The English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) has announced significant EFDSS Board Appointments, welcoming four new trustees on December 11, 2025. This news follows a strong response to the organization’s call for applications, filling crucial roles within its governance structure. These new board members bring a wealth of diverse experience to complement the existing team and will help guide EFDSS in its vital mission to champion folk arts across England. The carefully considered EFDSS Board Appointments reflect a commitment to strengthening the society’s reach and impact.
Expanding Expertise in Music Policy and Cultural Institutions
Angharad Cooper is a new trustee, bringing extensive experience as a cultural consultant and director of operations at the Centre for Music Ecosystems. As vice-chair of the European Music Council, Cooper is a dedicated advocate for improved cultural and musical conditions, leading the Music Policy Resilience Network and formerly the European Music Policy Exchange. Her work consistently focuses on music policy best practices. Cooper’s passion for both new and traditional musics, alongside her skills as a fiddle player, significantly enhances EFDSS’s cultural reach and understanding of contemporary music policy. These EFDSS Board Appointments ensure a broader perspective on the folk arts landscape.
Business Acumen and Music Distribution Experience
Drew Hill joins the board, bringing invaluable experience as managing director at Proper Music Distribution, a firm dedicated to serving independent labels and artists with comprehensive music distribution and sales services. Hill also chairs the Official Charts Company, the authoritative source for UK music sales data. His deep background in music distribution, coupled with extensive leadership roles at Walt Disney and Curb Records, provides EFDSS with exceptional business acumen. His contributions are expected to bolster the organization’s operational effectiveness, making these EFDSS Board Appointments particularly strategic for the London music scene.
Championing Libraries and Global Connections Through Trustee Appointments
Marcie Hopkins is another key new trustee. As director of international at the British Library, she has a proven track record in managing major capital projects and transformative change initiatives. Hopkins’ prior involvement in an International Library Leaders Programme and her role as secretary general for the Conference of European National Librarians highlight her extensive experience in library leadership. This strong connection to national institutions and global library networks offers a unique and valuable perspective to EFDSS, further solidifying the importance of these trustee appointments.
Environmental Advocacy and Folk Club Roots in New Board Appointments
Jeremy Iles brings a distinct background to the board, with significant experience in environmental charities, including impactful roles at Friends of the Earth and the London Wildlife Trust. Furthermore, Iles actively curates a folk club in Bristol and sings with the Island Folk Choir, demonstrating a deep and personal passion for folk music. His notable community involvement and environmental advocacy complement the skillset of the other new board members, enriching the diversity of thought within the EFDSS leadership. These EFDSS Board Appointments showcase a holistic approach to the organization’s future.
EFDSS: A National Development Organisation for Folk Arts
The English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) stands as a prominent organization dedicated to the promotion of English folk music and dance. Established in 1932 and headquartered at Cecil Sharp House in London, EFDSS champions folk arts and solidifies its role as a national development organization. EFDSS actively values diversity and inclusivity, collaborating with schools and community groups while also running vital educational programs. The recent EFDSS Board Appointments reinforce this commitment to fostering a thriving folk arts ecosystem.
The Future of Folk Arts and Strategic EFDSS Board Appointments
The significant number of applications received for these trustee roles underscores the strong and enduring interest in the folk arts. The newly appointed trustees will collaborate closely with the current chair, Fiona Butcher, focusing on promoting folk arts and supporting the organization’s sustained growth. These EFDSS Board Appointments are particularly timely as the society prepares to operate under the trading name Folk England starting autumn/winter 2026, a strategic move designed to engage new audiences and highlight EFDSS’s forward-thinking vision. These developments signal a vibrant future for English folk music and dance, with the news resonating positively within the culture sector. The English Folk Dance and Song Society expressed immense delight regarding these new trustee appointments and looks forward to their significant contributions in advancing the rich tradition of English folk culture, ensuring the folk arts remain relevant and accessible.
