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.

This partnership celebrates the diverse music that comes from England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland/Alba and Cymru/Wales, by helping talented artists gain international recognition on the world stage.

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  • What is Horizons?

    For 10 years, the Horizons partners have joined together at WOMEX (Worldwide Music Expo) to ensure our grassroots musicians reach wider audiences by providing advice, funding, showcasing opportunities and assistance at the event.

    Horizons presents musicians from England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland/Alba and Wales/Cymru with a unique opportunity to perform on the Regional Stage, located at one of Manchester’s most prestigious venues.

  • What is WOMEX?

    WOMEX is the most international and culturally diverse music meeting in the world and the biggest conference of the global music scene, featuring a trade fair, talks, films and showcase concerts.

    Over 2,600 professionals (including 260 performing artists) come together every October from 90 countries, making WOMEX the leading networking platform for the world music industry.

  • What do BU do?

    For 10 years, the Horizons partners have joined together at WOMEX (Worldwide Music Expo) to ensure our grassroots musicians reach wider audiences by providing advice, funding, showcasing opportunities and assistance at the event.

    British Underground co-ordinate the partnership between the nations, including producing conference stands, live showcases, industry mixers, venue selection, UK delegate passes and more.

  • When does it happen?

    WOMEX hosts 7 stages, around 700 exhibiting companies, 100+ speakers, films, an opening concert and an award ceremony across five days.

    In 2024, WOMEX takes place in Manchester, UK from the 23 - 27 October.

  • Who has participated from the UK?

    Artists from the Horizons nations not selected for the official showcase by the WOMEX jury, are automatically eligible for consideration for the Horizons Regional Stage.

    Past showcasing artists include Sam Lee, The Breathe, Matt Carmichael and Elephant Sessions.

  • How do I apply?

    The WOMEX 24 Call for Proposals for WOMEX Showcases, Conference and Film is now closed and will open again in 2025 here.

    For more information as well as the application form for WOMEX 2024 UK delegate passes visit horizonsatwomex.com

“If you’ve never been to WOMEX before, it’s got to be seen to be believed. 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, which I love.  

As WOMEX comes to Manchester this year, the Horizons partnership are even more excited to be working collaboratively to shine a line on the incredible homegrown talent coming from our individual nations and connect with international peers. 

It’s also an incredible opportunity for the UK music industry to discover previously undiscovered raw talent on their doorstep in Manchester and make global connections. We can’t wait to see everyone there.”

– Steph Wilkinson

Explore our current projects

BU Culture
Schedule Announcement: Folk Alliance International 2025

The 2025 Folk Alliance International official showcase schedule is now live.

Five minutes with Cerys Hafana

Cerys Hafana is a composer and multi-instrumentalist who mangles, mutates, and transforms traditional music. Set to take the Horizons Regional Stage at WOMEX 2024, British Underground talk all things music, live performance and remaining mysterious. Get to know Cerya Hafana.

Routes: A Brand New Guide to England’s Live Music Sector

British Underground, Arts Council England and Songlines Magazine publish Routes, a free 52-page printed guidebook highlighting England’s best festivals, venues and expos, with additional advice on artist mobility and funding plus insights from artists and industry insiders.

Five minutes with Conor McAuley from Córas Trio

Córas Trio’s drummer Conor McAuley shares the Northern Irish band’s inspirations, unforgettable gigs and their vision for sharing their unique sound with the world at WOMEX 2024.

Five minutes with Strange Boy

In the world of Irish music, Strange Boy stands out as a pioneering force, blending traditional folk elements with raw, introspective rap. Ahead of his performance at WOMEX 2024, we caught up with him for a five-minute chat…

Filmmaker insights: ‘The Broadside Hack’ and new age Folk at WOMEX

Ahead of the screening of ‘The Broadside Hack’ documentary at WOMEX 2024, British Underground speak with director Crispin Parry and Broadside Hacks founder Campbell Baum, diving into their filmmaking journey and why folk is both a tale as old as time and a new world that will never go out of style.

How to prepare for a global industry conference with Spafax’s Philippa Starns

Audio Manager UK at Spafax Philippa Starns heads to her eighth WOMEX this year. British Underground ask Philippa how to successfully prepare, engage with and enjoy global industry conferences like WOMEX.

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. Get to know the line up, buy £15 tickets and more.

Five minutes with Aiden Moodie and Graham Rorie from Gnoss

Blending traditional folk with modern acoustic layers, Gnoss has become one of the most exciting folk acts to emerge from Scotland. Led by guitarist and vocalist Aiden Moodie alongside fiddle and mandolin player Graham Rorie, British Underground’s Steph Wilkinson catches up with the four-piece set to bring their infectious energy to the Horizons stage at WOMEX 24.

Five minutes with Yahael Camara Onono from Balimaya Project 

Preparing to perform on the HORIZONS stage at WOMEX 24 Balimaya Project bandleader and djembe master Yahael Camara Onono, explains how the collective is redefining what it means to merge tradition and innovation.