The Cambridge Folk Festival is the most prestigious folk music event in the UK and one of the most respected in the world. Held at Cherry Hinton Hall in Cambridge since 1965, it is the longest-running folk festival of its kind in Britain. Organised by Cambridge City Council and run by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, it attracts around 12,000 people over four days in late July. If you care about folk, roots, acoustic, and traditional music from around the world, Cambridge is the pinnacle.
History and reputation
The festival was founded in 1965 by Ken Woollard and has been running annually ever since (with a brief hiatus during the pandemic). Over nearly six decades, it has hosted virtually every significant name in folk and roots music. Paul Simon, Joan Baez, Van Morrison, Richard Thompson, Joni Mitchell, and Emmylou Harris are among the artists who have played Cherry Hinton Hall. The festival's reputation for quality is unmatched in the folk world, and an invitation to perform is considered a career milestone.
What distinguishes Cambridge from other folk festivals is the breadth of its programming. While many folk events focus on British and Irish traditional music, Cambridge has always embraced folk traditions from around the world. African, Asian, Latin American, and European artists feature alongside British, American, and Celtic performers. The definition of "folk" here is generous and inclusive.
The setting
Cherry Hinton Hall is a public park in the south-east of Cambridge, about two miles from the city centre. The hall's grounds provide an intimate, tree-lined setting with a natural bowl that serves as the main stage area. The site is compact, green, and surprisingly peaceful for a festival of this size. The mature trees provide shade and character, and the overall feel is more village fete than commercial festival, albeit with world-class musicians.
The festival runs from Thursday evening to Sunday night in late July. The Thursday evening concert opens proceedings, with the full programme running from Friday through Sunday.
Music and programming
The main stage at Cherry Hinton Hall hosts headline performances, typically two or three major acts per evening. The programming ranges from established folk legends to contemporary artists working in acoustic, roots, and world music. Past recent headliners have included Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Paul Weller, John Grant, and First Aid Kit.
Beyond the main stage, there are several other performance areas. Stage 2 hosts a full programme of its own. The Club Tent offers intimate, late-night sessions that are legendary among regulars. The Hub hosts workshops, sessions, and emerging artists. And the Den provides family-oriented performances. The Club Tent, in particular, is where many of the festival's most memorable moments happen, as established artists drop in for informal, unplugged performances.
Workshops and sessions
The workshop programme is a major draw. Instrument workshops, singing sessions, dance workshops, and talks run throughout the day. These are led by professional musicians and are open to all skill levels. The informal session culture is strong, with musicians gathering in corners of the site to play together, creating spontaneous music that is as rewarding as the programmed performances.
Camping
Camping is available in the fields adjacent to Cherry Hinton Hall. The camping area is well-organised, with separate quiet and general areas. Facilities include portaloos, showers, and water points. The standard is decent for a UK festival, and the site is flat and manageable. Pre-pitched tent options and glamping are sometimes available.
Cambridge itself offers abundant accommodation for those who prefer not to camp. Hotels, B&Bs, and holiday rentals are all available, though prices increase during the festival. Cycling from accommodation in Cambridge to Cherry Hinton Hall is a popular option, as the city is famously bike-friendly and the route is straightforward. Our camping checklist covers what to bring.
Food and drink
The food and drink at Cambridge Folk Festival is notably good. Traders are carefully selected, and there is a strong emphasis on quality and variety. World food stalls reflect the international nature of the music programme, alongside British classics and vegetarian and vegan options. The real ale bar is a highlight, with an excellent selection of cask ales. Prices are reasonable by festival standards.
Getting there
Cambridge is well-connected by rail, with direct services from London King's Cross (about 50 minutes), London Liverpool Street (about 75 minutes), and Norwich, Ely, and Peterborough. From the station, Cherry Hinton Hall is about three miles, reachable by bus, taxi, or bicycle. By car, Cambridge is accessible from the M11 and A14. Parking near the site is limited, and a park-and-ride service usually operates during the festival.
Tickets
Cambridge Folk Festival is one of the most sought-after tickets in the UK festival calendar. Weekend tickets (Thursday to Sunday) typically cost between £160 and £200 and sell out within hours of going on sale, often before the lineup is announced. Day tickets are sometimes available but also sell fast. The festival uses a ballot or first-come-first-served system depending on the year.
The key to getting tickets is being prepared. Register on the festival mailing list, follow their social media for announcements, and be ready to book the moment tickets go live. Resale tickets occasionally appear through official channels. For advice on buying event tickets, see our ticketing guide.
Why Cambridge is special
Nearly sixty years of history, an uncompromising commitment to quality, a setting that feels like home, and a community of attendees who return year after year make the Cambridge Folk Festival something more than just a music event. It is a pilgrimage for folk music lovers, a place where traditions are honoured and new voices are welcomed, and a reminder that the simplest format, great musicians performing great songs in a park, remains the most powerful.