How can we best share our research with the folk scene?

Who We Are

Fay Hield

Fay is the lead researcher on the project. She has a history of folk music research in a range of settings from community groups to commercial CD audiences. Alongside research, Fay performs folk music internationally. She is also the Founding Director of Soundpost, a community music organisation in Sheffield.

Rowan Piggott

Rowan is the communications officer and current designer on the project. He is involved in traditional music as a teacher, tunebook author, recording / mix engineer, and professional performer with The Wilderness Yet and Old Spot. He is currently studying for an MA in Traditional Music at the University of Sheffield.

Photo of Esbjörn, Access Folk Research Associate

Esbjörn Wettermark

Esbjörn is a research associate on the project. He has a background in ethnomusicology and worked on issues relating to cultural sustainability and policy as well as music education. In addition to research, he has worked in arts management in England and Sweden. He is also a musician and occasional morris dancer.

Helen Grindley

Helen is the project manager for the project. She has extensive experience working on and supporting different types of projects within a University setting, including working with external suppliers and contractors. She has been a choral singer for many years and sings with two choirs in Sheffield, for whom she also acts as treasurer.

Rebecca Draisey-Collishaw

Rebecca is a research associate working Stage 2 of the project. She is an ethnomusicologist with special interests in public service broadcasting and music-making in multicultural contexts, as well as folk music traditions of the North Atlantic. She has taught universities in Canada and the University of Sheffield.

Kirsty Kay

Kirsty is a research associate focusing on survey methods for the project. She has a background in ethnomusicology, having researched national identity and cultural heritage in the Hungarian táncház revival, and has gained a wealth of methods experience whilst researching minority groups in Scotland for health related projects.

Access Folk Board:

We have 13 Board Members. Members are updated annually and if you feel you have experience and ideas to contribute as a Folk Access Board member, please get in touch through the Contact page.

Katy Spicer - Chief Executive, English Folk Dance & Song Society

Liz Sheppard - Ethnomusicologist

David Agnew - Chief Executive & Artistic Director, Sound Roots

Oliver Mantell - Director of Evidence & Insight, The Audience Agency

Hazel Marsh - Associate Professor, University of East Anglia

Laura Midgley

Cat McGill – Founder, Live To Your Living Room

Jon Lewis – Producer at 7digital / BBC R2 Folk Show

Alex Garden – Musician, composer & producer

Tony Phillips -
Musician and Rolling
On Project

Tash Daly – Artistic Director, Sidmouth Folk Festival

Lloyd Bent – England Coordinator, Music Venue Trust

Previous Board Members

Crispian Cook – Chief Executive, Halsway Manor

Tom Besford -
Chief Executive, English Folk Expo

Roger Wilson – Director of Operations, Black Lives in Music

Rowan Gatherer

Who are you?

As this is co-produced research there are LOTS of ways you can get involved - sign up to receive our newsletter below or contact us to find out more...

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