Cambridge Folk Festival Celebrates Milestone 60th Year
This year, the Cambridge Folk Festival is celebrating its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of bringing folk music enthusiasts together. The festival, which originated in 1964 and had its first event in 1965 at Cherry Hinton Hall, has grown into a renowned music festival attracting around 14,000 attendees each year.
The festival’s inception was a result of the Cambridge City Council’s decision to host a music festival in the summer of 1965. Local firefighter and political activist Ken Woollard, a regular at the Cambridge Folk Club, played a key role in bringing the festival to life. The first festival sold 1,400 tickets and featured a surprise performance by a young and relatively unknown Paul Simon, who was not even listed on the official festival posters.
Over the years, the Cambridge Folk Festival has seen performances by legendary artists like The Dubliners, Ralph McTell, Van Morrison, and Joan Baez. This year’s lineup includes headliner Robert Plant, Turin Brakes, Bess Atwell, Talisk, and Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves.
Aside from the musical performances on four stages, festival-goers can enjoy various activities such as jam sessions, creative workshops, yoga, and world food trucks. The festival also offers a range of sustainability initiatives, earning the Greener Festival Outstanding Certification in 2023.
For accommodation, attendees can choose between the on-site camping ground with amenities like a paddling pool and playground or the quieter option at Coldham’s Common, which offers showers, workshops, and family entertainment.
Important details for attendees include the festival site opening at 10:00 BST on Thursday, July 25th, ticket availability at the office, and the option to purchase camping plots separately. Only assistance dogs are allowed at the event, and attendees are encouraged to use public transport to access the festival grounds.
The festival’s marketing manager, James Page, expressed excitement for the upcoming event, promising attendees a superb weekend of music and festivities. With a rich history spanning six decades, the Cambridge Folk Festival continues to be a beloved gathering for folk music lovers worldwide.