Cambridge Folk Festival presents a city-wide programme of events

19 March 2026

The beloved Cambridge Folk Festival, organised by Cambridge City Council, is set to reach new audiences in 2026 with a city-wide programme of music and events.

Musician singing and playing the guitar on stage

One of the UK’s most celebrated summer festivals, the Cambridge Folk Festival will culminate in a two-day celebration on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August at its iconic home, Cherry Hinton Hall. This year, festival organisers are partnering with local venues, promoters, and folk clubs to present an expanded schedule of concerts across Cambridge.

Highlights include performances at the Cambridge Corn Exchange on Saturday 25 July which will see John Cooper Clarke return to Cambridge with special guests Brian Bilston and The Catenary Wires, Henry Normal and Jan Brierton and Mike Garry and Toria Garbutt, and on Sunday 26 July the Corn Exchange will be hosting a family ceilidh courtesy of Cambridge Ceilidh All Stars.

Other events include Folk on Boat with I am Kloot front man John Bramwell, a tradfest along Mill Road, previous Folk Festival favourite Frankie Archer returning to Cambridge to play The Portland Arms, a quiz night with Parkers Tavern, comedy show, open-mic nights, and much more.

This innovative city-wide approach offers long-time fans more opportunities to enjoy the music they love, while also inviting new audiences to discover and join the vibrant folk community.

The festival is provided and organised by Cambridge City Council. Cllr Dr Antoinette Nestor, Cabinet Member for Culture Economy and Skills at the Council, said: “I’m thrilled that the Cambridge Folk Festival will extend further across Cambridge than ever before, partnering with local venues, promoters, and folk clubs to bring concerts and community events leading up to the Cherry Hinton Hall weekend.

“With performances at the Corn Exchange, The Portland Arms, other city venues, and the return of the Cambridgeshire Music Summer School, this expanded programme will offer residents and visitors more opportunities to enjoy folk and roots music, celebrate our vibrant cultural scene, and welcome new audiences into the festival community.”