A world of music from England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland/Alba and Cymru/Wales
WOMEX delegate passes with horizons discount
Attending WOMEX 2025 is your chance to experience the diversity of music created across the globe, forge new creative partnerships and connect with international peers.
WOMEX 25 provides the opportunity for all industry professionals to be part of its creative spirit.
For all other pass information, visit the WOMEX website here.
If you are a based in the UK and Ireland, apply for the HORIZONS discount code below:
The Horizons partnership celebrates the diverse music that comes from England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland/Alba and Cymru/Wales – helping talented artists gain international recognition on the world stage.
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.
WOMEX is the perfect platform to introduce our homegrown artists to peers and industry professionals from across the globe, with plentiful learning and networking opportunities across the five-day exhibition and conference.
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.
our partners
WOMEX 2025
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22 - 26 October
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WOMEX 2025 • 22 - 26 October •
WOMEX 2025 IN TAMPERE, FINLAND
Following the milestone 30th anniversary edition in Manchester, UK, last October, WOMEX continues its global journey—heading next to the happiest country in the world, Finland, for its 2025 edition.
The Horizons stand at WOMEX 2024 in Manchester was a hive of activity throughout the five-day expo and conference, encouraging new and familiar faces to connect, network and share ideas.
We welcomed a record number of bursary delegates from the UK and Ireland—over 70 people joined us as WOMEX newcomers or returning attendees.
This year, Horizons also proudly showcased 11 artists to a full house, captivating audiences at the Albert Hall and Aviva Studios.
A big thank you to everyone who made the Horizons stand and stage a success in 2024.
We can’t wait to see you in Tampere, Finland for WOMEX 2025.
Images by Jacob Crawfurd.
WOMEX SHOWCASING ARTISTS 2025
coming soon
playlist:
Horizons at womex 2024
Our playlist celebrates the 11 talented artists from the Horizon nations who performed on either the Official or Regional Stages at WOMEX 2024.
Listen and immerse yourself in the sounds that connect past and present, local and global, in a celebration of musical diversity and heritage.
HORIZONS Connect
'Horizons Connect' is a professional development programme provided by British Underground, seeking to enhance international networks for WOMEX 2024 in Manchester. In-person orientation presentations and community building will take place during the conference, alongside creative development, networking, speed meetings, collaboration and partnership building.
See the 2024 Connect Bursary Delegate list here.
For more information and enquiries for 2025:
music SHOWCASES
at WOMEX
Showcases at WOMEX are famous for celebrating the diversity of global music, from Colombian psychedelic chicha to Estonian neo-zombie post-folk.
Venues across the chosen city host the artists, with genres spanning everything from folk, acoustic, traditional roots and jazz, to urban and electronic music.
GOT questions?
get in touch
Discover our showcasing alumni
In 2023, Horizons presented three artists who performed at the event in A Coruña, Spain. Meet last year’s headliners…
Elephant Sessions
Hailing from the Scottish Highlands, Elephant Sessions combine the best of trad, funk and electronica. We spoke to them ahead of their electrifying performance at WOMEX 2023.
Matt Carmichael
Audiences at WOMEX 2023 enjoyed an outstanding set by Scottish jazz-folk saxophonist Matt Carmichael, who spoke to us about how improvisation fuels his live performances.
The Breath
Ríoghnach Connolly and Stuart McCallum received a standing ovation at WOMEX 2023 after performing songs which are as likely to touch on childhood summers and first love as cultural dislocation and grief.
conference programme
The WOMEX conference programme invites expert speakers from around the world to present their topics, projects and passions to the WOMEX delegates.
film Programme
Film screenings at WOMEX include outstanding documentaries featuring musicians from all around the globe or those focused on music-related topics.
This year, British Underground’s short film, The Broadside Hack, which explored the UK’s alt-folk scene through performances, dances, and conversations.