The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Folk Arts was re-established in November 2023.
The English Folk Dance and Song Society provides administrative support for the recently re-established APPG for Folk Arts.
The APPG has already attracted 22 members, with a mixture of elected MPs and Lords. It is chaired by Richard Thomson, MP for Gordon.
The group works to promote the folk arts by researching current trends in the sector and promoting the investment and celebration of folk arts in the future.
EFDSS contribute to the group by working with colleagues in other nations to ensure the group represents and discusses issues pertinent to folk practice across the UK.
All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) are informal cross-party groups that have no official status within Parliament. They are run by and for Members of the Commons and Lords, though many choose to involve individuals and organisations from outside Parliament in their administration and activities.
The English Folk Dance and Song Society also has interests in other APPGs. Rachel Elliott, Director of Education, made a presentation to the APPG for Music Education in October 2023, when she talked about the Inclusive Folk programme of work with disabled young people.
