Belfast’s Córas Trio set to represent Northern Ireland at WOMEX 24, Manchester, 23-27 October

The Horizons Stage at Manchester’s stunning Albert Hall will platform and celebrate the diverse music from England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland/Alba and Cymru/Wales - helping homegrown artists gain international recognition on the world stage.

The Horizons partnership - comprising Arts Council England, Culture Ireland, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Creative Scotland, Wales Arts International, Arts Council of Wales, British Council and British Underground - was founded over 10 years ago at WOMEX 13 in Cardiff, the last time the UK & Ireland hosted this major event. Since then the Horizons partners have come together each year at WOMEX, providing advice, funding and showcasing opportunities to grassroots musicians from each of the five nations.

The WOMEX 24 Horizons Stage artists were chosen by a panel of music industry professionals following an open call for applications earlier this year. The line-up includes one act from the host city, in partnership with local producer Manchester Music City.

The WOMEX 24 Horizons Stage artists are:

• Amy Laurenson (Scotland/Alba)
• Balimaya Project (England)
• Cerys Hafana (Wales)
• Córas Trio (Northern Ireland)
• Gnoss (Scotland/Alba)
• Gwenifer Raymond (England)
• N’famady Kouyaté (Cymru/Wales)
• Rioghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet (Manchester)
• Strange Boy (Ireland)

A Spotify playlist and more information about each of the artists can be found on the Horizons website.

Dr Claire Mera-Nelson, Director of Music at Arts Council England, said:

“On behalf of the Horizons partnership, we are delighted to announce the nine artists performing on the Horizons Stage at this year’s WOMEX. Over the last 10 years the Horizons partners have joined together at WOMEX to showcase the very best of the UK and Ireland’s rich musical offer to peers and industry professionals from across the globe. We are excited to be working with this year’s host partner Manchester Music City to kickstart the global careers of many more talented homegrown artists.”

Ciaran Scullion, Head of Music and Opera, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “Congratulations to Córas Trio and all those artists that have been selected to perform on the Horizons Stage at WOMEX 24. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is proud to take part in the Horizons Partnership, thanks to funding from The National Lottery. This funding is a game changer in enabling these artists to take that all-important next step in the development of their professional music careers. We are committed to providing valuable, meaningful opportunities for our artists to grow and reach their full potential, and the Horizons Stage offers artists not only the opportunity to connect with the UK-wide industry, but also to showcase the tremendous talent that is inherent to Northern Ireland on an international stage.”

Conor McAuley one of the band members from Córas Trio said, “We are humbled to have the kind support of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, and hugely excited to bring our blend of Irish traditional music, ambient electronics, and free improvisation to the WOMEX arena. We are looking forward to connecting with the wider Horizons team, both our artists and industry. WOMEX is such a bustling atmosphere, and we can't wait be among like-minded forward-thinking people. Go raibh míle maith agat, Córas Trio.”

With the announcement of the second wave of jury-selected showcase artists, alongside club summit DJs and the Horizons stage, altogether 47 acts from 37 countries are now lined up to entertain delegates and audiences later this year. For a full list of showcasing artists, visit the WOMEX website.

Recognised as the largest gathering of the global music industry with 2,600 delegates from 90 countries expected to attend, WOMEX 24 will take place in Manchester between 23-27 October. Manchester Central will host the main daytime conference and trade fair, with live music showcases, club nights and films at Albert Hall, Aviva Studios, Manchester Central, O2 Ritz Manchester, The Bridgewater Hall and HOME.

This prestigious music industry event will also open its doors to the public with a limited number of WOMEX 24 Festival wristbands now on sale via the host organisation Manchester Music City.