New Roots

An event for young musicians

Are you under 25?

Do you sing or play traditionally based music?

This annual event is for young performers of all styles of traditional or contemporary folk, roots or world music, whether you play traditional material or write your own. Categories are under 18 and 18-24.

There is no one ‘winner’, but it’s a great day, a chance to get your music heard and great opportunities are awarded to the most appropriate acts. These have included performance opportunities at Upton-on-Severn, Broadstairs, Chippenham, Folk East and Sidmouth Folk Festivals and at folk clubs, including Twickfolk, Stockton and Lewes.

We are now approaching them and others for opportunities for our 2025-6 finalists. To offer a performance opportunity for New Roots 2026, please complete and return this form.

To enter New Roots 2026, email your completed entry form in Word to info@new-roots.org.uk. If you entered in 2025, you have no need to enter again. Please note that we are unable to receive entry forms in googledocs. In reply, you will receive an email telling you how to upload up to 15 minutes of your music.

Closing date January 31 2026

The final of New Roots 2025-2026 combined will be on April 19 2026 at Trestle Arts Base, Russet Drive, St Albans AL4 0JQ. Performers short-listed by the judges, Valmai Goodyear, Tash Daly, Mossy Christian and Megan Wisdom, will be invited to take part. There is no charge for admission. The judges will give feedback on performances.  Further information will be posted on this web site www.new-roots.org.uk as it becomes available. For enquiries, email info@new-roots.org.uk or ring 01727 852111.