The BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards have taken place, and making an impact this year were Martin Simpson who took two awards, Best Original Track for 'Never Any Good' and Album Of The Year for 'Prodigal, and John Martyn, who received the lifetime achievement gong in recognition of a forty year career in folk music. Martyn was presented with the award by his friend Phil Collins, and received a special message from Eric Clapton, who described him as being: "so far ahead of everything, it's almost inconceivable".
Other winners on the night included Andy Cutting, who got Musician Of The Year, Julie Fowlis, who got Singer Of The Year, John Tams and Barry Coope who were pronounced the Duo Of The Year, Lau, who got Best Group, and Bellowhead, who were awarded the Best Live Act gong for a second year running. Additional winners included Shirley Collins who garnered the award for exceptional contribution to folk music, and Rachel Unthank, who was declared Best Emerging Artist.
Highlights from the show will be broadcast on Radio 2 on Wednesday at 7pm.