A NORTHUMBRIAN piper has been presented with an award after winning the second ever Allen Valleys Folk Festival Youth Folk Award.

The award, which was launched last year with help from sponsors Red Hot Property, is open to young folk musicians from across the UK.

It’s aimed at giving a platform to young artists who would like to showcase their musical, dance or spoken word talent at the festival.

Last year’s inaugural award went to the McGoldrick Sisters – Catherine and Ciara – from Manchester, who gave a storming performance at this year’s festival, playing a storming 30-minute set on whistle, flute, accordion, concertina and uilleann pipes.

This year, however, the winner was from a little closer to home.

Fifteen-year-old Jack Famelton, who lives in Langley, fought off competition from across the country, and was presented with the award on Friday.

To be eligible for the award, artists have to be under the age of 21, and must send a 30-second video of themselves performing any variety of folk talent – from poetry to dance – with the chance to win £200 and a slot at the festival.

Speaking at the presentation, Jack explained that a performance from North Tyne folk artist Kathryn Tickell at Bellingham Middle School was the start of his music career.

Jack said: “I’m ecstatic. It’s an honour to win.

“I’ve been playing for five and a half years now. Kathryn Tickell visited my school and played in assembly, and I said there and then ‘I want to be able to do that’.

“The school had ten plastic sets of pipes, but I’m the only one of the ten who is still playing.

“With the help of some very kind relatives I purchased my own set a few years later.”

Jack has played various shows and competitions in his time, including last year’s festival, alongside a familiar face.

He hopes to play at next year’s festival, providing his schedule allows him to.

Jack added: “It was quite nerve wracking because I was following Kathryn Tickell!

“But it’s always a pleasure to play. I’m happy to be involved next year, if they want me involved.

“It’s nice to be able to give something back.”

Next year’s folk festival will take place from Friday, September 27 until Sunday, September 29.