We’re delighted to announce the National Youth Folk Ensemble was a winner of the 2026 ABO Impact Award last night. The award was presented at a live event and ceremony at the Southbank Centre in London on 4 February.
The ABO Impact Award for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion was presented to the National Youth Folk Ensemble, collected by Rachel Elliott, Education Director at the English Folk Dance and Song Society. The Ensemble has significantly increased Global Majority representation through projects such as its Bhangra Ceilidh collaboration with Kuljit Bhamra MBE, reaching over 6,000 people. By placing creative diversity at the heart of its work, the Ensemble is shaping a more inclusive and innovative future for folk music.
The ABO Impact Awards recognise those whose work has demonstrated the core values of inspiration, innovation and collaboration through their contribution to the sector, across areas of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), Learning & Development, Environmental Sustainability, Health & Wellbeing, and Innovation.
The awards were presented by Classic FM presenter Ritula Shah, with the ABO Award presented by Sophie Lewis on behalf of the ABO Board and ABO Impact Awards supported by Classical Music Magazine and the Royal Philharmonic Society.
Image shows: Katy Spicer, EFDSS CEO; Jo Freya, NYFE Artistic Director; Rachel Elliott, Education Director; Kuljit Bhamra MBE; Ritula Shah, Classic FM presenter
