He may be only 18 but already he’s making a big name for himself. Luke Jackson, an acclaimed singer songwriter from Canterbury, has been selected as a finalist in the 2013 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award.

Luke, who launched his debut album More Than Boys at Shrewsbury Folk Festival in August, has been named as one of 10 finalists in the annual search for the UK’s most talented young performers of folk, roots or acoustic music.

The Young Folk Award is open to soloists, duos and groups aged between 15 and 20.

Previous competitors and winners include Tim van Eyken, Jackie Oates, Megan and Joe Henwood, Jim Moray, Bella Hardy, Uiscedwr, Jeana Leslie and Siobhan Miller, Moore Moss Rutter and Jarlath Henderson.

Luke has been performing live since he was 13. Over the past two years, he has opened for many artists, including Megson (who feature in this week’s Music Section), Martyn Joseph, Steve Knightley, Show of Hands and Chris Wood.

One national newspaper music critic praised Luke’s More Than Boys CD as “a highly affecting and promising debut album; his voice is rich and guitar technique strong”.

The first stage of the Young Folk Award was judged on a submitted recording.

The 10 successful entries have now been invited to take part in a special weekend in Cumbria later this month.

The two days includes sessions and workshops and will provide an opportunity for the musicians and singers to meet and perform. It culminates in a concert presented by Mike Harding and open to members of the public, featuring performances from each act.

A panel of judges will then select a shortlist of four acts to become the nominees for the 2013 Young Folk Award. The prizes for the winner of the Young Folk Award include the opportunity to record a session for Radio 2 and to perform at top UK festivals in 2013, including the prestigious Cambridge Folk Festival.

Luke appears at Showcase Marquee on Sunday, October 7 for the Tenterden Folk Festival. Details atwww.tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk.

Read the full round up of the Tenterden Folk Festival action.