Cambridge Folk Festival has been cancelled in 2025, the City Council, which organises the festival, has announced. It is planned to return in 2026.

The event has been held annually since 1965, on the grounds of Cherry Hinton Hall in southeast Cambridge. This year’s event would have been its 60th anniversary.

Organisers did not explain why they had decided to cancel the event this year. They said: “We know how dear the Folk Festival is to so many … it is dear to us too and we are committed to using our resources this year to explore new opportunities ahead of returning in summer 2026 with a fantastic festival.”

They also emphasised that the festival will support local artists and folk enthusiasts in other ways this year, including through a free folk concert at Cherry Hinton Hall as part of the council’s music in the parks initiative.

However, the decision did anger the Liberal Democrats, who form the opposition on the City Council. Cheney Payne, their spokesperson, called the decision “incredibly disappointing,” and she said: “It’s outrageous that it’s put on the table as a fait accompli without any wider discussion with other councillors to consider alternative options.”

She added: “It looks like the council is just a Labour cabal that makes its own mind up in secret and can’t brook challenge!”

The announcement comes after the cancellation of Cambridge’s Strawberry Fair 2025, announced in December. Organisers hope it will return in 2026.

The decision to cancel that festival, which is independently run but receives financial support from the council, was taken due to rising costs which have caused problems for small festivals across the UK. At least 60 festivals were postponed or cancelled across the UK last summer.

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