Our free Sampler Days will visit Manchester, York, Gateshead, Didcot, Cambridge, London, Okehampton and Derby over May/June half-term.
Explore English folk music, learn from inspiring tutors and play with other young musicians from your region. Take part in a day of creative folk music workshops and, if you want to, audition for the 2018–19 National Youth Folk Ensemble.
Each Sampler Day features music workshops, a Q&A with Ensemble staff and an optional short audition, if you wish to apply for the National Youth Folk Ensemble.
These free Sampler Days have a positive and welcoming atmosphere. If you’re interested in joining the National Youth Folk Ensemble, you’ll need to attend one of them to start the audition process.
"I absolutely loved this experience and it was very empowering playing with others, playing traditional English tunes but making them our own."
Sampler Day participant
Find out more and book a place
What is the National Youth Folk Ensemble?
With young musicians at the heart of the programme, the National Youth Folk Ensemble aims to nurture their talents, aspirations and creativity, enabling them to develop into the folk performers, educators and leaders of the future.
These talented musicians receive expert tuition and guidance from Sam Sweeney, Artistic Director, and a team of leading folk artist-educators.
The National Youth Folk Ensemble already have some exciting achievements under its belt. They have taken part in residential courses with some of the biggest names on the folk music scene, and given public performances including supporting Leveret at The Met in Bury, headlining Cecil Sharp House and performing at Shrewsbury Folk Festival.
The National Youth Folk Ensemble is an English Folk Dance and Song Society programme supported by Arts Council England.