Folk festival which has featured Nick Cave and Joan Baez cancelled in 60th year

Cambridge Folk Festival, which has featured performances from the likes of Nick Cave, Joan Baez and Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant, has been cancelled in its 60th anniversary year.

The festival, which takes place at Cherry Hinton Hall, said it would “invest our resources into the long-term planning and development”.

Organisers said the festival would return for 2026 and they would be “using all available resources to work on new initiatives”.

“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.”

Those who had bought early-bird tickets for the four-day 2025 festival will be contacted and offered either a refund or the opportunity to retain their tickets for the 2026 event.

The festival, founded in 1965, attracts thousands every year, and has also featured performances from artists including Van Morrison, James Taylor and Jake Bugg.

Cambridge Folk Festival has been contacted for further comment.