Cambridge Folk Festival

...and finally!

2007-07-29T22:47:00.000+01:00

Just to say a big THANK YOU! to everyone who came to this year's event - the Festival isnt a Festival without you. We hope you enjoyed it.

Same time next year...?

They are nifty...and they don't half..er..Shoogle!

2007-07-29T22:41:00.000+01:00

The Sunday (and final) night of the Festival drew to a close with a high energy set from the wonderful Shooglenifty. All of the band inexplicably had fish on their heads. We dont know why...we actually don't care as we were all too busy enjoying what was a great end to the whole event.

...and that, everyone, was the BBC Radio 2 Cambridge Folk Festival

Nanci Griffiths

2007-07-29T22:37:00.000+01:00

The legend that is Nanci Griffiths played a fantastic set Sunday night to a rapturous welcome from the Festival audience.

Which just leaves...

A musical Tsunami with Toumani!

2007-07-29T21:35:00.000+01:00

A slice of Malian music arrives at Cambridge with a tremendous performance from Toumani Diabate and Symmetric Orchestra who lives up to the description of the 'Jimi Hendrix of Kora'

(UpTown) Rankin...

2007-07-29T20:24:00.000+01:00

This is Ken Rankin (on the left). Ken is the Production Manager of the Festival and his team work dilligently in the build up to the event, working on all aspects of the production of the Festival. In the week leading up to the event Ken and his team spend the majority of their time down at Cherry Hinton. If you see this man on site, shake his hand or buy him a beer. He's an absolute legend.

Check these out..(part 2)

2007-07-29T19:14:00.000+01:00

Visit the BBC Radio 2 Festival website for photos, reviews and video, plus an exclusive look behind the scenes of the Festival with Radio 2 presenters Stuart Maconie and Mike Harding.

Our good friends at BBC Radio 2 online have been covering the Festival and uploading some fantastic footage. Here's just a few examples of some of the video footage on their site:

Kate Rusby, the first lady of the new folk scene, captures the hearts of the audience with Bitter Boy. Click here to see the video.

Folk-rock duo Show of Hands have sold out the Albert Hall three times over! Find out what all the fuss is about. Click here to see the video.

For all the very latest coverage :http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/cambridgefolkfestival/2007/

A slice of soul....

2007-07-29T18:21:00.000+01:00

At 6.05pm James Hunter took to stage 1, and injected some good time white soul into proceedings. He looks like he comes from the era of the Kray Twins and has a sound to match. A one man R'n'B machine in the true sense of the term and highly regarded by his peers including Van Morrison. James has transformed the Media Liason caravan into a non-stop Soul Train. Highly regarded Press Officer at the festival, Christina McNally is showing us how its done with her, effortless, graceful boogie time grooves. You go girl!

Festival goes all opulent!

2007-07-29T17:01:00.000+01:00

Now, you see...here at the Festival it's not all mud and roughing it in tents. Our friends from the BBC like to do things in style. Check out their backstage 'yurt' which they use for TV interviews and, we're sure, for a bit of hanging out.

Rumours that this is Festival Manager Eddie Barcan's own private boudoir could not be confirmed at this time.

Ricky Skaggs

2007-07-29T16:59:00.000+01:00

One of the greatest bluesgrass ambassadors Ricky Skaggs with his band Kentucky Thunder took to the stage at 4.25pm to a rousing reception.

Lots of 'yee-hahs' were heard around the arena.

Wierd and wonderful

2007-07-29T16:54:00.000+01:00

Once again...the wierd and wonderful turn out for the Festival!

It's Gator time!

2007-07-29T16:22:00.000+01:00

Its a tradition at the Folk Festival each year to dress up our on-site vehicles, also known as 'gators'. This year surpassed all expectations with a competition between different crew members.
Kate Rusby got into the spirit of things by agreeing to judge the best one having to choose between a 'Kiss Me Kate', 'Flintstones', a 'Beach' and a full blown 'hedge on wheels'.

The winner this year was the beach - Bruce Harward from the technical team is seen collecting his trophy from Kate!

Question is...how will they top it next year!

Ruthie Foster plays set No.2

2007-07-29T16:18:00.000+01:00

Following her amazing performance on the stage 1 yesterday Ruthie Foster plays another set on stage 2...its one of those sublime moments when you can pretty much sum everything up in one simple word - 'awesome'.
What a voice, what a presence...and she's playing again tonight in the club tent, I suspect that it might be pretty busy in there!

Rushing between the stages....

2007-07-29T13:52:00.000+01:00

Ocassionally the photographers are thrown into a quandary, when two popular acts are playing on different stages, at roughly the same time and where the limitation of three songs only (no flash) are brought into question. Here at the Media Liason caravan we are, er, always prepared for all eventualities, so as the Ukuele Orchestra Of Great Britain take to stage 1, I'm practicising my star jumps and running on the spot for the quick dash from stage 1 to take the legions of photographers to Stage 2 to see Last Orders.

Stage 1 has been taken over by an arsenal of Ukuleles. Stage 1 You have been warned...

The orchestra are quite simply fantastic. Throwing in large dollops of humours amidst some cunningly sublime playing their set has included unique versions of such artists as David Bowie, Hawkwind, Wheatus, a hilarious version of Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit and even the Sex Pistols. Plus an amazing moment where they simultaneously sang three songs at the same time including Fly Me To The Moon, I Will Survive and Love Story. What would George Formby make of it all?!

Martin Simpson

2007-07-29T13:20:00.000+01:00

Renowned singer/songwriter Martin Simpson took to Stage 1 just before 1pm. Performing a mixture of songs from his lengthy career interspersed with some witty anecdotes he remains a firm festival favourite.

Mr Boom lands in Cambridge

2007-07-29T13:12:00.000+01:00

Sunday mornings at the Festival always sees a special concert for kids...this year Mr Boom landed his spaceship just behind Stage 2 travelling all the way from the moon.

The kids loved him...as did several of the older members of the Festival staff who frankly should know better :0)

Easy Like Sunday Morning...

2007-07-29T12:53:00.000+01:00

Day 4. The final day of fantastic music at Cambridge. First up one of Denmarks finest exports (and its not Carlberg's lager) Haugaard & Hoirup take to Stage 1 and energise the sleepy crowd who have gathered with traditional numbers and songs from their homeland.

Carlsberg don't make fiddle and guitar duos, but if they did Haugaard and Hoirup would probably be the best in the world.

Next Neil is off to investige Childrens entertainer extrodinaire Mr Boom, who lands in Cherry Hinton in his imaginary spaceship.

Sunday kicks off...

2007-07-29T11:53:00.000+01:00

Despite the Sunday morning mud our fiddler is still smiling :0)

Its nearly 12 and Danes Haugaard & Hoirup are just about to take to the main stage...

Sunday morning pics

2007-07-29T11:47:00.000+01:00

Its muddy here!

2007-07-29T11:13:00.000+01:00

Yyyyeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwww!

Toots gets the crowd dancing

2007-07-29T10:56:00.000+01:00

Saturday night came to an energetic finish with a spell-binding set from reggae/ska kings Toots & The Maytals.

With the rain starting to come down the covered area in front of Stage 1 was busier than ever with just about every pair of feet dancing to the infectious sounds coming from the stage. A fitting end to the 3rd day of the Festival.

Morning!

2007-07-29T10:39:00.000+01:00

Its the morning after the Saturday night before. People are slowly waking up in their tents after the torrential downpour of last night but thankfully the sun is now out and the ground is starting to dry up. As is the tradition with the Folk Festival, BBC Radio 4's The Archers is currently blasting out through the speakers on Stage 1, a nice chilled way to start the day.

We were too busy dancing to Toots and the Maytals last night to update the blog, so lets backdate a little with this pic of Joan Baez from her set last night, who wowed a captivated crowd. She also made an unexpected appearance earlier in the day when she got up on stage to dance alongside a bemused gypsy band Fanfare Ciocarlia - a real treat for the Festival crowd (although we are not sure that the band realised who she was!).

2007-07-29T09:10:00.000+01:00

It's funny what you bump into just walking from one stage to another at the Festival!

John Tams gives his views on the Folk Festival

2007-07-29T00:07:00.000+01:00

Click below...

Check these out...

2007-07-28T20:27:00.000+01:00

Our good friends at BBC Radio 2 online have been covering the Festival and uploading some fantastic footage. Here's just a few examples of some of the video footage on their site:

Folk-rock singer-songwriter and Friday night headliner Steve Earle sings Copperhead Road.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/radio2/cambridgefolkfestival/2007/ram/steveearle?size=16x9&bgc=C0C0C0&nbram=1&bbram=1&nbwm=1&bbwm=1

This spectacular performance from folk supergroup Under One Sky is not to be missed.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/radio2/cambridgefolkfestival/2007/ram/underonesky?size=16x9&bgc=C0C0C0&nbram=1&bbram=1&nbwm=1&bbwm=1

Still going strong after 20 years - The Waterboys return to Cherry Hinton with old favourite The Whole Of The Moon.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/radio2/cambridgefolkfestival/2007/ram/waterboys?size=16x9&bgc=C0C0C0&nbram=1&bbram=1&nbwm=1&bbwm=1

Dont forget to visit their site for all the very latest coverage on the Festival:http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/cambridgefolkfestival/2007/

Wa wa weee wa! Borat say, you like?

2007-07-28T20:20:00.000+01:00

Stage 1 has turned is in the grip of gypsy jamboree with the arrival of Fanfare Ciocarlia. As featured in the hit Borat movie the guys are the perfect way to start the evening at the Festival with their crazy sound making it virtually impossible not to get up and dance. Its like being at a Romanian wedding. Only with 10,000 friends.

Kate Rusby, Stage 1, 6.30pm

2007-07-28T19:40:00.000+01:00

Kate Rusby took to stage 1 at 6.30pm, having spent two successful hours this afternoon in the Mojo tent as the crowds snaked around the arena for a glimpse of one of the most popular artists on this years bill.

Playing songs spanning her rich back catalogue alongside new material from her forthcoming Akward Annie, Kate was greeted with a rapturous reception. Always popular at Cambridge, Kates appearance is like catching up with an old friend. The Romanian gypsy brass band Fanfaire Ciocarlia have just taken the stage, ready to inject some funk into Saturday night on stage 1, a world away from playing weddings and funerals in northwest Romania. Hopefully we shall also here their fantastic cover of .Born To Wild that was featured in the Borat movie. You cant be a bit of parping.

...and, arguably, the best song title of the weekend: Frogs Legs and Dragons Teeth. Are Bellowhead gonna take that particular award?

Lisa Knapp wows the club tent

2007-07-28T19:34:00.000+01:00

The Festival club tent features some of the rising stars from the folk world. Lisa Knapp was in such demand from the press that a photocall was arranged to avoid the usual jostling for position by photographers in what is quite a small space. Lisa kindly agreed to do a photoshoot for the press instead...

Legendary star..meets former Blur man

2007-07-28T17:57:00.000+01:00

Its funny who you bump into at Festivals. One minute former Blur man Graham Coxon is onstage as part of the Under One Sky project, the next his career highlight is complete when he bumps into the Festival's marketing officer Matt :0)

Walkabout characters

2007-07-28T17:54:00.000+01:00

Just a few of the crazy walkabout characters that made an appearance at the Festival.

Bellowhead

2007-07-28T17:48:00.000+01:00

4pm saw the arrival of Festival favourites Bellowhead - vying for the award of 'the most people simultaneously on the main stage' - with the line up clocking in at a whopping 250 people. OK, that's a lie. But there was a lot of them...and the noise they made was just fabulous.

...and the longest signing queue goes to...

2007-07-28T17:46:00.000+01:00

Once again Kate Rusby proved popular at the MOJO signing tent, scribbling on CDs and other various bits of merchandise for a cool 2 hours!

Some more random Festival pics...

2007-07-28T13:53:00.000+01:00

Saturday Morning..

2007-07-28T13:07:00.000+01:00

The attendees are up early on Saturday morning heading for supplies at the station or making their way into the hive of activity in the arena. Cambridge has always been infamous for its love of bicycles, the preferred mode of transport by many, and walking in on Saturday its seems as though the festival has become a magnet for all the bikes in the city, strewn across fences, locked and abandoned by their owners who are readying themselves for a day of fantastic music. Normal Saturday activities, such as reading the papers, are transfered to the festival as the fans, a mix of families, loyal attenders and the plain curious, decked out in their summer gear and multicoloured crocs take in the mornings soothing tones of Rachel Unthank and The Winterset. Chairs and blankets are out in force again this year as people get settled in for the days array of music.

More later

How many times on stage...?

2007-07-28T10:54:00.000+01:00

Yes, the legend that is Steve Earle clearly enjoyed his time in Cambridge making at least 4 appearances on stage on Day 2. Not content with playing a rousing solo set he also joined wife Allison Moorer for a duet, Sharon Shannon earlier in the day and then turned up with The Waterboys for their closing set on Friday night.

Night 2 draws to a close...

2007-07-28T10:34:00.000+01:00

The Waterboys brought the 2nd day of the Festival to a close in rousing style where they joined onstage by Steve Earle, Sharon Shannon and John McCusker for an all star jam through classics old and new.

Day 3 has now started...

Under One Sky

2007-07-27T20:36:00.000+01:00

John McCusker, Graham Coxon, Roddy Woomble, John Tams, Jim Causley, Andy Cutting, Julie Fowlis, Ian Carr, Emma Reid, James Mackintosh, Ewen Vernal and Iain MacDonald...

...now that's what you call a line-up :0)

Random Festival shots

2007-07-27T20:25:00.000+01:00

Oysterband

2007-07-27T20:16:00.000+01:00

...followed swiftly by the Oysterband.

Sharon Shannon...

2007-07-27T20:15:00.000+01:00

Next up on the mainstage was Sharon Shannon...

Alison Moorer wows Cambridge

2007-07-27T20:10:00.000+01:00

So...lets backdate a bit...

Alison Moorer came on to the mainstage just after 2pm and wowed the crowd with her lush acoustic songs that were both intimate yet worked with such a large crowd. Husband Steve Earle joining her on stage was a particular highlight.

We're back!

2007-07-27T19:43:00.000+01:00

We hit a few technological problems earlier today which meant we couldnt update the blog, but its all been sorted and we are back....

Shopping at the Festival

2007-07-27T14:41:00.000+01:00

The shopping section at the Festival this year has just about everything you could need, from the essentials like food, drink etc to clothing and even a full range of musical instruments.

The photo on the left shows this year's main official T-shirt - they are available from the Sales and Info section...do also check out the new Festival CD whilst you are there...

Le Vent Du Nord kick off the main stage

2007-07-27T13:19:00.000+01:00

Quebec's Le Vent Du Nord kicked off the mainstage in style at 12 noon welcoming the audience in their native French tongue. A perfect upbeat start to the main arena the many of the crowd are up and dancing.

The weather is looking good for today, although cloudy, the sun is continuing to shine...fingers crossed it stays that way.

Steve Earle chats to Mojo in the club tent

2007-07-27T12:42:00.000+01:00

At 12 noon country legend Steve Earle captivated a packed Club Tent as this year's MOJO interview got underway.

Talking about such varied topics as politics in music, his song writing techniques, his novels and much more he fielded questions from the audience as well as being interviewed onstage by MOJO journalist Phil Sutcliffe.

Seasick Steve signing at the Mojo Tent

2007-07-27T10:31:00.000+01:00

Seasick Steve, Stage 2, 6.55pm.

2007-07-26T19:34:00.000+01:00

A ripple of anticipation simmers through Stage 2 as the crowd gather for the debut appearance of Seasick Steve, passing through Cambridge on his way to somewhere else, all in true hobo style.

Performing with his trusty, battered four string guitar in hand, and a gaggle of photographers in the pit, jostling for the perfect shot, Steve immediately captivates the audience as he regales stories of how he acquired his guitar through a shady deal with a friend.

As he takes of his shirt and informs the crowd that 'It doesn't matter if your old, as long as you can play a little guitar, the girls are still interested' the audience are presented with some fantastic virtuoso Blues playing, with the ever present tap of his foot keeping time.

As three songs pass and the photographers make their way from the pit, we are all reluctant to leave. On our way out we spot Mark Radcliffe standing side of stage, enraptured by this naturally charismatic American performer, who could possibly be the act of the weekend.

We can see clearly...

2007-07-26T18:51:00.000+01:00

...now the rain has gone!

One of the best things (and only good thing!) about this mixed weather is that occasionally you get views like the one here shot at around 6.30pm on the opening night of the Festival (the main stage doesnt open til the Friday by the way...in case you thought no one had turned up!)

Mabon played a jubilant set that got the Festival off to a roaring start...Seasick Steve is just about to take to stage 2....

More soon.

The Tented Village

2007-07-26T17:44:00.000+01:00

As the attendees of this years festival descended upon Cherry Hinton, its amazing how quicky the site transforms from a quiet park where people play a quick game of football or go for a relaxing stroll in the park to a riot of colourful tents and campers filling the available space. Walking through the park I came across this unusual piece of outdoor living. As folk fans continue to assemble and customise their tents over the day, there will no doubt be more examples of one of the elements that makes Cambridge such a unique and memorable event.

Weather Update: The sun has got his hat on. Hip-hip-hip horray.

Nice weather for ducks!

2007-07-26T16:12:00.000+01:00

...and the heavens opened! Its bucketing down and the bar manager is happy as everyone has dashed inside to take cover. The festival ducks are also loving it :0)

Name the Wicker fiddle player!

2007-07-26T15:44:00.000+01:00

Taken before the gates opened this morning, here is our new fiddle playing friend. He's already gathering lots of attention from passing revellers as they make there way to the vast array of food stalls and the infamous Guiness Tent. Appropriate names for our new companion are more than welcome. Over the weekend I'm hoping for some traditional maypole-esque dancing around the foot of our statue. You never know.

Weather update: Its raining. Quite heavily.

It's Festival time!

2007-07-26T15:31:00.000+01:00

The gates to the BBC Radio 2 Cambridge Folk Festival opened at 10am this morning.

The weather is...well...a bit mixed. At the time of writing its just started raining but the reports say that we should be Ok for when the first band come on at 6pm.

The site looks great, especially our new addition the huge wicker fiddle player that looms between stages (see pic below)...we are looking for an appropriate name for our new companion - all suggestions welcome!

7 piece Welsh celt band Mabon will be kicking things off on stage 2 at 6pm whilst Cambridge born singer Emily Maguire will get the action going in the club tent.

Festival updates on your mobile.

2007-07-25T18:41:00.000+01:00

Well its getting on for 7pm and the current weather in Cambridge is 'drizzly'. The site is looking pretty good bearing in mind recent weather conditions.

If you are coming to the Festival and fancy receiving updates to your mobile then send a text with the word mobile on to 88291 and our good friends at BBC Radio 2 will make sure you receive everything you need to know about the Festival over the next few days.

Dont forget to keep checking back here too where all the latest news and gossip will be posted.

...oh and do a 'sun dance' in your front rooms for us will you. It we all do it together the sun will shine. I just know it :0)

1 day to go!!

2007-07-25T11:05:00.000+01:00

So...nearly there. The crew have been working hard on the site against some pretty miserable weather at times, but the finishing touches are now being added and at the time of writing there is just under 13 hours to go til the site opens to the public.

To the left is a pic of how the main stage is shaping up which was taken yesterday.

The weather is looking mixed so the advice is to be prepared for all eventualities, so pack both the wellies AND the flip flops this year!

We'll be keeping you up to date with all the latest news and gossip from the Festival on this blog so do keep checking back - and if you are coming to the Festival then you can always nip into the Folknet cafe and log on too.

More soon...

Cambridge Weather....

2007-07-23T16:25:00.000+01:00

Cambridge Weather: We'd like to re-assure people that Cambridge has not been affected by the floods that have hit other areas of the country. The site is not flooded nor is it prone to flooding and there are no flood warnings for Cambridge. We've had some short bursts of heavy rain but the ground is holding up well, though some areas in the arena are a little muddy. The current forecast is for sun and scattered showers. People should bring their wet weather gear and wellies just in case, and be prepared for rain and shine. Whatever the weather, it looks like being another great event!

Signing Tent Update: Some of the following are yet to confirm but do keep your ears pricked for announcements from the stage about the signings over the weekend (hopefully) they will included all the following...
Kate Rusby, Lau, Shooglenifty, Kate Walsh, Rachel Unthank and the Winterset, Diana Jones, Fanfare Ciocarlia, Nanci Griffith, Newton Faulkner, Oysterband, Lisa Knapp, Martin Simpson Jon Redfern, Sharon Shannon, Show Of Hands, James Hunter, Seasick Steve, Toots and The Maytals.

4 days to go!!

2007-07-23T12:09:00.000+01:00

The question I've been asked most recently is, what music should we look out for this year? It's hard to single people out as there is such a variety but here are a few tips:

Always top of my list are the sessions in the campsite and around the arena - ordinary members of the audience who contribute so much towards Cambridge's unique atmosphere. They really deserve our appreciation. You can stumble across some really inspiring sessions or people busking and these are moments to be cherished.

We've all got high expectations of bigger names who've delighted in the past such as Joan Baez, Nanci Griffith, Kate Rusby and Steve Earle - I'm sure they won't disapoint. There are also a lot of names who might be big in other styles of music, but who will be new to Cambridge ears. Fanfare Ciorcalia are an amazing Romanian brass band and they have to be seen to be believed. Toumani Diabate is such an amazing musician that I'm sure he's going to be a real hit. I

'm sure Seasick Steve will be amazing. There's a few Cambridge debuts from quite established names - Ricky Skaggs for a start and also Bruce Cockburn - both long overdue. The Ukele Orchestra of Great Britain are such fun - that'll be a great set. We've also got a few album launches Rachel Unthank, Martin Simpson spring to mind - so they're bound to pull out all the stops.

Then there are the showcases in the Club Tent, I'm looking forward most to Lisa Knapp and Jackie Oates. I've left so much good stuff out, but I could enthuse all night...and in any case, each and everyone will have their own favourite come next Monday.

Enjoy the Festival!!

Eddie Barcan

More pics...

2007-07-20T11:42:00.001+01:00

Here's a couple of extra pics of the site...lots of work still to be done. A big hearty thumbs up to the Festival production team who will be continuing to transform what you see in the pics to the site that you will be enjoying next week.

6 Days to go!

2007-07-20T11:24:00.000+01:00

We received our stock of the new 'cool as folk' CDs in the office this week and they've been on the office stereo non-stop. The artwork and packaging look great and there are some fantastic tracks on it. Current favourites are Kate Rusby singing with the Poozies a rather racey song about the devil and Joe Strummer with a blistering version of White Man In Hammersmith Palais.

One things for sure, its got us even more in the mood for this year's Festival!

Don't forget to get your copy from the Sales & Info stand at the Festival (see blog entry below for full tracklisting).

The site is coming along with the production team braving the elements to get everything set up. Following last week's picture - we've taken another one from (roughly!) the same spot...last week: trees, grass, hedge and a pipe...this week: the shell of a stage!

Don't forget, if you are travelling to the Festival, do check the News section of our website - Cambridge is undergoing some major roadworks at the moment and there's some advice, particularly if you are travelling from south of Cambridge, on the best route to take.

If you are going to the Festival - we'll see you there next week. If you are not, why not keep an eye on both this blog and the website itself as we'll be keeping you up to date with all the news and gossip.

More soon...

Less Than Two Weeks To Go!

2007-07-16T15:06:00.000+01:00

So, nearly there! The festival starts in just under 2 weeks. We thought it would be good to show you what the site looks like both before and after the site is built. This pic was taken on 11 July. If you have really amazing eyesight (or a magnifying glass!) you can just see the very first pipe that has been laid at the back near the hedge. That is the starting point for over 2 weeks of hard work for our production team.

When you see this view you will be looking at the main stage and enjoying some great music in (we hope, glorious sunshine!). We'll post another pic here this week to show you how its all coming on.

More soon...

2007-07-10T10:29:00.000+01:00

Hi, just a quick email to let you know about the Mojo Signing Tent - so far we have had a handful of names confirmed who will be signing (and possibly busking!) outside the tent at some point over the weekend. The artists so far include Jon Redfern, Diana Jones, Oysterband, Kate Rusby, Rachel Unthank, Fanfare Ciocarlia, Lisa Knap, Show Of Hands, and Shooglenifty....

Work is already underway at the site and we will shortly be posting pictures to let you see what goes in the to its creation before the festival kicks off.

The sun is hopefully on its way....

3 weeks to go!

2007-07-04T10:26:00.000+01:00

With three weeks to go work has started on building the Festival site. It's a huge undertaking and obviously the weather being the way it is is not ideal for the hard working production team on site.

On the subject of weather, we are keeping one eye on the long term forecast and also crossing our fingers. After all this rain it would be great for the sun to put its folky hat on and shine for us.

Artsists are also now putting their names down for signings in the MOJO signing tent so don't forget to pop along and see some of your favourites and get your CDs signed.

Festival season beckons!

2007-06-20T12:36:00.000+01:00

As the festival season gathers apace, things are hotting up in the offices of the Cambridge Folk Festival , running times are being finalised, a wealth of fantastic merchandise is being arranged and acts are being booked for a signing session or busking performance outside the hugely popular MOJO signing tent!
On top of all this we are pleased to announce that this year a fantastic collection of live recordings made at the Cambridge Folk Festival has been put together on a stunning double CD with the very best performances by top folk, blues, country and acoustic acts from 1998 to 2006, the full tracklisting is as follows,

CD1
1 Altan: John Doherty’s Reels; Mindy Smith: One Moment More; Dr John: It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t GotThat Swing) ; Eddi Reader: Hummingbird ; Bellowhead: Hopkinson’s Favourite ; Kate Rusby: Underneath The Stars ; Guy Clark: LA Freeway; Cara Dillon: She’s Like The Swallow; Beth Orton: Someone’s Daughter ; Hayseed Dixie: Fat Bottomed Girls ; Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros:(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais ; Josh Ritter: Hello Starling (Snow Is Gone) ;John Prine and Iris DeMent: In Spite Of Ourselves ; Billy Bragg and The Blokes: England, Half English ; Martin Carthy: The Devil And The Feathery Wife ; Indigo Girls: Closer To Fine ; Michael McGoldrick Band: Watermans ; Karine Polwart: The Sun’s Comin’ Over The Hill ; Martin Simpson: Masters Of War

CD2
1 Ani DiFranco: Cradle And All ; The Duhks: Death Came A Knockin’ ; Jimmy Webb: Wichita Lineman ; Eliza Carthy Band: Adieu Adieu ; La Bottine Souriante: Le Reel des SoucoupesVolantes ; John McCusker and Phil Cunningham:Leaving Friday Harbor ; The Proclaimers: I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) ; The Poozies: The Widow ; Joan Baez: Joe Hill; Eric Bibb: Good Stuff ; Afro Cuban All Stars: Habana del Este ; Norma Waterson, Martin Carthy andChris Parkinson: Black Muddy River; John Tams Band: Hugh Stenson And Molly Green; Asleep At The Wheel: Route 66 ; The Waifs: When I Die ; Mary Gauthier: I Drink ; Richard Thompson: Tear Stained Letter.

The CD will be available from the Official Festival Merchadise stall on the corner at the traders marquee, but if your not attending this years event, don't fret - they are also available online at http://www.gottdiscs.com/ or in writing with a cheque for £13.99 plus £1.50 p&p to Gottdiscs Ltd P.O Box 305, Cambridge CB1 7ZW.

We will continue to keep you up to date with all the latest Cambridge folk news and gossip. We hope to see you all at the Festival. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a weekend of fantastic weather!

http://www.folkfest.entadsl.com/public/ff/images/ffcd.jpg

6 weeks to go!

2007-06-13T12:21:00.000+01:00

So...just 6 weeks to go til the Festival begins and preparations are going well.
Artists are now starting to put their names down to do signings in the Mojo signing tent.
On the subject of Mojo, we've confirmed Steve Earle as this year's Mojo interview - should be a great one to watch.

Look out also for a brand new Festival CD that will be on sale during the event with some of the best tracks from artists over the years.

T-shirt design is also now good to go - hope everyone likes 'em.

More soon...

Welcome to the Cambridge Folk Festival Blog

2007-06-06T11:03:00.000+01:00

The tickets are sold, the artists are booked....we'll be updating this blog in the run up to the Festival and during the event as well we'll be keeping a full diary complete with backstage gossip and pics etc.