21st Century Folk Returns to BBC Radio 2
Celebrating 200 Years of UK Train Travel with New Folk Songs
Folk Music Inspired by Train Stories
BBC Radio 2 is bringing folk music to the forefront this July with the return of 21st Century Folk. This year, five talented folk acts are creating original songs about the profound impact of trains on people's lives across the UK.
These songs will explore the stories of individuals whose lives have been directly influenced or whose paths have been altered thanks to the railways. Think about the journeys, the connections made, and the opportunities unlocked because of train travel.
Celebrating 200 Years of Railway Heritage
The project coincides with the 200th anniversary of train travel in the UK, a significant milestone in the nation's history. The railways have shaped communities, economies, and the very fabric of British society.
This musical celebration aims to capture the human element of this historical event. Imagine stories of migration, love found on a train platform, or the opportunities a new railway line opened up for a small town.
The Folk Acts and Their Creative Process
Each of the five selected folk acts is undertaking a unique creative journey. They are researching train travel history, interviewing people with compelling stories, and pouring their experiences into brand-new compositions.
The result will be a collection of powerful and moving songs that resonate with audiences across the country. We encourage you to follow the progress of these artists on BBC Radio 2's website.
1080p
