A world of music from England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland/Alba and Cymru/Wales
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 brought to you by Arts Council England, Culture Ireland, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Creative Scotland, Wales Arts International, Arts Council of Wales, British Council and British Underground.
our partners
DELEGATE PASSES
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DELEGATE PASSES •
Horizons delegate passes
Attending WOMEX 2024 is your chance to experience the diversity of music being created across the globe, forge new creative partnerships and connect with international peers.
Manchester has an incredible music history, and WOMEX 24 provides the opportunity for all industry professionals to be part of its creative spirit.
If you are a UK or Ireland delegate, please fill in this form to apply for the HORIZONS delegate unique discount code.
Please note that filling in the form above does not guarantee a HORIZONS delegate pass, and proof of UK or Ireland residency will be required.
MUSIC AT WOMEX
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MUSIC AT WOMEX •
music SHOWCASES
at WOMEX 2024
After an energetic day of networking, meetings and panels inside Manchester Central convention centre, delegates can relax and discover some incredible music at the official WOMEX music showcases.
Venues across the city will host the artists, including Aviva Studios, Albert Hall, Bridgewater Hall and 02 Ritz, with genres spanning everything from folk, acoustic, traditional roots and jazz, to urban and electronic music.
This year, HORIZONS presents musicians from England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland/Alba and Wales/Cymru with a unique opportunity to perform on their doorstep in front of the largest gathering of international industry professionals. WOMEX official showcases will be announced in xxx, and Horizons will announce which bands have been selected for the Regional Stage in late June.
Applications to showcase at WOMEX 2024 are now closed.
Horizons regional stage
Artists from the Horizons nations not selected for showcase by the WOMEX jury, will automatically be eligible for consideration for the Horizons Regional Stage and will be notified by July 2024.
While official places will be in high demand, there is further opportunity music talent from England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to peeform on the Horizons Regional Stage.
If you are an artist from one of these nations who submits a bid to the WOMEX Showcase Festival, you will have an additional chance to secure a valuable performance slot on the Horizons Regional Stage.
There is no separate application process.
GOT questions?
get in touch
Discover our showcasing alumni
WOMEX is the most international music expo in the world and the biggest conference of the global music scene.
Showcases at WOMEX are famous for celebrating the diversity of global music, from Colombian psychedelic chicha to Estonian neo-zombie post-folk.
In 2023, Horizons presented three artists who performed at the event in A Coruña, Spain.
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.
10 years of Horizons playlist
Listen to our 10 Years of Horizons playlist to discover the best folk, jazz and world music artists from England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland/Alba and Cymru/Wales who have performed at WOMEX from 2013-2023.
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 networking events and speed meetings.
If you are interested in taking part during your trip to WOMEX, please contact British Underground or the Horizons partners for more information and timings.
conference programme
Expert speakers from around the world are invited to present their topics, projects and passions to the WOMEX delegates in 2024 – panel proposals highlighting every aspect of the UK scene are encouraged.
Last year’s conference saw more than 96 speakers from 45 countries in 18 conference sessions, 9 networking sessions and six mentoring sessions.
Topics included everything from ‘Artificial Intelligence in the Music Industry’ to ‘Exploring Indigenous Languages’.
film Programme
Music film-makers are invited to show their work at WOMEX 2024 – the top platform for world music in audio-visual media. The film screenings will include outstanding documentaries featuring musicians from all around the globe or those focused on music-related topics.
English Folk Expo is the Event Delivery Partner for WOMEX 2024. Brighter Sound will deliver the legacy programme for WOMEX 2024 to ensure a positive and lasting impact on the music sector, both locally and nationally.