Another one bites the dust… Cambridge Folk Festival postponed for a year

Photo by John Scott

The Cambridge Folk Festival has announced the cancellation of this year’s festival with a headline statement stating that the festival would return in 2026. Simply stating “ the four-day folk and roots music festival hosted annually on the grounds of Cherry Hinton Hall in Cambridge since 1965 – will return in summer 2026.”

Cambridge has joined Black Deer and others reeling from economic uncertainty and pressures.  They continue  “Throughout 2025 the festival will continue to support the folk community with a series of locally based events throughout Cambridge, with other initiatives to support local emerging youth and folk artists.”

Organised by Cambridge City Council, the festival is a much-loved summer highlight for many local people. It also attracts national and international audiences due to its reputation as one of the world’s longest-running and most prestigious folk festivals. Alongside presenting global headliners including Robert Plant, Joan Baez, James Taylor, Van Morrison, Nick Cave, Lady Blackbird, Peggy Seeger and Suzanne Vega, the festival regularly acts as a launch pad for many emerging artists such as Frank Turner, Passenger, Jake Bugg and First Aid Kit.

Organisers said: “This decision marks an important step in the evolution of the festival. It has such a special legacy and we are committed to seeing it thrive for future generations as it has done over the past 60 years. We know how dear the Folk Festival is to so many, and the impact it has on all those working in the music industry. It is dear to us too and we are committed to using our resources this year to explore new opportunities ahead of returning in summer 2026 with a fantastic festival. Hearing from all of those who have supported the festival in the past will be a vital part of developing the festival for the future, as is hearing from those potential new audiences who haven’t attended before. We will be asking for feedback during 2025 and want to hear from as many people as possible.”

In the months ahead, members of the festival mailing list will be invited to share feedback and organisers will also collaborate with those involved in the festival, whether from an operational or performance perspective. Customers who have already purchased early bird tickets for 2025 will be contacted directly with further information.

We look forward to going on a massive bender in 2026 but in the meantime here’s a taste of what we’re missing.

About Keith Hargreaves 484 Articles
Riding the one eyed horse into dead town the scales fell from his eyes. Music was the only true god at once profane and divine The dust blew through his mind as he considered the offering... And then he scored it out of ten and waited for the world to wake up
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