The Horizons partnership is managed by British Underground on behalf of Arts Council England, Culture Ireland, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Creative Scotland, Wales Arts International, Arts Council of Wales and British Council.

This partnership celebrates the diverse music that comes from England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland/Alba and Cymru/Wales, by helping talented artists gain international recognition on the world stage.

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  • What is Horizons?

    For 10 years, the Horizons partners have joined together at WOMEX (Worldwide Music Expo) to ensure our grassroots musicians reach wider audiences by providing advice, funding, showcasing opportunities and assistance at the event.

    Horizons presents musicians from England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland/Alba and Wales/Cymru with a unique opportunity to perform on the Regional Stage, located at one of Manchester’s most prestigious venues.

  • What is WOMEX?

    WOMEX is the most international and culturally diverse music meeting in the world and the biggest conference of the global music scene, featuring a trade fair, talks, films and showcase concerts.

    Over 2,600 professionals (including 260 performing artists) come together every October from 90 countries, making WOMEX the leading networking platform for the world music industry.

  • What do BU do?

    For 10 years, the Horizons partners have joined together at WOMEX (Worldwide Music Expo) to ensure our grassroots musicians reach wider audiences by providing advice, funding, showcasing opportunities and assistance at the event.

    British Underground co-ordinate the partnership between the nations, including producing conference stands, live showcases, industry mixers, venue selection, UK delegate passes and more.

  • When does it happen?

    WOMEX hosts 7 stages, around 700 exhibiting companies, 100+ speakers, films, an opening concert and an award ceremony across five days.

    In 2025, WOMEX takes place in Tampere, Finland from the 22 - 26 October.

  • Who has participated from the UK?

    Past showcasing artists include Sam Lee, Strange Boy, Gnoss, Cerys Hafana, The Breathe, Matt Carmichael and Elephant Sessions.

  • How do I apply?

    The WOMEX 25 Call for Proposals for WOMEX Showcases, Conference and Film is now closed and will open again in 2026 here.

    For more information as well as the application form for WOMEX 2025 UK delegate passes visit horizonsatwomex.com

“If you’ve never been to WOMEX before, it’s got to be seen to be believed. There’s so much diverse talent on show there and super-interesting people with stories to tell – the whole event has a sense of camaraderie, positivity and a pinch of eccentricity, which I love.  

As WOMEX comes to Manchester this year, the Horizons partnership are even more excited to be working collaboratively to shine a line on the incredible homegrown talent coming from our individual nations and connect with international peers. 

It’s also an incredible opportunity for the UK music industry to discover previously undiscovered raw talent on their doorstep in Manchester and make global connections. We can’t wait to see everyone there.”

– Steph Wilkinson

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