Awards | The Folk Federation of NSW

Young Folk Artists 2025 – Announced

FolkFedNSW is delighted to announce its Young Folk Artists of 2025, Lucy Beveridge (under 19yrs Awardee) and Gabi Forman (under 25yrs Awardee). Congratulations Lucy and Gabi.

For information about, and to hear performances by these two young musicians please scroll down the page.

FolkFedNSW is delighted to partner with Bundanoon Folk Festival and Blue Mountain Sound for the 2025 Awards.

The Folk Federation of NSW offers two Young Folk Artist awards annually in under 19 years of age and under 25 years of age categories to support young musicians for solo or group performance of song and/or music in a folk style. The aim of these awards is to foster an interest in folk music and to assist young people in developing their performance skills.

Each award includes $500 cash, along with a number of mentoring and performance opportunities over the year of the award including a performance at the Bundanoon Folk Festival 21-23 November. Andy Busuttil of Blue Mountain Sound is offering a 3-track demo for each of the Young Folk Artist Awardees. This includes recording, mixing and mastering.

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2022 & 23 Awardees pictured with tutors & Program Coordinator Craig Sinclair.

Bodhi Turner, the 2021 Under 21yrs Awardee speaks about her Award and how it has helped her as a young performing artist.

2025 FolkFedNSW Young Folk Artists

FolkFedNSW looks forward to working with and supporting these young artists as they take the next steps on their musical journey.

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Lucy Beveridge (Under 19 years Awardee)

Lucy is a 16-year-old singer / songwriter from Lake Macquarie who plays guitar and fiddle.

“I am truly honoured and grateful to receive this wonderful award. It’s such an amazing opportunity for me to keep growing, learning, and sharing my music with others. Thank you so much for supporting my journey.”

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Gabi Forman (Under 25 years Awardee)

Hailing from Berridale, Gabi Forman is a singer/songwriter performing original songs to make a difference and to give back. She plays guitar and mandolin.

“I am humbled and excited to receive this award. To be recognised and encouraged by respected people in the folk and bluegrass space is beyond my wildest dreams and I am committed to making the most of every opportunity the award offers me.“

Listen to our 2025 Young Folk Artists

Hear Lucy performing her original song ‘Little Bird’, showcasing her clear vocal style and storytelling ability.

Gabi performs ‘I Feel You’ at the Gympie Music Muster, a song she wrote about her grandfather.

Meet Our Previous Young Folk Award Recipients

The 2024 Young Folk Artists

Sam Fletcher (left) received the 2024 Under 25yrs Award and Ais O’Neill (right) received the Under 19 yrs Award.

The 2022 Young Folk Artists

Emma Foote (left) received the 2022 Under 19yrs Award and Sean Cooper (right) was the Under 25 yrs Awardee.

The 2021 Young Folk Artists

Charlie Gastineau-Hills (left) received the 2021 Under 16yrs Award and Bodhi Turner (right) was the Under 21 yrs Awardee.

The 2020 Young Folk Artists

Freya Peterson (left) received the 2020 Under 16yrs Junior Award and Felicity Dowd (right) was the Under 21 yrs Senior Awardee.

The 2019 Young Folk Artists

Allegra Dunning (left) was the Under 16yrs Junior Awardee and Josh Maynard received the Under 21yrs Senior Award.