The British folk revival refers to a movement that began in the late 1950s and continued into the 1970s, focusing on the rediscovery and popularization of traditional British folk music. This revival was characterized by a renewed interest in the songs, stories, and instruments of rural communities, often performed in a more contemporary style. Key figures in the revival included artists like Ewan MacColl and Bert Jansch, who helped bring folk music to a wider audience. The movement also influenced the emergence of new genres, blending traditional sounds with modern influences, and laid the groundwork for future folk musicians in the UK.