Cambridge Folk Festival has announced the first names for 2023 taking place this July. Cambridge Folk Festival is one of the longest-running and arguably the most prestigious folk festivals in the world. Established by Cambridge City Council and held every possible year since 1965, CFF is renowned for its unique atmosphere and eclectic mix of music. It attracts legendary traditional folk artists along with contemporary acts, Americana, blues and roots artists, world music and singer-songwriters. This coming year the lineup includes possibly the most varied artists in their long history.
There are a larger number of Scots and Celtic artists this year. Headlining are The Proclaimers, whose tracks include ‘(I’m Gonna Be) 500 Miles‘, ‘I’m On My Way‘ and ‘Sunshine On Leith‘. The Sharon Shannon Trio, whose endeavours to make the largest Ceildh ever Americana Uk reported on last year, will be playing their signature accordion music. Blue Rose Code blends folk, Americana, jazz, soul and pop influences. Siobhan Miller Band who won BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards’ Scots Singer of the Year four years running. James Yorkston & Nina Persson (formerly of 90s indie pop band The Cardigans) will also represent our North.
From across the pond, there are legends and newcomers alike. The Wainwright family has a long history with Cambridge Folk Festival, and this year Rufus Wainwright headlines. Leading US actor Kiefer Sutherland is no stranger to the UK but will make his debut at Cambridge Folk Festival this year. Los Angeles-based vocalist and composer Lady Blackbird also makes her debut. William Prince, (a favourite of Americana U), will be representing Canada and the Peguis First Nation in Manitoba.
“Locally”, there are big names and hidden gems. “Queen of Folk” and regular at CFF Kate Rusby marked 30 years in music last year with the new guest-laden album ‘30:Happy Returns‘. Cornwall’s Fisherman’s Friends bring back their sea shanties to the Festival to play the Folk Legends slot, first introduced last year. Eliza Carthy & The Restitution plays the “greatest hits” and audience favourites from last year’s ‘Queen Of The Whirl’ album. Stornoway, who played their “Farewell tour” two years ago, seem to have reformed(!) and will be playing (more on that story as it develops). One to watch Angeline Morrison, winner of The Guardian’s Folk Album of the Year, has been booked. Also from England are Bristol’s The Longest Johns singing shanties and protest singer Grace Petrie.
Other artists announced include Ireland’s Imelda May and Daoirí Farrell Trio, Arrested Development, Quebecois folk band Le Vent du Nord, Angélique Kidjo, Ibibio Sound Machine, Jinda Biant, Symbio, The Chair, Catrin Finch and Cimarrón, The Ayoub Sisters, Breabach, Elephant Sessions, Niteworks, and Oi Va Voi. Tickets start at £31 for the Thursday, £83 for one-day passes, or £205 for a full festival experience. You can find Information and tickets on the festival website.
[…] Prince will return to the UK later this year for live dates, including Cambridge Folk Festival at the end of July. Before that, he makes his Grand Ole Opry debut in Nashville on February […]