A new format which seeks to protect what makes Cambridge Folk Festival special and celebrates the iconic event’s early independent grassroots values, has been announced by Cambridge City Council, organisers of the music festival since it began in 1965.

A multi-venue approach extends the reach of the Festival to the city’s numerous venues and performance spaces, while Cherry Hinton Hall, its spiritual home, remains the essential heart of the Festival with a scaled back, two-day outdoor event including basic camping.

The approach is designed to stage Cambridge Folk Festival in an inclusive and affordable way for attendees, while also being more financially resilient and environmentally sustainable, enabling it to continue in the current, economically challenging festival market.

Either side of the Cherry Hinton Hall weekend celebrations, additional venues across the city will host folk and roots music events throughout the week.

Cllr Antoinette Nestor, Cabinet Member for Culture, Economy and Skills, said: “The Cambridge Folk Festival is about to enter a new and important chapter in its long history.

“We understand how passionate and loyal the Festival’s audience is. The decision to change its format has not been easy but having to cancel the Festival altogether was a very real prospect we wanted to avoid.

"The past few years have been particularly challenging across the whole industry, and sadly, our Festival has felt this too.  Rising infrastructure costs, economic challenges affecting us all, and a decline in ticket sales mean to secure the future of Cambridge Folk Festival for the next generation, we no longer have the option of continuing the Festival in its current, unaffordable format.

“We will work hard to stay true to what makes the Festival so special and so much more than a festival…its heart, its friendship, its music.

“Our aim is to protect the independence and spirit of the Festival and rebuild a strong foundation that will allow us to grow safely and securely in the years to come.

“We truly hope that our devoted audience will continue to be part of the Festival’s journey and we are also excited to welcome new attendees over two days at Cherry Hinton Hall and at our venues across the city. We look forward to joining together in a successful new chapter for our beloved event.”

The plans, confirmed at a Cabinet meeting on 15 July, mark a significant step in the Festival’s development. They follow an extensive review informed by comprehensive consultation with the Festival’s core audience including both recent and long-term attendees, regional Folk Club members, stakeholders, industry professionals and external consultants.

The multi-venue format has already proved successful for Celtic Connections in Glasgow and Manchester Folk Festival, with Black Deer in the City a new addition to the list. It is expected to create an opportunity to attract fresh audiences to the event with greater involvement across the whole city, plus offering the potential for scaling according to demand and growth.

Creating a strong and innovative foundation to build upon in the years ahead, the refreshed format for Cambridge Folk Festival will support an exciting and cutting-edge programme of music and events, while continuing the tradition of this internationally renowned event.

And, with an unparalleled reputation for promoting emerging talent, Cambridge Folk Festival will continue to support rising stars both locally and nationally, with more opportunities to provide a platform for emerging artists.

During the Festival’s fallow year in 2025, the council's festival team has continued to support the folk community with a series of locally based events throughout Cambridge and initiatives to encourage emerging artists and would like to continue this programme.

More details to be announced and tickets are scheduled to go on sale by the end of year.