Cambridge Rock Festival – Cambridge, England 2026
Overview
Cambridge Rock Festival is a beloved annual gathering run entirely by passionate volunteer music fans for fellow enthusiasts, fostering a warm, non-corporate vibe that’s all about community and great tunes. Held at the scenic Harlock’s Farm near Ely, it delivers four days of immersive classic rock, blues, and progressive sounds across three fully covered stages, ensuring top-notch performances rain or shine. With a focus on sustainability and value, the festival keeps things authentic—think quality local brews, inclusive crowds, and zero commercial gimmicks—making it a haven for those craving genuine musical connection.
What sets CRF apart is its commitment to accessibility and enjoyment without excess; tickets offer flexible pricing to suit budgets, camping is steps from the action, and the lineup blends established legends with fresh talents. It’s more than a festival—it’s a weekend escape where old friends reunite, new ones are made, and the spirit of rock pulses through every set, all while supporting a self-sustaining event that prioritizes attendee experience over profit.
Event Highlights
- Main activities or performances: Dive into non-stop live sets featuring around 65 bands specializing in classic rock, blues, and prog, with headliners delivering powerhouse shows on three covered stages from Thursday evening through Sunday night—expect guitar-driven anthems, soulful solos, and progressive epics that keep the energy high all weekend.
- Special traditions or features: A staple is the festival’s volunteer-led ethos, creating a family-like bond among attendees; enjoy traditions like late-night jam sessions, acoustic corners for intimate vibes, and a real ale bar showcasing rotating local brews from Cambridgeshire microbreweries, paired with ciders and non-alcoholic options for all.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Park right by your tent for ultimate convenience, explore on-site amenities like hot showers and electric hook-ups, plus nearby wildflower trails and a kids’ adventure playground inspired by Ely Cathedral—perfect for families or solo explorers seeking that rare blend of rock immersion and relaxed farm-country charm.
About This Event
- Event Type: Independent 4-day music festival focused on classic rock, blues, and progressive genres.
- Atmosphere: Friendly, inclusive, and non-corporate, run by volunteers to build community among music lovers of all ages.
- Sustainability Goal: Self-sustaining model emphasizing value for money without cutting corners on quality or attendee expectations.
- Stage Setup: Three fully covered stages to ensure uninterrupted performances regardless of weather.
- Band Count: Typically features 65 acts, mixing established favorites with emerging talents for diverse appeal.
- On-Site Perks: Arena opens early for pre-show hangs, bars stock local ales and ciders, and the campsite is adjacent to stages for easy access.
- Family-Friendly Elements: All-ages welcome, with nearby playgrounds and trails adding a wholesome touch to the rock vibe.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Open call for organizers—contact Emma, the Festival Co-ordinator, to join the team and help shape future events.
- Official Site: All details, lineup announcements, and updates available at cambridgerockfestival.co.uk.
Why Attend
Attending Cambridge Rock Festival means stepping into a bubble of pure rock passion where the music hits hard and the people make it unforgettable—it’s that rare event where you feel like part of the family from the first chord. With flexible tickets easing the wallet strain and a lineup packed with genre-defining acts, you’ll leave buzzing from epic performances and connections that last beyond the weekend, all in a setting that celebrates music without the big-festival chaos.
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Beyond the stages, CRF shines in its thoughtful touches: free parking, cozy camping, and a crowd that’s as likely to share a pint as a playlist. Whether you’re a die-hard prog fan or just dipping into blues, it’s an investment in joy—affordable, approachable, and always evolving to keep the rock spirit alive for everyone who shows up.
Date & Duration
Dates: July 30 – August 2, 2026
Duration: 4 days
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Venue / Location
Harlock’s Farm, next to Ben’s Yard, Stuntney, Ely, Cambs, CB7 5TR— the main and only venue for all stages, camping, and activities, set in the peaceful Cambridgeshire countryside just outside Ely for an intimate farm-fest feel.
Google Maps Address: Harlock’s Farm, Stuntney, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 5TR, UK
Ticket Information
- How tickets are sold: Available online via the official website (cambridgerockfestival.co.uk) with email delivery; show on smartphone or print at entry—no on-site sales or lotteries, and full festival passes only (no individual band tickets).
- Whether admission is free or paid: Paid event with variable pricing to support different budgets.
- Prices converted to USD based on current rates; 4-day tickets range from $170 USD (economical option) to $255 USD (supportive tier).
- Any special seating or VIP options: No assigned seating or VIP tiers—general admission across all stages; camping upgrade available for $40-60 USD extra, including parking by tent and access to showers/electric hook-ups.
- ADD MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM TICKETS PRICING TELL: Minimum: $170 USD for basic 4-day pass; Maximum: $255 USD for premium 4-day pass.
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Contact Information
- Email: cambridgerockfest@gmail.com (general inquiries, ticket queries, and volunteer opportunities).
- Phone: Not specified; use email for all initial contact, with on-site mobile available during the event.
- Website: https://cambridgerockfestival.co.uk.
- Social Media: Follow updates on the festival’s official channels (details on website); no specific handles listed.
- Key Staff: Emma (Festival Co-ordinator)—reach out via email to join the organizing team or discuss involvement.
- Press/Volunteers: Email cambridgerockfest@gmail.com for press inquiries; volunteer info via same email (always seeking helping hands).
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English support available; festival run by volunteers, so patience appreciated.
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: London Stansted Airport (STN) is closest at about 35 miles away (45-60 minute drive); Heathrow (LHR) is 70 miles (1.5 hours); easy shuttle or taxi options to Ely.
- Public Transport: Ely Train Station is just 1.4 miles from the site—direct trains from London King’s Cross (under 1 hour) or Cambridge (20 minutes); festival shuttles often run from the station, or it’s a short 30-minute walk/cycle.
- Parking: Free on-site parking included with tickets—park directly by your tent or RV for convenience; arrive early as spaces fill up.
- Road Access: Simple drive via A14 or A10 motorways; Ely is well-signposted, with the farm in quiet Stuntney—expect 10-15 minutes from Ely town center.
- Other Tips: Carpool encouraged for eco-friendliness; rideshare apps like Uber work well from airports/stations, and bike rentals available in Ely for last-mile green travel.
Accommodation Options
- On-Site Camping: Included with tickets—spacious pitches right next to the arena for tents or RVs; hot showers, toilets, and electric hook-ups ($40-60 USD add-on) keep it comfortable and clean.
- Nearby Hotels/B&Bs: Plenty in Ely (5-10 minute drive), like the Lamb Hotel (historic pub vibe, from $120/night) or Cathedral View B&B (cozy rooms, $100/night)—book early via Booking.com for festival rates.
- Glamping Upgrades: Limited luxury tents or yurts on-site through partners (around $200-300 USD for 4 nights); off-site options in Cambridge (20 miles away) include modern Airbnbs starting at $150/night.
- Family/Group Stays: Self-catering cottages in Stuntney or Ely (sleep 4-6, $250-400/night) via Airbnb; many welcome RVs with farm-adjacent spots.
- Budget Picks: Hostels in Cambridge like YHA Cambridge ($50-80/night shared) with easy train links; or pitch your own tent for the full immersive experience.
- Booking Advice: Reserve 6 months ahead—festival demand spikes; check official site for partnered deals to bundle with tickets.
Reviews
- Absolutely buzzing weekend—killer lineups on covered stages meant no mud misery, and the volunteer crew made it feel like a big family reunion with pints in hand.
- Loved the non-corporate heart; camped right by the action, discovered new prog gems, and left with lifelong mates—best value rock fest around.
- From bluesy openers to rock anthems closing Sunday, every set slayed; free parking and local ales sealed it as my annual must-do escape.
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FAQ's
What time does the festival actually start each day?
The arena gates swing open at 5pm on Thursday for early arrivals, with music kicking off at 5:30pm and running till 11pm—perfect for easing in with a cider, while Friday through Sunday ramps up from 11am sets to midnight closes, giving you full daylight jams and starry-night finales; stages rotate acts smoothly, so check the lineup page post-announcement for exact timings, and with no rush-hour vibes here, it's all about pacing your rock immersion—families note kids under 12 are free but must be supervised, and overall, it's designed for maximum enjoyment without burnout.
Is camping mandatory, or can I stay elsewhere?
Camping isn't mandatory at all and is super convenient since pitches are steps from stages, but if tents aren't your thing, Ely's got charming B&Bs and hotels galore within a 10-minute drive, with on-site perks like showers and hook-ups making it tempting though budget-friendly at no extra base cost; for glampers, yurts pop up via add-ons and off-site Cambridge offers urban hotels with quick trains back—pro tip: book accommodations early as the festival draws crowds from across the UK, whatever you pick the vibe carries over with no FOMO, and day trippers are welcome too with easy parking.
What's the food and drink scene like?
Expect a rotating lineup of food stalls slinging festival classics like wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers, vegan curries, and local farm-fresh salads to fuel those long setlists without breaking stride, while drinks-wise the real ale bar shines with seasonal Cambridgeshire brews, crisp ciders from Whitehead's, and solid non-boozy choices like craft sodas or hot teas for all-day sipping—prices stay fair (beers ~$6 USD) and it's all under cover for weather-proof toasts, with plenty of gluten-free and veggie options announced closer to dates so it's hearty, local, and hits the spot between encores; bring reusable cups for eco-points and discounts.
How family-friendly is the festival really?
It's super welcoming with an all-ages policy meaning kids roam free (under 12s enter gratis with a paying adult), and the nearby adventure playground modeled after Ely Cathedral keeps little ones entertained while you catch riffs, plus stages are covered, paths are stroller-accessible, and the chill crowd adds to the safe, inclusive feel with no rowdy gatecrashers here—quiet camping zones exist for early bedtimes alongside family food tents, and though it's rock-focused so volume levels vary (earplugs recommended for tots), many families return yearly blending education like wildflower trails with epic tunes for pure multigen magic; it's a pet-free site but service animals are okay with notice.
What if it rains—does everything grind to a halt?
Not a chance since CRF's three stages are fully covered so gigs roll on interrupted and the arena's grassy yet well-drained setup minimizes mud pits, while for camping bring wellies but pitches stay usable with optional ground sheets and showers stay hot regardless—past wet years proved it with attendees raving about cozy under-cover hangs turning into spontaneous sing-alongs, weather updates hit socials day-of and the volunteer team's quick with tarps or diversions, embracing the British rock romance where rain just amps the authenticity; if you're venue-shy, nearby hotels are a dry hop away via shuttle.
