International Baul and Folk Culture Festival to showcase Bangladesh's heritage in the UK
A four-day International Baul and Folk Culture Festival UK 2026 is set to take place across the Management College in Manchester, the United Kingdom from July 10, bringing together artistes, academics, researchers and cultural figures from Bangladesh and the UK to celebrate the rich tradition of Baul philosophy and Bengali folk heritage.
Renowned Baul artistes Shafi Mondol and Dolly Mondal will headline the festival, while singers Sardar Hirak Raja and Johra Jami are also scheduled to perform. Alongside musical performances, the programme will feature seminars, workshops and cultural exchanges involving university teachers, students, researchers and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora.
A special Baul and folk music programme will follow in Scotland on July 15, before an international seminar and workshop at Queen Mary University of London on July 18. The event will conclude with a cultural celebration at London Town Hall on July 19.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Tuesday, Shafi Mondol said folk music represents the cultural backbone of a nation. "Through this festival, we hope to create a meaningful cultural bridge between Bangladesh and another country while promoting our shared folk traditions," he said.
The festival is jointly organised by UK Management College, Bangladesh Baul and Folk Artistes Association, Udichi UK, and the International Mother Language Institute. Organisers say the initiative aims to introduce younger generations to the humanistic values of Baul philosophy while strengthening cultural ties between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom through music, dialogue and shared heritage.
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