There’s a reason Cambridge Folk Festival is known as one of the most famous music events of its kind in the UK – since its beginning in 1964, the summer celebration has attracted an eclectic mix of the most talented folkies around.
Year-on-year, it has evolved, staying relevant as the face of the genre has changed over the decades.
Whether it’s classic folk or something more contemporary, the festival promises something for every folk fan.
Here are four unmissable acts for this year’s four-day get together at Cherry Hinton Hall, which is running from August 1-4.
Nick Mulvey
Once upon a time, Mulvey was the hang (a kind of modified steel drum) player for post-jazz collective Portico Quartet.
Since then, he found further success with his first solo venture First Mind in 2014, picking up a Mercury prize nomination along the way.
With 2017's Wake Up Now, he brought his uplifting pop-folk style and added some groove.
The singer-songwriter’s solo success has earned him more than just a spot on the bill at the festival: this year, he will this year take the helm as guest curator, tasked with hand-picking talent to perform at the event.
Lisa O’Neill
For something a touch more traditional, O’Neill is unmissable.
The County Cavern-born artist’s vocals are raw and rough, a perfect fit for authentic folk tunes.
Her first album, realised on Rough Trade’s folk subsidiary River Lea, is a collection of traditional material mixed with her own. Expect a show humming with passion.
Karine Polwart
Polwart is a decorated singer-songwriter, known too for her one-woman theatre show, Wind Resistance.
The Scottish artist is a six-time winner at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and last year came away named Folk Singer of The Year.
Her new album Karine Polwart’s Scottish Songbook will be released on Friday, coinciding with her Cambridge performance.
Holy Moly & The Crackers
This six-piece offers a pick-and-mix of folk, blues and indie rock, with songs full of energy and a party spirit.
Comprised of six friends with very different music tastes, Holy Moly & The Crackers is a brave experiment that’s paid off.
It’s big, it’s busy and it's bold. Expect to get up, holler along and dance.
For more information, visit cambridgelive.org.uk/folk-festival
