Tag: Amelia Coburn

Cherry Hinton Hall, Saturday 1 August & Sunday 2 August

FULL LINE-UP ANNOUNCED

This Is The Kit – Seth Lakeman – Skinny Lister – Brògeal

The Songs of Joni Mitchell ft. Jesca Hoop, Lail Arad & More

Ustad Noor Bakhsh – Nick Harper – RuMac

Mark Radcliffe & David Boardman – Nick Cope

Amelia Coburn – Amaidi – Christina Alden & Alex Patterson

Frog on a Bike with Mary Panton – George Boomsma

Frank Turner, Suzanne Vega, Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips

More exciting names have been announced for Cambridge Folk Festival weekend, Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August at Cherry Hinton Hall, completing a dazzling and diverse line-up for this year’s event.

Joining Saturday night headliner Frank Turner and Sunday night co-headliners Suzanne Vega and Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips are:

This Is The Kit, aka Winchester born songwriter and musician Kate Stables, whose music places companionship at a premium and welcomes the listener into a privileged space. Accompanied by her stellar supporting cast of Rozi Plain (bass), Jamie Whitby-Coles (drums) and Neil Smith (guitar), the BBC 6 Music and BBC Radio 1 favourite is a joyful addition to the main stage.

Seth Lakeman was catapulted into the music mainstream when he was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in 2005 for his album Kitty Jay, inspired by the legends and stories of Dartmoor where he grew up. Its follow up, the gold-selling Freedom Fields celebrates its 20^th anniversary in 2026. Multiple albums, tours and high-profile collaborations later, the acclaimed Lakeman remains one of the UK’s premier folk artists.

Since 2009, Skinny Lister have been at the forefront of first-rate folk/punk in the UK. From headline tours to major festival appearances, the London-formed crew’s irrepressible energy has ignited pogoing mosh-pits across the UK and North America.

Folk-punk-indie-pop five-piece from Falkirk, Brògeal has a reputation as one of the best live bands in Britain and bring the rambunctious Celtic folk of The Pogues, the story-telling charm of The View, the lush pop harmonies of Teenage Fanclub, the jangly delicacy of the Smiths, the yearning of a classic Oasis B-side and a Scottish brogue as defiant as the Proclaimers.

The Songs of Joni Mitchell ft. Jesca Hoop, Lail Arad & more is a celebration one of the greatest songwriters of all time, through the unique voices of the artists she continues to inspire. A revered debut at the Roundhouse in 2024 and two sold out tours have garnered widespread critical acclaim, including from Cerys Matthews “Such a stand-out show.” And Zoe Ball “Their voices individually are just perfection. You could hear a pin drop. And then the three-part harmonies when they sang together, where just exquisite.”

Ustad Noor Bakhsh, from near Pasni, Balochistan, is a maestro of the Balochi Benju (a keyed Zither), which he has played since he was a child. His diverse repertoire carries forward Balochi musical traditions whilst adding many new influences, from experimental South Asian Raags to Persian and Kurdish tunes, Arabic Ghazals, Bollywood songs, East African rhythms and his own compositions.

Nick Harper is one the UK’s best kept musical secrets. Those who have witnessed his spellbinding, one-man show will tell you this. A childhood growing up surrounded by the musical prowess of some of the 60’s most revered songwriters and musicians, not to mention being the son of Roy Harper, along with 20 years of crafting songs and touring the land has spawned a truly one-off, who counts Robert Plant amongst his fans: “Hey, the boy is good!”

Ruairidh Maclean a.k.a RuMac is a Scottish accordion player who started off playing traditional Scottish music and slowly drifted into a strange mix of genres. From traditional Gaelic songs to heavy metal rock, slowly the world is becoming aware of his anarchic unique performances and they can’t get enough.  A fun performer that is always best experienced live…

Mark Radcliffe & David Boardman. BBC Radio 2 Folk Show and 6Music presenter Mark Radcliffe has been on the national airwaves since the early nineties. He was the leader of folk-rock bands The Family Mahone and Galleon Blast and has also written five bestselling books about music. His live shows feature rambling anecdotes from his long career, along with original songs and the odd carefully selected cover. Offering sterling musical assistance is Mark’s musical collaborator David Boardman, a consummate guitarist, singer and fine artist.

Nick Cope has an incredible fan base from all over the UK due to the phenomenal success of his CBeebies show Nick Cope’s Popcast.  Steve Lamacq of BBC Radio 6 Music said “.. In the pantheon of British songwriters he’s become the Ray Davies for the pre-teen generation…If you’re going to trust your child’s musical education to anyone, make it Nick Cope.”  Nick returns the Festival this year with his ever-popular Sunday children’s show.

Amelia Coburn has a knack for making the unusual sound timeless. Her honest, occasionally hilarious and quintessentially north-eastern persona disarms and beguiles in equal measure. Drawing inspiration from gothic literature and the shadowy allure of film noir, her work has lit up audiences and critics alike with national radio play across BBC Radios 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 and nods from Paul Weller in Mojo, Louder Than War, Clash and many more.

Amaidi (pronounced Ah-mah-dee), the boy band hailing from Australia shaking up the neo-trad scene with pumping tunes, heavy bass, and exciting arrangements blend the traditions of Irish, Scottish, and Australian music with their own original compositions. Their fast-paced trad melodies with a modern feel have audiences dancing in no time.

Christina Alden & Alex Patterson are multi-instrumentalists and songwriters from Norwich. Their music is rich with intertwining harmony, sensitive, accomplished musicianship and a creative song-writing style that is delicate, moving and deeply inspired by the natural world around them. Bright Young Folk called them ‘A milestone for contemporary folk songwriting’.

Composers and creative interpreters of traditional tunes, Frog on a Bike with Mary Panton consist of a luscious line-up of sumptuous melodeon, recorder, fiddle and mandolin, backed by a riotous rhythm section of guitar, bass and drums. They bring a frenetic energy, distinctively big folk-rock sound and driving rhythm that is guaranteed to have crowds up and dancing.

George Boomsma is singer-songwriter from Northallerton, North Yorkshire whose organic instrumentation with a folk-rock influence reminiscent of classic Crosby, Stills & Nash and Jeff Buckley is drawing critical praise, including from BBC Radio 2’s Mark Radcliffe: “Skilled guitarist, distinctive songwriter & a fine singer”.

Katacombs has roots across continents. With a mother from Spain and a father from Greece, she was born in Miami and has called Austin home for the past decade. When she’s not on tour, she divides her time between Texas and London, infusing her sound with multicultural exposure and her debut album, Fragments Of The Underwater is a collection shaped by the places, people, and phases that made her who she is.

Katie Spencer was raised in the East Yorkshire flatlands and the landscape of open skies and widening rivers flows through her assured guitar style and songwriting. Her lyrically mature, jazz and folk influenced songs, pristine voice and expert guitar picking have drawn widespread critical acclaim including from MOJO magazine: “Fresh as a sweet Sunday morning”.

Maddie Morris is a bold and socially conscious folk artist who uses traditional music to explore contemporary issues. Winner of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award, they have been described by Jim Moray as “leading the next generation of socially conscious songwriters.” Their work explores personal narratives and political storytelling, blending English folk traditions with their lived experience as a trans, autistic person.

Man the Lifeboats’ explosive shanty folk has gained the six-piece a great reputation across the UK and drawn comparisons to Bellowhead, Waterboys, Oysterband, the Levellers, and those folk-punk heroes The Pogues.

Ollie Cook & The Hogwash are an Alternative Folk quintet from Birmingham, describing themselves as “Brumicana Dad Rock”. After years of solo work, Ollie formed The Hogwash and a new and fresh dynamic was born, weaving through checked shirts and thick tweed.

Winners of the 2024 Christian Raphael Prize for emerging artists, The Deep Blue seamlessly blend rebellious lyricism with hypnotic harmonies. Extensive headline touring, festival appearances and a 28-date tour with The Waterboys in 2025 has built the female four piece an enviable live reputation.

The Thorn are a musical group from London who play psych-tinged heavy folk-rock with nods to jazz and soul that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Numero compilation of lost early 70’s fuzz jams. Initially formed in 2021 to play the solo recordings of founder Jack Sharp (Wolf People), the live band has since grown and changed, developing a life of its own.

Tom Jenkins hails from the hills of the South Wales valleys. A shepherd and hill farmer by trade, he has woven the post-industrial landscape and the stories of working-class communities into a tapestry of unique, traditionally crafted songs, originally inspired by his family of coal miners and farmers. Growing critical acclaim and touring spots with artists from Bastille to Megan Moroney and Frank Turner are bringing this unique artist to much deserved wider attention.

Cambridgeshire Summer School is hosting its Cambridge Folk Festival course for instrumentalists and singers aged 11–18. Designed to support young people of all abilities, the four-day course culminates in a powerful shared performance at the Cambridge Folk Festival — a joyful celebration of creativity, collaboration and the belief that music is for everyone.

The Cambridge Folk Festival weekend at Cherry Hinton Hall, August 1-2, will be the centrepiece of 2026’s activities. A more intimate event, returning to the Festival’s roots, the weekend will feature two full days of live music and activities, with optional three-night camping available.

A second to none line-up, boasting three international headliners and the best in contemporary roots music, will perform across two main stages, a street performance area showcasing buskers and roving acts, and a dedicated Club Corner, programmed in partnership with local folk clubs.

The prestigious Christian Raphael Prize will once again be open to emerging artists, offering invaluable financial assistance, performance opportunities and industry exposure. Previous winners include Katherine Priddy, Angeline Morrison and Frankie Archer.

One of the priorities of the organisers for 2026 has been to make access to the Festival as affordable as possible, given the current economic challenges facing many people. Second release tickets for the Cherry Hinton weekend, available from Friday 30 January, will be priced at:

In an exciting addition this year, the Festival umbrella reaches wider than ever. Organisers will work with local venues, promoters and folk clubs to schedule a variety of events throughout the year and in the run up to the Cherry Hinton Hall weekend in multiple venues across the city. These will include concerts at Cambridge Corn Exchange on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July and The Junction on 28 July.  Cambridgeshire Music will host the Summer School again in 2026, 27-30 July, with a finale performance on Saturday 1 August during the Cherry Hinton Hall weekend.

This innovative new approach will provide extra opportunities for existing fans to enjoy more of the music they love and encourage new fans to join the community.

Second release tickets go on sale on Friday 30 January following a sold out first release. Prices subject to booking fees. Please see website for concessions, payment plan, camping and parking information.

Day tickets:

Adults: £65; Concessions (including Young Folk 14-25) £45; Children (0-13) Free

Weekend tickets:

Adults: £130; Concessions (including Young Folk 14-25) £90; Children (0-13) Free

Festival website: Folk Festival

Saturday

Stage 1

Frank Turner
Seth Lakeman
Skinny Lister
The Songs of Joni Mitchell….
Frog on a Bike with Mary Panton
Ustad Noor Bakhsh
Amaidi
Nick Cope

Stage 2

Amelia Coburn
RuMac
Man the Lifeboats
Nick Harper
Maddie Morris
Katacombs
Cambridgeshire Summer School

Sunday

Stage 1

Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips
Suzanne Vega
The is the Kit
Brògeal
The Deep Blue
The Thorn
George Boomsma

Stage 2

Mark Radcliffe & David Boardman
Frog on a Bike with Mary Panton
Ollie Cook & The Hogwash
Katie Spencer
Tom Jenkins
Christina Alden & Alex Patterson