GOOD as they are, these annual compilations are put together ahead of the awards, which means lifetime achievers Billy Bragg, Dougie MacLean, Roy Harper and Aly Bain are absent from this album, and that is as huge an omission as it is a shame.

But let’s look on the bright side. Bellowhead blast proceedings off in their own inimitable style, followed by a fistful of brilliant young duos including Hannah James & Sam Sweeney and Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman. Then Lau show why they were once again voted best band and Kathryn Tickell why she was named musician of the year. A ten-track bonus CD recorded by Young Folk Award contenders is a welcome addition, but the highlight is not the best song or even the best the best singer (even though he won the category).

Just hearing Nic Jones again, three decades after the car crash that almost killed him, is reason enough to get your wallet out.