English Folk Expo has a long traditional of an exclusive annual partnership with one country or territory. It is a much-loved element of the weekend and one which always attracts much speculation from delegates. At our 2022 event we announced that the format of our partnership showcases would be changing in 2023, and we would move from one to multiple partnership showcases each year.
We are delighted to announce that there will be FOUR partnership showcases at EFEx 2023, presenting artists from…
South Korea – presented by Seoul Music Week:
Seoul Music Week is an annual showcase festival in the South Korean capital. It is an international music market and platform for the music business in South Korea, an urban showcase festival presenting around fifty South Korean and international bands annually, and a conference and networking opportunity for music industry professionals from across the world.
Flanders, Belgium – presented by Dranoeter VZW:
Festival Dranouter, run by Dranoeter VZW, has presented a broad programme of music that pushes the boundaries of the folk and roots genres, in an annual green field festival since 1975 in the heart of Flanders in Belgium every August. With a focus on England in 2023, Festival Dranouter will host a selection of artists from England at the festival this August, as well as presenting artists from Flanders in England at EFEx ’23.
Bavo Vanden Broeck of Dranoeter VZW, says, “Dranouter has always contributed to the development of the Flemish folk scene. Now that the scene is qualitatively stronger than ever, we also want to help open the doors internationally for talent from Flanders.”
Prince Edward Island, Canada – presented by Music PEI:
Music PEI, founded in 2001, is a non-profit member services organization and music industry association for the Province of Prince Edward Island, Canada. It is devoted to advancing careers of PEI artists and music industry members. Music PEI promotes, fosters and develops artists and the music industry on PEI, at local and national level. Music PEI also produces the highly regarded Showcase PEI in September each year. Artists from PEI showcased at EFEx Showcase in 2017 and we are delighted to welcome back more artists from this island which has proved to be a source of much musical talent.
“Music PEI is excited to return to one of the best folk music conferences in the world. EFEx was an amazing experience for Music PEI in 2017 and we are proud to bring some more amazing Prince Edward Island talent once again to the event.” Rob Oakie – Executive Director, Music PEI
Sweden – presented by Export Music Sweden:
Export Music Sweden’s focus and long-term goal is increased revenue for all of Sweden’s music exports and to support all of Sweden’s music genres. Its four focus areas are education, networks and fairs, collection and packaging of information, as well as support and grants.
“After checking out the impressive English Folk Expo platform last year, we at Export Music Sweden are now thrilled to announce our official partnership with EFEx 2023. In close collaboration with the conference we will select three Swedish diverse and export ready acts to showcase at the 2023 edition of English Folk Expo in October. We are looking forward to seeing what this fruitful collaboration will lead to for us as an organization but especially for the Swedish acts.” Jesper Thorsson – CEO, Export Music Sweden
Each partner will present three artists from their country/territory/province in a showcase at EFEx ’23. All partnership showcases will take place on the afternoon of Saturday 21st October, using a collection of beautiful venues in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The showcase presenters will also preview their showcase at a delegate lunch the same day.
We are delighted that through the partnership showcases we will be able to present a rich, diverse and exciting gathering of musicians from across the world as part of English Folk Expo 2023.
If you are interested in attending English Folk Expo Showcase 2023 click HERE for more details.
