Cambridge Folk Festival – UK 2026

Background & History

The Cambridge Folk Festival (CFF), launched in 1965 at Cherry Hinton Hall Park, stands as one of the world’s longest-running and most revered folk festivals, a beacon of musical diversity and community spirit just 15 minutes from Cambridge’s historic city center. Conceived by Ken Woollard, a local firefighter and socialist activist inspired by the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival documentary Jazz on a Summer’s Day, CFF was born to champion the evolving folk movement while fostering a family-friendly, inclusive ethos. The inaugural event, backed by Cambridge City Council, drew 1,400 attendees and featured a young Paul Simon, setting the stage for a festival that would become a cultural institution. Over nearly six decades, CFF has grown to attract 14,000 fans annually, earning accolades like the 2014 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards’ Good Tradition Award for its role in preserving and advancing folk music, and 10 consecutive “Outstanding” A Greener Festival Awards for its sustainability efforts.

Under Woollard’s leadership until 1993, and later Eddie Barcan’s 22-year tenure, CFF expanded its scope beyond traditional UK and Irish folk to embrace Americana, blues, Cajun, Klezmer, gospel, and world music, reflecting the genre’s global evolution. Iconic performers like Joan Baez, Van Morrison, and Rufus Wainwright have shared stages with emerging talents, many of whom, like The Staves or Sam Lee, credit CFF as a career launchpad. The festival’s commitment to nurturing new artists led to the 2011 introduction of The Den, a stage for rising stars, and The Hub, a youth music program fostering the next generation. Its lush 30-acre setting, with ancient trees and a tranquil duck pond, enhances its magic, while innovations like clean toilets, accessible facilities, and eco-friendly practices ensure a top-tier experience. CFF 2026, set for July 30–August 2, promises over 120 acts, expanded workshops, and enhanced sustainability, cementing its legacy as a place where, as its motto declares, “there are no strangers, just friends you’ve not yet met.”

Event Highlights

• Main activities or performances: CFF 2026 will showcase over 120 acts across four stages: Stage 1 (giant marquee in the main arena), Stage 2 (near the entrance), Stage 3 (intimate, opposite the arena), and The Den (emerging talent by the Duck Pond). Expect headliners like Rufus Wainwright’s soulful folk-pop, Jerry Douglas’s bluegrass mastery, and Katherine Priddy’s haunting ballads, with more global acts like Klezmer or African griot performers to be announced in spring 2026.
• Main activities or performances: The Dance Tent hosts high-energy ceilidhs with bands like Ceilidh Liberation Front and Monster Ceilidh Band, blending traditional jigs with modern beats, encouraging all ages to join in.
• Main activities or performances: Workshops, free with tickets, cover Irish tin whistle, Appalachian banjo, Cajun accordion, and songwriting, led by festival artists who share personal stories of their craft’s cultural roots.
• Special traditions or features: Communal singarounds in Stage 3 invite attendees to share folk ballads, creating campfire-like intimacy; the Silent Ceilidh, using wireless headphones, offers an inclusive, quirky dance experience under the stars.
• Special traditions or features: Pandemonium! (ages 0–12) hosts a kids’ concert, storytelling, and crafts; The Hub (11–18) offers music workshops and the Hub Band Project, where teens form bands with artist mentorship.
• Special traditions or features: Sustainability initiatives, including reusable cups, recycling stations, and Liftshare carpooling, maintain CFF’s “Outstanding” A Greener Festival status; eco-workshops teach upcycling and sustainable living.
• Unique attractions for visitors: The Den’s Open Stage provides 15-minute slots for festival-goers to perform, fostering spontaneous creativity; the Folknet Cafe offers free Wi-Fi and phone charging for connectivity.
• Unique attractions for visitors: The Craft Village boasts over 60 stalls with handmade instruments (bodhráns, fiddles), Celtic jewelry, and woven textiles, supporting local and global artisans.
• Unique attractions for visitors: Street theatre by groups like Cambridge Morris Men brings colorful Morris dancing and mummer plays, rooted in English folk traditions, to the grounds.
• Unique attractions for visitors: Wellness sessions include yoga, tai chi, and mindfulness by the Duck Pond, inspired by Quaker or Buddhist practices, offering calm amid the festival’s energy.
• Unique attractions for visitors: Evening lantern-lit walks around Cherry Hinton’s historic grounds weave local Cambridgeshire folklore with global tales, creating a magical storytelling experience.

Date & Duration

• Dates: July 30 – August 2, 2026 (Thursday to Sunday, based on traditional late July/early August scheduling)
• Duration: 4 days, with gates opening at 12:00 PM Thursday for camping ticket holders; main programming Friday to Sunday (10:00 AM–11:00 PM daily); campsite access until Monday 12:00 PM.

Venue / Location

• City: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England
• Main venue: Cherry Hinton Hall Park, a 30-acre verdant estate with ancient oaks, manicured lawns, and a serene duck pond, steeped in history as a former manor site, offers a tranquil yet accessible setting just 15 minutes from Cambridge’s medieval city center.
• Notable areas within the venue: Stage 1’s giant marquee anchors the main arena with headline acts and river views; Stage 2, near the entrance, showcases rising stars; Stage 3 offers intimate acoustic sets; The Den by the Duck Pond nurtures emerging talent.
• Notable areas within the venue: The Hub, near the camping area, hosts youth music workshops; Pandemonium! children’s zone provides shaded play areas with crafts and storytelling; the Craft Village and Food Court cluster centrally for convenience.
• Notable areas within the venue: Coldham’s Common campsite (1 mile away) offers extra space; accessible camping near the main gate includes flat pitches and shuttle stops; quiet zones ensure sensory-friendly spaces.
• Notable areas within the venue: Riverside paths and wildflower meadows host storytelling walks; the Folknet Cafe near Stage 2 provides digital connectivity; recycling hubs reinforce eco-commitment.
• Google Maps address: Cherry Hinton Hall, Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 8DW, UK (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cherry+Hinton+Hall+Park/@52.1845,0.165,15z)
• What3Words address: dozen.mini.timing (front gate)

Ticket Information

• How tickets are sold: Purchase online via cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk or email tickets@cambridge.gov.uk for inquiries; payment plans split costs (e.g., $20 USD/month for weekend tickets if booked early); limited on-site box office at Cherry Hinton Hall; carer tickets require pre-approval with accessibility proof.
• How tickets are sold: Digital wristbands, color-coded for camping/day access, mailed or collected on-site; concession and accessibility documents verified at entry; avoid unofficial resellers to prevent fraud.
• Whether admission is free or paid: Paid event; under-5s free with adult ticket; accredited volunteers (200+ roles) and press receive complimentary entry.
• Ticket pricing in USD only: Weekend adult tickets $165–$203 USD; day tickets $63–$82 USD; concessions (65+, students, Universal Credit/JSA/ESA/PIP) $146–$184 USD; youth (5–17) $44–$63 USD; under-5s free; Cherry Hinton camping add-on $63 USD; Coldham’s Common camping $76 USD (based on 2025 GBP estimates at $1.27/£1, 2026 rates pending).
• Any special seating or VIP options: Free carer tickets with proof (DLA/PIP/Attendance Allowance, apply via tickets@cambridge.gov.uk); raised viewing platform at Stage 1 for accessibility; no general VIP, but premium camping at Cherry Hinton Hall offers closer stage access.
• Any special seating or VIP options: Family ticket bundles discount youth tickets; festival programme ($15 USD) includes detailed schedules, artist bios, maps, and exclusive essays on folk history.
• Minimum and maximum tickets pricing: Minimum $0 USD (under-5s free); Maximum $203 USD (adult weekend ticket).

Contact Information

• Email: tickets@cambridge.gov.uk (ticketing/accessibility); info@cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk (general inquiries, artist applications); press@cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk (media/accreditation); volunteer@cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk (volunteering, applications open spring 2026).
• Phone: +44 1223 458000 (Cambridge City Council, 9 AM–5 PM GMT, for festival support); email preferred for international queries to ensure prompt response.
• Website: https://www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk (lineup, tickets, maps, newsletter); https://www.cambridge.gov.uk (council services); https://visitcambridge.org (local info).
• Social Media: @CambridgeFolk (Facebook, 20k+ followers for live updates); @camfolkfest (Instagram, X/Twitter for artist announcements); YouTube for performance archives; Spotify for curated artist playlists; newsletter signup critical for 2026 lineup reveals and early ticket access.
• Key Staff: Festival Director (not specified, contact info@); Programming Team via Cambridge City Council; Volunteer Coordinator (volunteer@); Press Officer (press@); Sustainability Lead oversees eco-initiatives.
• Press/Volunteers: Press inquiries via press@cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk (releases, interviews, accreditation); volunteering via volunteer@cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk (200+ roles in stewarding, setup, bar work, offering free entry and meals).
• Note: Response times 24–48 hours, longer pre-festival; English primary, with on-site stewards offering French, Spanish, and German support; newsletter signup via website ensures priority updates on lineup, tickets, and special events.

Cultural Experience

The Cambridge Folk Festival is a vibrant tapestry of global and local folk traditions, where the haunting melodies of Irish ballads, the raw twang of Appalachian bluegrass, and the rhythmic pulse of Cajun, Klezmer, and African griot music converge to celebrate storytelling through song. Stage 1’s marquee resonates with headliners like Rufus Wainwright’s emotive folk-pop or Jerry Douglas’s 16-time Grammy-winning dobro, while The Den nurtures rising stars who share tales of their cultural roots—be it Scottish highlands or Louisiana bayous—often accompanied by evocative visual projections. This diversity fosters a dialogue on folk’s role in preserving identity, with Q&A sessions delving into how artists blend tradition with modern innovation.

Workshops are a cultural cornerstone, inviting attendees to learn Irish tin whistle, clawhammer banjo, or Cajun fiddle, guided by performers who weave personal anecdotes into lessons, connecting participants to folk’s global heritage. Morris dancing sessions with Cambridge Morris Men, complete with bells and colorful ribbons, or ceilidh workshops blending English and Celtic steps, encourage communal jigs that bridge generations. The Hub’s youth programs, including the Hub Band Project, empower teens to create music under artist mentorship, fostering a new wave of folk innovators.

Costumes define CFF’s aesthetic, with festival-goers sporting bohemian shawls, Celtic knot jewelry from the Craft Village, or 1960s-inspired waistcoats evoking the festival’s origins. Local Cambridgeshire traditions shine through street theatre and storytelling walks around the Duck Pond, blending regional myths of fenland spirits with global narratives like Romani ballads or West African griot tales. Inclusive initiatives, such as queer-friendly ceilidhs and silent ceilidhs with headphones, reimagine folk’s boundaries, ensuring all voices are celebrated.

Sustainability and community are woven into the festival’s fabric, with eco-workshops on upcycling, talks on folk’s role in social justice, and quiet zones offering mindfulness sessions inspired by Quaker simplicity or Buddhist calm. Support for Hope House music therapy programs, where children learn simple tunes, underscores folk’s healing power. CFF’s ethos, rooted in Ken Woollard’s vision, creates a space where attendees leave with deepened connections to folk’s global and local stories, carrying forward its spirit of unity and creativity.

Food & Drinks

• Must-try specialties: The Food Court showcases Cambridgeshire classics like Ely pork pies ($10 USD) and fenland vegetable stews ($9 USD), alongside global folk-inspired dishes such as Cajun shrimp gumbo ($12 USD), Klezmer-style smoked salmon bagels ($8 USD), or Indian vegetable pakoras ($7 USD), all prioritizing local, organic ingredients.
• Must-try specialties: Vegan and gluten-free options include Moroccan harissa chickpea tagine ($9 USD), vegan Vietnamese banh mi ($8 USD), or gluten-free polenta fries with herb dip ($7 USD), ensuring broad dietary inclusivity.
• Sweet treats and vegan options: Local vendors offer Cambridge burnt cream (crème brûlée, $6 USD), vegan chocolate hazelnut tarts ($5 USD), or gluten-free fruit scones with clotted cream and jam ($7 USD), evoking English tea traditions.
• Sweet treats and vegan options: Plant-based lavender cupcakes ($5 USD), organic elderflower sorbet ($4 USD), or vegan sticky toffee pudding ($6 USD) cater to all, ideal for picnics by the Duck Pond.
• Beverages and bars: Bars feature local Adnams Ghost Ship ale ($6 USD/pint), Breton ciders ($7 USD), and folk-themed cocktails like blackberry gin folk fizzes ($10 USD) or Irish whiskey mules ($10 USD).
• Beverages and bars: Non-alcoholic options include Norfolk elderflower cordial ($4 USD), Jamaican ginger beer ($5 USD), or Moroccan mint tea ($4 USD); free water stations with reusable cups ($5 USD, refundable) promote sustainability.
• Beverages and bars: The Folknet Cafe serves organic fairtrade coffee ($4 USD) and herbal teas, creating a cozy hub for festival-goers to relax and recharge.
• Dietary accommodations: All vendors provide detailed allergen menus via the festival app; picnics encouraged (no glass or alcohol); surplus food donated to Cambridge foodbanks, aligning with CFF’s decade-long “Outstanding” A Greener Festival status.

Getting There

• Nearest airports: London Stansted (STN, 30 miles/45-min drive, taxis ~$80 USD); London Luton (LTN, 40 miles/1 hour); London Heathrow (LHR, 70 miles/1.5 hours); budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet offer affordable flights to STN.
• Nearest airports: National Express shuttles from STN (~$30 USD, book at nationalexpress.com); car rentals at terminals (~$50 USD/day) ideal for groups or families.
• Public transport: Trains to Cambridge Station (from London Kings Cross, 50 min, ~$40 USD; National Rail: +44 3457 484950); 15-min walk or 5-min taxi ($10 USD) to Cherry Hinton Hall.
• Public transport: National Express coaches from London, Birmingham, or Manchester to Cambridge Parkside (~$20–$40 USD); local Stagecoach bus #3 from station to Cherry Hinton Road (~$3 USD, 10 min).
• Driving and parking: Via A14/M11, follow festival signs (avoid sat-nav through city center); parking $25 USD (included with camping tickets); free accessible parking for blue badge holders; EV charging at Tesco Cambridge (2 miles).
• Driving and parking: Liftshare carpooling reduces emissions (20kg CO2 per 100-mile trip); secure bike racks at Cherry Hinton Hall (free, with festival-branded locks available); traffic updates via @camfolkfest.
• Other options: Cycle paths from Cambridge city center (10 min, flat route); taxis from station via Panther Taxis (+44 1223 715715, ~$10 USD); pedestrian access via Cherry Hinton Road with clear festival signage.

Accommodation Options

• On-site camping: Cherry Hinton Hall campsite offers lush, tree-lined pitches near stages (included with weekend tickets, $63 USD add-on for day tickets); family zones with kids’ loos and baby changing; open Thursday 12:00 PM to Monday 12:00 PM.
• On-site camping: Coldham’s Common campsite (1 mile away, $76 USD add-on) provides extra space with shuttle access; accessible pitches with flat terrain near main gate; quiet zones for light sleepers.
• On-site camping: Trailer tents and campervans up to 7m allowed at both sites ($76 USD add-on); no electric hook-ups, but battery charging for medical devices available (donation-based).
• Glamping upgrades: No official on-site glamping, but local providers via pitchup.com offer pre-pitched bell tents within 2 miles ($150–$300 USD, with beds/lighting); book early due to high demand.
• Glamping upgrades: Private glamping partners like Cambridge Glamping Co. provide luxury tents ($400–$600 USD) with hot showers; requires festival camping ticket; contact via visitcambridge.org.
• Campervan and RV: Designated fields at Cherry Hinton and Coldham’s Common ($76 USD add-on); accessible camper pitches with proof; pre-book via tickets@cambridge.gov.uk; max vehicle size 7m.
• Nearby hotels and B&Bs: Holiday Inn Express Cambridge (1 mile, $100–$160 USD/night); The Gonville Hotel (1.5 miles, $150–$250 USD); Cherry Hinton B&B (0.5 miles, $90–$140 USD); book via visitcambridge.org (+44 1223 791500).
• Nearby hotels and B&Bs: Rectory Farm B&B (2 miles, $100–$180 USD); Lensfield Hotel (1 mile, $120–$200 USD); early booking essential for 14,000+ attendees.
• Alternative stays: Airbnb cottages near Cherry Hinton ($120–$250 USD/night); self-catering farmhouses via Booking.com ($200–$400 USD for groups); Cambridge Visitor Centre (+44 1223 791500) offers tailored recommendations.