winning Scottish Indian singer songwriter and harpist from the West Coast of Scotland. Many of her songs draw on her time as a Navigational Officer in the Merchant Navy, inspired by the natural world as experienced at sea. Her music offers"an intriguing insight into a new tradition of maritime folk music with thoughtful songwriting embellished by her voice and superb harp playing"- The Herald.
Heron Valley is a dynamic folk band hailing from Scotland, known for their energetic performances and captivating blend of traditional and folk music with contemporary influences. Formed in 2014, the group quickly gained attention for their lively stage presence and virtuosic musicianship. The band features a powerful line up of bagpipes, fiddle, guitar, keys, bass and drums seamlessly fusing driving rhythms, intricate melodies and heartfelt lyrics together.
