Cambridge Folk Festival – the four-day folk and roots music festival hosted annually on the grounds of Cherry Hinton Hall in Cambridge since 1965 – will not be held in 2025. Organisers say it will return in summer 2026. Early reports suggest the festival lost money in 2024.
Organised by Cambridge City Council, the festival is a summer highlight for many local people which also attracts national and international audiences due to its reputation as one of the longest running and most prestigious folk festivals in the world.
“Throughout 2025 the festival will continue to support the folk community with a series of locally based events throughout Cambridge, with other initiatives to support local emerging youth and folk artists,” said a festival spokesperson.
Alongside presenting global headliners including Robert Plant, Joan Baez, James Taylor, Van Morrison, Nick Cave, Lady Blackbird, Peggy Seeger and Suzanne Vega, the festival regularly acts as a launch pad for many emerging artists such as Frank Turner, Passenger, Jake Bugg and First Aid Kit.
Organisers said: “This decision marks an important step in the evolution of the festival.
“It has such a special legacy, and we are committed to seeing it thrive for future generations as it has done over the past 60 years.”
“We know how dear the Folk Festival is to so many, and the impact it has on all those working in the music industry. It is dear to us too and we are committed to using our resources this year to explore new opportunities ahead of returning in summer 2026 with a fantastic festival.”
“Hearing from all of those who have supported the festival in the past will be a vital part of developing the festival for the future, as is hearing from those potential new audiences who haven’t attended before. We will be asking for feedback during 2025 and want to hear from as many people as possible.
“The organisers are committed to using all available resources to work on new initiatives and will continue to engage with followers and supporters and work closely with everyone involved in the festival.”
Customers who have already purchased early bird tickets for 2025 will be contacted.
