One of the most celebrated events in the UK summer calendar, Cambridge Folk Festival returns in 2026 with multi-venue, city-wide events, culminating in a 2-day Festival on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August, at the festival’s heart, Cherry Hinton Hall. Organisers will work with local venues, promoters, and folk clubs to schedule a variety of events in multiple venues across the city.
These will include concerts at Cambridge Corn Exchange on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July, and city venues during the week commencing 27th July. Cambridgeshire Music will host the Summer School again in 2026, 27-30 July, with a finale performance on Saturday 1 August during the Cherry Hinton Hall weekend. This innovative new approach will provide extra opportunities for existing fans to enjoy more of the music they love and encourage new fans to join the community.
Saturday night headliner Frank Turner is one of the UK’s most successful artists. He has sold over a million albums and regularly lands in the Top 3 of the Official Albums Chart. A prolific and powerful live performer, Turner has graced stages and festivals all around the world, from tiny grassroots venues to The O2 and Wembley Arenas. He has built an esteemed body of work across ten solo albums to date and makes a very welcome return to the festival, having last played in 2017.
Widely regarded as one of the foremost songwriters of her generation or any other, Suzanne Vega will co-headline Sunday night. Famous for worldwide hits such as ‘Luka’ and ‘Tom’s Diner’, and renowned for her erudite and entertaining shows, Vega is fresh off a highly praised, sold-out UK tour, and her latest album, “Flying With Angels” is hitting best of the year lists from Mojo to Rolling Stone. Not to be missed.
The musical influence of Sunday night co-headliner Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips cannot be overstated. From groundbreaking group Fairport Convention to a decade-long musical partnership with his then-wife Linda and over 30 years as a highly successful solo artist, he is one of the most distinctive virtuosos and writers in folk-rock history, famed for his genre-defying mastery of both acoustic and electric guitar along with engaging energy and onstage wit. Thompson will be joined on stage by acclaimed singer-songwriter Zara Phillips.
The Cambridge Folk Festival weekend at Cherry Hinton Hall, August 1-2, will be the centrepiece of 2026’s activities. A more intimate event, returning to the festival’s heart and in its spiritual home, the weekend will feature two full days of live music and activities, with optional three-night camping available. The prestigious Christian Raphael Prize will once again be open to emerging artists, offering invaluable financial assistance, performance opportunities, and industry exposure. Previous winners include Katherine Priddy, Angeline Morrison, and Frankie Archer.
Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025, at 10 am for the Cambridge Folk Festival weekend at Cherry Hinton Hall. Tickets are available from their official website here.
Day tickets:
Adults: £60; Concessions (including Young Folk 14-25) £45; Children (0-13) Free
Weekend tickets:
Adults: £120; Concessions (including Young Folk 14-25) £90; Children (0-13) Free
Prices are subject to booking fees. Please see the website for concessions, payment plans, camping, and parking information. Limited camping available. Please book early to avoid disappointment. Here’s some Suzanne:
