Cambridge Folk Festival 2025 may be cancelled but ticket sales are booming for its next door neighbour Ely and their folk festival. Organisers of this year’s Ely Folk Festival announced on Sunday “a quick message today to say that it looks extremely likely that we’ll have sold out of our Tier 1 tickets at some point next week and will be moving to the more expensive Tier 2.
“So, if you want a ticket at the cheapest possible price, don’t delay!”
A far cry from Cambridge Folk Festival -which is run by the city council – and lost money in 2024 and has cancelled its 2025 event but hopes to return with it in 2026.
A social media post from Ely Folk Festival said: “In the light of the sad news from Cambridge we’d just like to reassure you all that Ely Folk Festival will definitely be going ahead in 2025.
“We have a fabulous bill lined up including Oysterband The Dhol Foundation Sam Kelly Martin Simpson Blackbeard’s Tea Party Maddie Morris Music and many more to be announced.
“Plus, a 25+ real ales beer tent, gin bar, free parking and tickets starting from only £32.
“Check it all out here https://elyfolkfestival.co.uk/ and hopefully we’ll see you in July!.”
Organisers said they were “sorry to hear” Cambridge had been cancelled.
“Cambridge has been such an important part of the festival scene for such a long time and, on a personal note, many of the Ely organisers have been involved with it and have very fond memories of it,” said a statement.
“We wish everyone involved with the festival all the best and hope you can return in 2026.”
Cambridge Lib Dem councillor Cheney Payne told the BBC said she felt more should have been done to secure additional funding for its folk festival.
“There’s been no opportunity for consultation, for discussion, no chance for us to reach out to other businesses and organisations who might be willing to help with the cost,” she said
A city council spokesperson said it was “committed to using our resources this year to explore new opportunities ahead of returning in summer 2026 with a fantastic festival.”
Customers who have already bought tickets for 2025 are being contacted.
Cambridge Folk Festival is a four-day folk and roots music festival and has been hosted annually on the grounds of Cherry Hinton Hall in Cambridge since 1965.
