Congratulations to Folk Album of the Year Award 2025 Winner Barry Kerr

Featured above: Barry Kerr at Folk Album of the Year Award 2025 ceremony. Credit: Chris Payne

Set against the stunning backdrop of Rochdale Town Hall and featuring outstanding performances from our nominees, the inaugural Folk Album of the Year Award ceremony was a spectacular celebration that truly set the bar high for years to come.

A huge congratulations to Barry Kerr who was crowned our winner for his 2025 album release Curlew’s Cry, in front of a 200-strong audience of musicians, industry professionals, event partners and media.

Our sincerest thanks to all involved. Let’s hear it once more for our nominees: Peggy Seeger, Grace Stewart-Skinner, Barry Kerr, Joshua Burnside, Cynefin, Spafford Campbell, The Gigspanner Big Band, Poor Creature and Edith WeUtonga. 

"We’re hugely grateful to our jury for the care and dedication they brought to every album submitted and to all the artists who have engaged with the project, both those here tonight and those following from afar. We hope the award will continue to help connect these musicians with new audiences.

This award shines a spotlight on artists whose work deserves wider recognition for their incredible output. In folk and traditional music, albums are something to be cherished and celebrated and our 2025 shortlist shows the extraordinary creativity across the scene today." – David Agnew, Chief Executive of Sound Roots

Stay tuned for more information about the Folk Album of the Year Award 2026, including how to enter your release later this year.