A four-day international festival in the United Kingdom will celebrate Bangladesh’s Baul philosophy, folk music and cultural heritage before a global audience. The International Baul and Folk Culture Festival UK-2026 will begin on 10 July and bring together artistes, researchers, academics, students and cultural figures from Bangladesh and the UK.
Organisers unveiled the festival schedule and confirmed the list of participating artistes at a press conference held on Tuesday at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) in the capital.
Acclaimed Baul artistes Shafi Mondal and Dolly Mondal will headline the musical performances. Singers Sardar Hirak Raja and Johra Jami will also perform during the festival. Academics, students, researchers and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora from universities in both countries will join the event to promote the philosophy and rich traditions of Baul culture.
The organisers said UK Management College in Manchester will host the opening ceremony on 10 July. Scotland will host a special Baul and folk music programme on 15 July. Queen Mary University of London will organise an international seminar and a workshop on Baul and folk music on 18 July. The festival will conclude with a cultural programme at London Town Hall on 19 July.
Addressing the press conference, Baul artiste Shafi Mondal said folk music forms the backbone and enduring strength of a nation. He said the organisers wanted to reconnect people with Bangladesh’s cultural roots. He added that the initiative aimed to serve the country rather than any personal interest. He also said the festival would help build stronger cultural links between the people of Bangladesh and another country’s folk traditions.
Festival Convener and Udichi UK President Golam Mostafa said folk music across the world has always carried messages of humanity and social harmony. He said Bangladesh’s centuries-old folk traditions represent the true identity of the Bengali people. He added that the organisers wanted to use this rich heritage to present Bangladesh more prominently on the international stage.
The organisers described Baul philosophy as more than a musical tradition. They said it reflects a unique way of life built on humanity, equality, tolerance and love. They added that the festival aims to introduce the values of Baul culture to younger generations while strengthening global recognition of Bangladesh’s folk heritage in an age of globalisation.
UK Management College, the Bangladesh Baul and Folk Artistes Association, Udichi UK and the International Mother Language Institute are jointly organising the International Baul and Folk Culture Festival UK-2026.
The organisers expressed hope that the festival would deepen cultural ties between Bangladesh and the UK and create new opportunities to promote Bengali Baul philosophy and folk culture around the world.
