English Folk Expo 2026 returns from Wednesday 18th March to the early hours of Saturday 21st March and today we’re delighted to welcome Skinny Lister, Rachael McShane & The Cartographers and Frankie Archer to the lineup!
Showcases will take place at some of the city’s most beloved venues, including Band on the Wall, Hallé St Peter’s, New Century Hall, The Stoller Hall, Night & DayCafe, The Castle Hotel and Hallé at St Michael’s.
Artists already announced are: Fairport Convention, Seth Lakeman, The Young’uns, Angeline Morrison, Shovel Dance Collective, Daudi Matsiko, Bella Hardy, Anna McLuckie, Ed Blunt, Lucy Grubb & Filkin’s Drift.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Since 2009, Skinny Lister have been at the forefront of first-rate folk-punk in the UK. Making waves with the irrepressible energy of their debut album Forge and Flagon in 2012, the London-formed crew went on to sign with Xtra Mile Recordings for the release of their classic second album Down On Deptford Broadway (2014) and so began a partnership that has birthed a further four records with the label including The Devil, The Heart, The Fight (2016), The Story Is… (2019), A Matter Of Life & Love (2021) and most recently Shanty Punk. And now, with the tantalising promise of new material on the horizon, the dynamic five-piece will soon be doing what they do best in Manchester next March.
Rachael McShane is a renowned folk singer, cellist, fiddle, and viola player from the North East of England. She gained fame as an original member of the award-winning folk big band Bellowhead, recording five studio albums with them and winning a staggering 8 BBC Folk Awards. Away from Bellowhead, Rachael is the leader of The Cartographers, a band featuring traditional folk and contemporary sounds.
The Cartographers have garnered a loyal following thanks to their impressive live performances and critically acclaimed debut album, When All Is Still (Topic Records, 2018). The long-awaited new album Uncharted is due to be released in Spring 2025. Rachael McShane is a sought-after performer and workshop leader, and The Cartographers are available for concerts and festivals.
Frankie Archer has exploded onto the electrofolk scene with music that transcends stereotypes using a combination of manipulated samples, synths, drum tracks and earthy Northumbrian fiddle and voice to capture her audience. Her aim? To shake up genres and traditions, challenge perspectives and call for a fairer future.
Winner of the 2023 Christian Raphael Prize, Frankie has been featured on ‘Later… With Jools Holland’ and championed by tastemakers at BBC Radio 2 and 6Music. Following the release of her debut EP ‘Never So Red’ (November, 2023), she has supported the likes of The Futureheads and The Last Dinner Party. With her unique live set turning heads wherever she goes, Frankie is quickly establishing herself as one to watch in the alternative space.
David Agnew, Chief Exec & Artistic Director of Sounds Roots:
“After the remarkable response to our busiest festival in 2025, we’re carrying that momentum into 2026 – curating an even more exciting programme that champions bold new voices alongside much-loved folk favourites. With an expanded dance offering, added perks for wristband holders and intriguing new projects still to be revealed, we’re proud to keep growing a festival that feels truly rooted in the heart of Manchester.”
Delegate passes are available now. See HERE for more information.
