27 November 2025
Newsdesk
The Cambridge Folk Festival, organized by Cambridge City Council, is returning in 2026 with an innovative new format, expanding into a multi-venue, city-wide celebration from July 25th to August 2nd. This exciting approach aims to reach a wider audience, offering extra opportunities for existing fans while welcoming newcomers to the folk community.
The festival’s heart will remain at Cherry Hinton Hall, which will host a focused two-day event on Saturday, August 1st, and Sunday, August 2nd. This weekend will be the culmination of activities that include concerts at the Cambridge Corn Exchange on July 25th and 26th, and various smaller events across city venues throughout the week commencing July 27th.
Organizers have announced a spectacular first set of headliners for the Cherry Hinton Hall weekend. Saturday night will be headlined by one of the UK’s most prolific artists, Frank Turner, who makes a welcome return to the festival. Sunday night features two international co-headliners: the esteemed songwriter Suzanne Vega, famous for hits like "Luka" and "Tom’s Diner," and the legendary Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips, a virtuoso widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Folk Rock history.
The two-day event at Cherry Hinton Hall will feature two main stages, a street performance area, and a dedicated Club Corner programmed in partnership with local folk clubs. In a push for greater accessibility, the festival is prioritizing affordable access for families and young people, with children (0-13) admitted for free.
First-release tickets for the Cherry Hinton Hall weekend go on sale Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025, at 10 am. The festival will also continue its commitment to emerging talent through the prestigious Christian Raphael Prize.
Tickets for the Cherry Hinton Hall weekend (August 1st-2nd) go on sale December 3rd, 2025.
