First names for the Cambridge Folk Festival 2023 announced

Cambridge Folk Festival has announced the first names for 2023 taking place this July. Cambridge Folk Festival is one of the longest-running and arguably the most prestigious folk festivals in the world. Established by Cambridge City Council and held every possible year since 1965, CFF is renowned for its unique atmosphere and eclectic mix of music. It attracts legendary traditional folk artists along with contemporary acts, Americana, blues and roots artists, world music and singer-songwriters. This coming year, headliners will include The Proclaimers, Rufus Wainwright, Imelda May, and Kiefer Sutherland.

Leading the way are Scotland’s, The Proclaimers, whose memorable tracks include ‘(I’m Gonna Be) 500 Miles‘ to ‘I’m On My Way‘ and ‘Sunshine On Leith‘. The Wainwright family has a long history with Cambridge Folk Festival, and this year Rufus Wainwright headlines. Ireland’s growing artist, Imelda May is another headliner. Leading US actor Kiefer Sutherland is no stranger to the UK, but will make his debut at Cambridge Folk Festvial this year. Los Angeles-based vocalist and composer Lady Blackbird also makes her debut. “Queen of Folk” Kate Rusby marked 30 years in music last year with the new guest-laden album ‘30:Happy Returns‘. A regular act at the festival, Rusby will be a welcome returning guest. Cornwall’s Fisherman’s Friends bring back their sea shanties to the Festival to play the Folk Legends slot, first introduced last year. This comes hot on the heels of the Fisherman’s Friends 2 film, the second instalment of their incredible story on celluloid. The Sharon Shannon Trio, whose endeavours to make the largest Ceildh ever Americana Uk reported on last year, will be playing their signature accordion music. Eliza Carthy & The Restitution will be playing the “greatest hits” and audience favourites from last year’s ‘Queen Of The Whirl‘ album. Stornoway, who played their “Farewell tour” two years ago, is apparently back and will be playing to an eager audience. (More on that story as it develops) William Prince, a Canadian singer-songwriter from Peguis First Nation in Manitoba and a favourite of Americana UK will be playing. One to watch Angeline Morrison, who since winning the Christian Raphael Prize at last year’s Festival, has gone on to scoop The Guardian’s Folk Album of the Year, will be performing.

Formed in Atlanta in 1988, progressive rap collective Arrested Development plays a fusion of soul, blues, hip-hop and funk with political, socially conscious lyrics. This year, the multiple award winners bring their sounds to Cambridge for the first time.

Four-time Grammy award winner Angélique Kidjo has cross-pollinated the West African traditions of her childhood in Benin with elements of American R&B, funk and jazz and influences from Europe and Latin America into a multicultural stage show.

James Yorkston & Nina Persson, the dream combination of literate Scottish folk-pop singer-songwriter Yorkston and Swedish vocalist Persson (formerly of 90s indie pop band The Cardigans). Protest singer, LGBTQ+ activist, comedy audience favourite and folk star Grace Petrie is renowned for her polemical folk anthems, acerbic lyrics and open-hearted performance style. Daoirí Farrell Trio, led by double BBC Folk Awards winner, Irish traditional singer and bouzouki player Farrell, joined by uilleann piper Mark Redmond and bodhran player Robbie Walsh. Bristol’s The Longest Johns singing shanties and folk songs with captivating harmonies in an exuberant live show. Siobhan Miller Band featuring celebrated Scottish folk singer Miller, whose renewal of traditional song won BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards’ Scots Singer of the Year an unprecedented four times. One of Scotland’s most magnetic live bands, Blue Rose Code, seamlessly blends folk, Americana, jazz, soul and pop influences into something truly unique. Celebrating their 20th anniversary, premier Quebecois folk band Le Vent du Nord, performing both traditional and original compositions.

Other artists announced include  Ibibio Sound Machine, Jinda Biant, Symbio, The Chair, Catrin Finch and Cimarrón, The Ayoub Sisters, Breabach, Elephant Sessions, Niteworks, and Oi Va Voi. Tickets start at £31 for the Thursday, £83 for one-day passes, or £205 for a full festival experience. You can find Information and tickets on the festival website.

Written by Americana UK