From 14–18 January 2026, Belfast will become the beating heart of folk, roots, and Americana as Your Roots Are Showing transforms the city into a global hub for artists, industry leaders, and fans alike. For country music audiences in the UK, this conference offers a rare chance to see how Americana and roots traditions are shaping the future of live music, touring, and cultural storytelling.
A Meeting Point for Folk, Roots & Americana
Across five days, delegates will dive into showcases, masterclasses, conversations, and sector meetups designed to spark collaboration and spotlight emerging talent. The programming is deeply rooted in heritage and community, but with a forward-looking vision that resonates strongly with the Americana and country scenes.
Speakers Bridging the Atlantic
The lineup of speakers reads like a who’s who of international music leadership:
- Allison Shaw (Manic Monkee) – a strategist driving global artist development and festival programming.
- Anna Fahey (Copyright Delta) – a leading voice in copyright, metadata, and rights education.
- Bavo Vanden Broeck (Flanders Folk Network) – central to EU folk policy and funding.
- Ben Mandelson (WOMEX) – a cornerstone of the world music industry.
- Fiona Bloom (The Bloom Effect) – US publicist and talent accelerator with a track record in breaking artists internationally.
- Linda Coogan Byrne (Good Seed PR / Why Not Her?) – award-winning cultural strategist and researcher on gender inequality in radio and the music industry.
For UK country professionals, these names represent the people shaping the pathways that allow Americana and country artists to cross borders, find new audiences, and thrive on international stages.
Inside the Conference
- Gig Fair – A central marketplace where agents, labels, media, festivals, and visionaries converge, creating tangible opportunities for collaboration and deal‑making.
- Workshops – Immersive, hands‑on sessions led by masters of the craft, covering songwriting, performance, and the evolving dynamics of the music industry.
- Panels – Thought‑provoking discussions tackling the biggest issues in folk, roots, and Americana, led by those driving change at the highest level.
- YRAS Music Trail – As the week winds down, Belfast itself becomes the stage, with music spilling from pubs, cafés, and hidden corners, showcasing the city’s vibrant cultural fabric.
Adding to the excitement, Ron Block of Alison Krauss & Union Station shared his enthusiasm for the event:
“The Your Roots Are Showing conference has quickly become one of my favorite events – I’ve gone three years in a row. The panels, showcases, gig fair, late night sessions, and the overall sense of cooperation make YRAS a big winner. I’ve made so many friends there, laughed a lot, and heard many incredible musicians. YRAS is well-run and always well thought out. It’s a week I look forward to every January.”
Why It Matters for Country Music
Country and Americana have always thrived on storytelling, heritage, and community—values at the core of Your Roots Are Showing. The conference’s YRAS Music Trail and trade fair will connect artists with media partners, promoters, and sector leaders, opening doors for UK acts to build bridges with US and European networks.
For fans, it’s a reminder that Belfast isn’t just a city of rich local tradition—it’s now a stage where the global folk and Americana family gathers. Expect ripple effects across festivals, radio, and touring circuits that will bring more international Americana and country talent to UK audiences in the months ahead.
Supported by Belfast & Northern Ireland
The event is backed by the Belfast and Northern Ireland Conference Subvention Scheme, administered by Visit Belfast, underscoring the city’s commitment to becoming a cultural hub for roots and Americana.
Registration for the event costs from €45 to €150 and Showcase tickets are from €22
Discover the Showcase Night, explore the full speaker list here and dive into full event details at showingroots.com.
