What’s in store: Horizons at WOMEX 2024
Celebrating a world of music from England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland/Alba and Cymru/Wales, the Horizons Regional Stage at WOMEX is set to take the world by storm.
For 10 years, the Horizons partners have joined together at WOMEX (Worldwide Music Expo) to help grassroots musicians reach wider audiences by providing advice, funding, showcasing opportunities and assistance at the event. British Underground manage this partnership, including producing the Horizons conference stands, the Horizons live showcases, industry mixers, venue selection, UK delegate passes and so much more.
WOMEX itself travels across the globe, annually rooting in a different city. This year, we’re in the culturally-rich and expanding hub of Manchester, UK. So, what can we expect while on the ground at WOMEX? “If you’ve never been to WOMEX before, it’s got to be seen to be believed”, says British Underground’s Stephanie Wilkinson. “There’s so much diverse talent on show there and super-interesting people with stories to tell – the whole event has a sense of camaraderie, positivity and a pinch of eccentricity”.
As the entire city plays host to the world, the Horizons Regional Stage at the prestigious and recently-restored Albert Hall welcomes nine artist from England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland/Alba and Cymru/Wales.
From Thursday 24th Oct to Saturday 26th October, experience energising, inspiring performances brimming in cultural diversity:
The Horizons stage provides creative and cultural space for it’s line up to shine. “I’m one of the harder, noisier players”, says Gwenifer Raymond, representing England. “Primitive music by its nature is quite trance-y and meditative, and you want to lean into that”. Gwenifer’s guitar skills are indeed hypnotic, pulling you into the deep end of folk with her moody and manic compositions.
Also joining the line up are Gnoss, the lively, mood-boosting quartet from the Orkney Islands, Scotland. “Our live set is a mix of energetic tunes and really bad jokes” says band member Aiden Moodie, “we lean heavily on the stand-up comedy element. We try to make it as warm and friendly as possible, [our performances are] just like having a chat with us in a pub”.
He’s not wrong - the contemporary rapper backed by live Irish folk musicians wields bold visual direction and poetic storytelling to add an entirely new dimension to folklore. Recognised for his outstanding musical skill, Strange Boy is the recipient of the prestigious Liam O’Flynn award as well as the National Concert Hall residency, enabling him to further push the boundaries of his groundbreaking fusion of hip-hop and traditional Irish music.
As well as Gwenifer Raymond, Gnoss and Strange Boy, the Horizons Regional Stage programme presents Amy Laurenson (Scotland), Rioghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet (England), Cerys Hafana (Wales), Balimaya Project (England), Córas Trio (Northern Ireland) and N’famady Kouyaté (Wales), who all promised to shape the evolving imprint of music from around the world.
Reflecting Horizons Regional Stage’s impact in the city, Debra King, Director of Manchester Music City says, “We’re incredibly grateful for the support of Horizons and are looking forward to working with the partnership to bring the Horizons Stage to WOMEX 24. With over 2,600 music industry professionals set to arrive in Manchester in October, this is a fantastic opportunity for artists to reach new audiences internationally, and will help to support new waves of talent and ensure WOMEX 24’s impact is felt across the UK and Ireland for many years to come.”
As the live-show dates approach us, British Underground are proud to manage the Horizons partnership at WOMEX, and in doing so we continue our mission to showcase outstanding UK music to international industry audiences.
The Horizons Regional Stage takes place at Albert Hall (Manchester) from Thursday 24th October - Saturday 26th October at WOMEX 2024. Buy your tickets here.
The Horizons partnership is managed by British Underground on behalf of Arts Council England, Culture Ireland, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Creative Scotland, Wales Arts International, Arts Council of Wales and British Council.
