The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Folk Arts.
The APPG for Folk Arts is temporarily inactive following its chair, Richard Thomson, losing his seat (Gordon) in the 2024 General Election.
The English Folk Dance and Song Society provided administrative support and is actively seeking to reestablish the group.
The APPG worked 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 contributed 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.
