Singer-songwriter Ry Cooder is to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, as recently announced by Mark Radcliffe on his Radio 2 Folk Show. Ry Cooder will also take to the Royal Albert Hall stage for a rare UK performance. A career-long champion of folk music, Ry Cooder is renowned for his inspired slide guitar playing. Through his own work and collaborations with others, he has explored and supported a wide range of musical cultures, from Tex-Mex to Irish folk, and West African blues to Indian classical music.

The Awards, now in their 18th year and one of folk music’s annual highlights, sees some of the biggest names celebrate the UK’s thriving folk scene. Ry Cooder, Al Stewart, Shirley Collins, Daoirí Farrell and Jim Moray will be joining previously announced Billy Bragg, Afro Celt Sound System and Fara on stage to perform at the prestigious event. Plus, there will be a special performance of the Ballads of Child Migration, featuring a range of artists including Barbara Dickson.