Festival Information
East Of England
Overview
The Cambridge Folk Festival, established in 1965, is one of the world's longest-running and most prestigious folk music events. Held annually in the picturesque grounds of Cherry Hinton Hall, the festival is known for its eclectic mix of music, showcasing traditional folk artists alongside contemporary acts spanning country, blues, roots, and world music. The event is renowned for its unique atmosphere, commitment to nurturing emerging talent, and dedication to sustainability, having achieved the Greener Festival Outstanding Certification.
Festival Capacity: ≈ 14,000
This is an approximate total audience size including ticket holders, crew, and staff. Festival capacity can vary slightly year to year depending on license and layout.
Location
Cambridge Folk Festival takes place at Cherry Hinton Hall, Cherry Hinton Rd, Cambridge, CB1 8DW — on the south-east edge of Cambridge, near the city centre.
Set within the tree-lined grounds of Cherry Hinton Hall Park, the main festival arena features multiple covered and open-air stages surrounded by lawns and shaded areas. The site layout is compact and walkable, creating a relaxed, village-like feel with plenty of space for families, stalls, and workshops.
Camping is located at both Cherry Hinton Hall (next to the main arena) and Coldham’s Common, approximately 1.5 miles away and connected by a frequent shuttle bus service. The festival also provides dedicated parking and accessible facilities across both sites.
Cambridge is easily reached by train, coach, or car, with local public transport and cycling routes serving the area.
Tickets
Basic Price Range: £35 - £230
This price range aims to give a rough idea of the lowest and highest prices typically available, including child and day tickets where relevant. Always check the official ticket page for current pricing.
Most festivals release tickets in phases: Early Bird, General Release, and Final Release. Generally, tickets are more expensive the closer it is to the festival start date.
Ticket sales for the 2026 edition have not yet opened (as of late 2025). Information below is based on the 2024 festival and may be subject to change. Check the festival website for updates.
Options previously included:
- Full Festival Tickets
- Day Tickets
- City Residents' Children's Concert
- Under 5's Ticket (FREE)
Upgrades and Extras:
- Parking (Weekend or Day)
- Premium Experience (VIP)
- Pre-pitched Tents
- Caravan / Minivan
- Glamping
Important Ticket Information
Only purchase tickets from official sellers listed on the festival’s website. Most festivals do not allow ticket transfers between individuals, and resale is typically only permitted through official resale platforms (when available).
Accommodation
Cambridge Folk Festival is a camping festival, please bring your own equipment.
Campsite Options:
Note: There are no cashpoints on site; The bars are card only.
- Cherry Hinton Campsite – close to the arena, no showers.
- Coldham’s Common Campsite – 1.5 miles from the arena, with showers and shuttle bus service.
- Glamping
Packing Checklist:
Ensure you're fully prepared for your festival adventure with our Essential Packing Checklist.
Accessibility
Cambridge Folk Festival is committed to accessibility for all attendees. The event offers designated viewing areas at all stages, accessible camping at Coldham's Common with power, loos, and showers, and wheelchair-accessible minibus services between sites. Manual wheelchairs and battery recharging facilities are available. Accessible toilets are located throughout the festival grounds, including a Mobiloo changing space. Blue Badge holders can apply for special unloading passes. For comprehensive accessibility information, please visit the official access page.
