2016

The 17th annual celebration of folk and acoustic music, live from the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Mark Radcliffe and Scottish singer Julie Fowlis introduce a special night of sublime live music and special guests.

Joan Armatrading, one of Britain's most respected singer-songwriters, receives a Lifetime Achievement Award and performs live. Norma Waterson, the esteemed traditional singer known for her work with The Watersons, Waterson:Carthy and daughter Eliza Carthy, receives the same accolade and also makes a rare live performance.

Scottish multi-instrumentalist and producer John McCusker marks 25 years in music with a Good Tradition Award and by performing with both his new John McCusker Band and in a special performance with Dire Straits' guitar legend Mark Knopfler.

Rufus Wainwright sings a special tribute to folk-rock legend Sandy Denny (d. 1978), who is inducted into the Folk Awards Hall of Fame. Rufus, whose parents are folk stars Loudon Wainwright III and the late Kate McGarrigle, will be backed by a band of musicians who played with Sandy during her short career.

Northumbrian group The Unthanks, who are nominated for Best Album, perform, as does London singer and song-collector Sam Lee in a special collaboration with the Roundhouse Choir.

Dublin folk-punks Lynched, nominated in three categories, play live, as do the duo Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman.

Other prizes handed out to celebrate the best in folk and acoustic music include Folk Singer of the Year, Best Group, Best Traditional Track, Best Original Track, Musician of the Year and the Horizon Award for the best emerging act.

The 2016 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award is also presented to one of four nominees, all of whom are UK-based musicians aged 16-21. These inspiring young acts also perform live during the interval, in a special programme hosted by Simon Mayo and top folk musician Kathryn Tickell.

Prior to the main event, Simon Mayo will also present a special Drivetime show backstage at the Albert Hall from 5pm, with live music and chat from Folk Awards guests.

The Folk Awards are also available to watch live on the BBC Radio 2 website, and they will be available to watch on the BBC iPlayer and the BBC Red Button service at a later date.

Live from the Royal Albert Hall in London, a celebration of folk and acoustic music.

Celebrating folk music and the people who make it.