Folk Awards 2016

BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2016 BBC Radio 2 tonight Wednesday 7:30pm

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.

And followed at 10:00pm by another chance to hear Bob Harris celebrate the life and music of Sandy Denny, a singer and songwriter who was at the very heart of the birth of British folk rock.

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.

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.