Cambridge Folk festival announces the first names for its 2023 line up
The Cambridge Folk Festival is delighted to announce the first names in a broad and diverse program for 2023. Tickets take place in the beautiful grounds of Cherry Hinton Hall from July 27th to 30th and are available now at https://www.cambridgelive. org.uk/folk-festival/tickets
Leading the way are Scotland’s best The Proclaimers, whose sizzling live performances and hit catalog from (I’m Gonna Be) 500 Miles to I’m On My Way and Sunshine On Leith make them the perfect festival band.
The talented Wainwright family has a long history with the Cambridge Folk Festival and this year Rufus Wainwright is making headlines. Hailed by The New York Times for his “genuine originality,” Rufus has established himself as one of the great male singers, songwriters, and composers of his generation.
One of Ireland’s most celebrated artists, Imelda May continues to defy genres with a sound that spans blues, rock, soul, gospel and jazz. She possesses a crystal clear voice that will light up the grounds of Cherry Hinton Hall.
Formed in Atlanta in 1988, progressive rap collective Arrested Development have proven to be true trailblazers, playing a fusion of soul, blues, hip-hop and funk with political, socially conscious lyrics. This year, the multiple award winners bring their eclectic and vibrant African sounds to Cambridge for the first time.
Four-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo has fused the West African traditions of her childhood in Benin with elements of American R&B, funk and jazz, as well as influences from Europe and Latin America, into a stunning multicultural stage show that is sure to delight festival audiences.
Leading US actor Kiefer Sutherland, perhaps best known for the hit TV series ’24’, is also a respected musician with three critically acclaimed albums and an enviable stage presence. This summer he will make his much-anticipated debut at Cambridge.
Another festival premiere from “A Captivating Star in the Making” (The Times), Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Lady Blackbird whose debut album received rave reviews from the world’s music press and blends original songs with updates of classic jazz ballads and deep-soul cuts.
‘Queen of Folk’ Kate Rusby celebrated her 30th anniversary in music last year with new album ’30: Happy Returns’ which was packed with guests. What better way to continue the celebrations than to share songs old and new with the Cambridge crowd.
Cornwall’s Fisherman’s Friends bring their rousing sea shanties back to the festival to play the prestigious Folk Legends slot, which was first launched last year. This comes hot on the heels of Fisherman’s Friends 2 Film, the second part of her incredible story on celluloid.
More goodies are available from: The Sharon Shannon Trio. Everyone’s favorite accordionist Shannon is joined by longtime sideman Jim Murray and Jack Maher (acoustic guitar and vocals).
Stornoway plays windswept pop music that combines trace elements from rock, soul, folk, electronica, African rhythms and the avant-garde.
Long acclaimed for their celebratory, explosive live shows, London octet Ibibio Sound Machine combine the English and Nigerian languages ​​to produce a language all their own.
Scottish indie folk sensations Elephant Sessions, whose performances at festivals around the world have seen crowd surfing and marquee floors cracking under the weight of bouncing fans!
One of the leading figures in the English folk scene for over 30 years, Eliza Carthy & The Restitution perform greatest hits and crowd favorites from last year’s Queen Of The Whirl album.
James Yorkston & Nina Persson, the dream combination of educated Scottish folk-pop singer Yorkston and Swedish singer Persson (former 90’s indie-pop band The Cardigans).
The Night Works of the Isle of Skye, Blurring the lines between Scottish traditional, folk and Gaelic music and contemporary electronics to create a unique and intoxicating sound.
One of Scotland’s most exciting and successful folk groups, Breabach combine deep roots in Highland and Isles tradition with the innovative musical fermentation of their Glasgow base.
London’s Oi Va Voi, who blend subtle, dynamic rhythms and Western melodic sensibilities with the folk music of their Jewish and Eastern European heritage.
Protest singer, LGBTQ+ activist, comedy crowd pleaser and folk star Grace Petrie, known for her polemical folk anthems, bitter lyrics and candid performance style.
Daoirà Farrell Trio led by two-time BBC Folk Awards winner, traditional Irish singer and bouzouki player Farrell, accompanied by uilleann piper Mark Redmond and bodhran player Robbie Walsh.
Bristol’s The Longest Johns sing sea shanties and folk songs with spellbinding harmonies in a hilarious live show.
The Siobhan Miller Band, featuring acclaimed Scottish folk singer Miller, whose revival of traditional songs has won the BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Award four times Scots Singer of the Year.
William Prince, a Canadian singer-songwriter from Manitoba’s Peguis First Nation, widely recognized for his rich baritone voice and vocal craftsmanship that is a masterclass in accomplished simplicity.
The Scottish-Egyptian instrumentalists and composers The Ayoub Sisters, who topped the official classical charts with their debut album.
One of Scotland’s most compelling live bands, Blue Rose Code seamlessly blends folk, Americana, jazz, soul and pop influences into something truly unique.
Catrin Finch and Cimarrón, a combination of Welsh harp virtuoso Finch and Colombian joropo dance band Cimarrón.
Eight-piece Orcadian band The Chair play a turbocharged mix of folk, blues, rock, dub, klezmer and more.
Celebrating their 20thth Jubilee, Premier Quebecios Folk band Le Vent du Nord performing both traditional and original compositions.
Swedish duo Symbio, whose magical interplay of hurdy-gurdy and accordion has been described as a musical storytelling where virtuoso folk, electronic dance music and minimalist art music meet.
Angeline Morrison, who has won The Guardian’s Folk Album of the Year since winning the Christian Raphael Prize at last year’s festival with her powerful The Sorrow Songs: Folk Songs of Black British Experience.
Jinda Biant, a UK-based singer-songwriter and slide guitarist with an original take on the blues intertwined with Indian influences.
As well as top-notch music, there is so much more to enjoy during the festival weekend, including special activities for children; workshops on instrument making and songwriting; a silent disco, storytelling, clog dancing, tai chi and an incredible selection of delicious food trucks and bars from some of Cambridge’s finest grocers. The festival is also proud to have been recognized as Outstanding at the Greener Festival Awards.
Ticket information:
Full festival ticket: £205, Thursday: £31, Friday: £83, Saturday: £83, Sunday: £83
Prices include booking fees. Visit the website for information on discounts, camping and parking.
Purchase from: https://www.cambridgelive.org.uk/folk-festival/tickets
