Ireland’s Barry Kerr Crowned Folk Album Of The Year Award Winner On St Patrick’s Day

Posted by on 18 Mar 2026

17 March 2026 — The Folk Album of the Year Award has unveiled Barry Kerr as its first prize winner for Curlew’s Cry.

The Irish artist, from County Armagh and now based in Connemara, was selected as the standout folk release of 2025, praised for its assured songwriting and deeply authentic voice. Released in October, the album was recognised by the jury for its quiet grace and confidence, reflective storytelling and songs rooted in tradition, yet resonating strongly in the present. As juror Rob Cowen noted, “in a world in chaos, Barry Kerr shows a way forward informed by the past.”

Receiving the award on stage, Barry Kerr said: “I’m a bit lost for words. I’ve been at this game all my life, and I do it because music gets me through the ups and downs in life. When I made the record, I just wanted to sing about what I know and what I love. I want to thank my wife and kids. I’m so delighted, and it’s a real honour to be on a line-up with such amazing people. Thank you so much.”

Barry Kerr was crowned victorious at a ceremony held at Rochdale Town Hall, in front of a 200-capacity audience of musicians, industry professionals, event partners and media. The evening followed a Jools Holland-style format, with speeches and performances unfolding across two stages while audience members sat around candle-lit tables within the ornate Victorian hall.

Each artist performed two songs from their nominated album, showcasing the breadth of folk music across Britain and Ireland — from regional storytelling and song traditions to experimental, cross-genre interpretations. Spanning legendary icons to emerging stars, eight of the nine shortlisted artists performed live, while Dublin trio Poor Creature (unable to attend due to ill health) appeared via a specially recorded video.

All nominated artists/albums are listed below, as well as songs performed on-the-night (in order of performance):

● Barry Kerr – Curlew’s Cry
Original songs and traditional material inspired by Irish folklore and landscape.
Performed: ‘She knows things’ and ‘The Curlew’s Cry’
● Grace Stewart-Skinner – Auchies Spikkin’ Auchie
A debut rooted in the fisher-folk traditions of her Highland home village of Avoch.
Performed: ‘Auchie’ and ‘Th’ Herrin’ Must’ve Tacken Fricht’
● Peggy Seeger – Teleology
A philosophical late-career statement from the 90-year-old folk icon – her final album.
Performed: ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’ and ‘I Want to Meet Paul Simon’
● Edith WeUtonga – Varipasi
Afro-jazz blended with traditional Zimbabwean roots music.
Performed: ‘Amazulu’ and ‘Varipasi’
● Joshua Burnside – Teeth of Time
Experimental folk songwriting fused with electronica and found sound.
Performed: ‘Marching Round the Ladies’ and ‘Up and Down’
● Cynefin – Shimli
A revival of historic Welsh-language farming songs from Ceredigion.
Performed: ‘Pryd Y Potsiwr’ and ‘Cornicyll’
● Poor Creature – All Smiles Tonight
A haunting contemporary take on Irish traditional song.
Video performance: ‘All Smiles Tonight’
● Spafford Campbell – Tomorrow Held
Instrumental English folk reimagined through jazz and chamber influences.
Performed: ‘MacGill’ and ‘All Your Tiny Bones’
● Gigspanner Big Band – Turnstone
Virtuosic reinterpretations of British roots traditions.
Performed: ’Sovay’ and ‘Betsy Williams’

Following the winner announcement, Barry Kerry returned to the stage to perform a further track ‘You Rambling boys of pleasure’ to close the evening’s celebration.

The winner was selected in the same afternoon by a distinguished jury of performers and media professionals, chaired by English folk singer-songwriter and Executive Producer of BBC Radio 2’s The Folk Show, Kellie While.

The Folk Album of the Year Award was created by music charity Sound Roots and the award-winning podcast Folk on Foot, hosted by broadcaster Matthew Bannister. The Award is supported by Rochdale Development Agency and formed a key part of Rochdale’s 2026 Town of Culture celebrations.

Addressing the audience, David Agnew, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Sound Roots, said: “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 tonight’s shortlist shows the extraordinary creativity across the scene today. We’re hugely grateful to our jury for the care and dedication they brought to listening 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.”