The Imagined Village

British folk fusion collective

The Imagined Village is an English folk musical project founded by Simon Emmerson of the Afro Celt Sound System, aiming to produce modern interpretations of traditional English folk songs. The project brings together a diverse group of artists, including folk legends like Martin Carthy and his daughter Eliza Carthy, as well as musicians from various ethnic and musical backgrounds. The collective's self-titled debut album, "The Imagined Village," was released in 2007 and received critical acclaim for its innovative fusion of folk music with global influences. The album also featured contributions from artists such as Billy Bragg and Sheila Chandra. The Imagined Village has been noted for its contemporary approach to folklore, blending electronic music with acoustic instruments and addressing themes relevant to the multicultural identity of modern Britain.