The Co-operative Cambridge Folk Festival 2010

Festival wins top environmental award for third year running!

2010-10-11T15:32:00.000+01:00

The Co-operative Cambridge Festival has once again been awarded the prestigious A Greener Festival Award 2010 for their environmentally friendly efforts for the third year running! The Festival joins the likes of Glastonbury, T In The Park and Isle of Wight Festival as recipients of this leading eco-award. Eddie Barcan, Folk Festival organiser said: "We're absolutely thrilled to receive The

And the news from our CD stall...

2010-09-10T16:03:00.000+01:00

Every year, our good friends on the Proper CD stall give us a breakdown of which artist seold the most CDs at the Festival. Who do you reckon it was then? Does it mean that they were the best band of the weekend? Let the debate start. Here's the Top 20...in reverse order: *cue Top of the Pops chart rundown music* No.20 The Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain - Secret of Life No.19 Sharon

Thank you and goodnight!

2010-08-02T11:15:00.000+01:00

We hope you enjoyed the Festival as much as we did! Don't forget to keep up to date with the Festival all year round via this blog or via our Facebook and Twitter accounts or by joining our email list. Thanks for coming, hope you had a blast - and we hope to see you again next year!

Country music and Hollywood legend headlines Sunday night

2010-08-01T23:40:00.001+01:00

Image taken by Nigel Cooke (www.nigelcookephotography.com) We were privileged to have US Country music legend, Kris Kristofferson, performing on the last night of the Festival. In his only UK outdoor Festival, the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter played songs from his latest album, Closer to the Bone, as well as classic hits such as Me and Bobby McGee and Sunday Morning Coming Down.

The final podcast of the Festival

2010-08-01T21:46:00.000+01:00

On the final podcast of 2010 we talk to Carolina Chocolate Drops, C.W. Stoneking, Ian Smith from Creative Scotland as well as the rather fantastic Jolly Boys. Listen!

The (Stone)King of hokum blues!

2010-08-01T20:37:00.002+01:00

There are many special acts at this year's, but what a special one C.W. Stoneking is! His deep and rich vocals and southern drawl captivate the audience on stage 2 as the Festival gets close to the finishing line. C.W (which stands for Christopher William) is dressed in a white shirt and trousers with a red bow tie which, with his dulcet tones, gives a complete element of cool to his

How did they get in?

2010-08-01T20:21:00.000+01:00

Taking the bringing chairs into the arena debate to whole new level.

Clearing clouds...

2010-08-01T20:05:00.000+01:00

Despite a little bit of drizzle we havn't had too much need for these this weekend... And the clouds seem to be making way for blue skies, just in time for Kris Kristofferson. Yey!

Rocking Rokia

2010-08-01T20:02:00.003+01:00

Groundbreaking Malian artist Rokia Traore's thrilling set gave a distinctive opening to the final evening of the festival. Stunning Rokia introduced her performance by inviting her audience to 'enjoy musical moments together', and as she began with a haunting, atmospheric vibe, over which her incredible voice sparkled, it was clear that that was exactly what was in store. Gradually shifting into

Jolly good Jolly Boys!

2010-08-01T19:44:00.001+01:00

What can we say about this wonderful group? Stage 2 was packed to the rafters to see lead singer Albert Minott and his two band mates. Putting a smile on every single person's face as they covered a mix modern songs as well as playing some their own quirky numbers. The senior gents from Jamaica (they're in their 80s would you believe?!) swivelled their hips like 20 year-olds, shaking maracas

Fancy a spot of shopping?

2010-08-01T18:59:00.000+01:00

There's plenty to buy around the Festival if you fancy a spot of shopping...

Hats off to yer!

2010-08-01T18:24:00.000+01:00

Some of you may know that this year, Sunday is the first ever hat day and so many people been creative! Although, we have spotted a couple of Jester's hats around! Here is a few of the hat's created - check out how much effort went in to these. Let's hope we can do something similar again next year. The winner was picked by Mark Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie (pictured above with Stuart) and

Highland adventure - Latin style!

2010-08-01T17:48:00.004+01:00

The Latin-Celtic storm stirred up on Stage 1 by Salsa Celtica was enough to blow away the rain! With their extraordinary mix of celtic folk and latin music, arrangements of brass, bagpipes, strings and stunning vocals were blended with flair and imagination, the sound of two contrasting genres in effortless harmony. The high energy performance gave us all a boost - and seemed to keep the clouds

Ukelele orchestra did it again!

2010-08-01T17:48:00.003+01:00

There was smiles all around as possibly the most surprising interpretations were performed with trademark charisma and skill by the wonderful Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain. This afternoon's diverse repertoire included Britney Spears' 'Ooops! I did it again' and 'Anarchy in the UK' by the Sex Pistols, as well as a gorgeous version of he Beatles' 'Hey Jude'. The tuxedo-clad group delivered

All the camping essentials

2010-08-01T16:43:00.001+01:00

Pick up the essentials from The Co-operative food store, selling everything from bread, milk and toilet roll to daily papers, fresh pastries, and fruit. And, while you're there get yourself some dosh with using the cashback facility. Leaving you with spending money forall the other goodies available at the Festival!

Rock Hopper

2010-08-01T16:03:00.000+01:00

The Rock Hopper is a big silver caravan where budding musicians - experienced or novice - can make a professional audio and video recording. It's on the Festival site, right next to the Folk Net Cafe. Now's your chance- if you want to take home a souvineer from the Festival then put your name down for a session. //

Meet The Co-operative team

2010-08-01T15:33:00.000+01:00

Meet the lovely team from The Co-op Membership stand. Pop over, sign up to be a Co-op member and get some great benefits in doings so. You can also learn about the plight of the honey bee and find out all about the good work the Co-operative does. Go and meet them -they're realy nice!

Big Bear Hugs

2010-08-01T14:22:00.000+01:00

The line of children at the signing tent earlier was huge! They weren't waiting for an artist that's been performing on stage though, they were waiting for none other than Pudsey Bear. Arguably the most famous bear there ever was, although Yogi and Paddington might have something to say about that!

Gretchen follows us on Twitter!

2010-08-01T14:05:00.000+01:00

Gretchen just announced from Stage 1 that she's been following our Tweets - she's got good taste that woman!

More morris men!

2010-08-01T13:00:00.000+01:00

Not only have we had the Belles Of London City here with us this weekend, but we have also had the Moulton Morris Men tapping their sticks and ringing the bells on their legs! Morris Men are new to the Festival, following a suggestion from one of our customers. Thank you for that suggestion, we've really enjoyed having a bit of morris dancing here as have the crowds!

Aliens or animals?

2010-08-01T12:37:00.000+01:00

Who are these mysterious characters walking around - are they aliens or are they animals? You decide...

Lost and Found

2010-08-01T12:15:00.001+01:00

Behind the Duck Pond, over in the Wilderness Area, the Festival's new art installation, The Tree Of Lost Things is hidden away. Covered in luggage labels respresenting the lost items, the idea behind the tree is to provide people with a way of letting go of things they've lost. Whether that's a person, a pet, a set of car keys, their virginity or even their voice!

Low down blues with The Holmes Brothers

2010-08-01T12:10:00.000+01:00

Last on main stage on Saturday is Brothers Sherman and Wendell Holmes with brother-in-spirit,Popsy Dixon, who played to the crowds as the sun started to set over main stage. Their vocals and with their mix of blues, gospel and soul, which they have be playing for over thirty years, suited the early evening mood perfectly. The band have won several Blues Music Awards and their last album, Feed

Irish all star's long awaited return

2010-08-01T12:05:00.001+01:00

Folk chart toppers Lunasa are one of the hottest acoustic acts on the circuit, acclaimed as the 'Irish dream team of musicians'. The quintet played a top class set on stage 2 - traditional Irish folk infused with jazz and blues influences, with the focus on slick improvisation and tight harmonies. Lunasa return to Stage 1 this Sunday afternoon - we look forward to hearing more of their long

Natalie Merchant

2010-07-31T23:14:00.001+01:00

Image by Nigel Cooke (www.nigelcookephotography.com) Natalie Merchant looked very striking as she stepped on stage this evening. Dressed all in black, lips accented in pillar-box red, the performer launched straight into song and paced the stage, giving the photographers in the pit some great shots at the same time! Finishing the set with the help from Irish quintet Lunasa, Natalie lived up to

Saturday's podcast now up

2010-07-31T22:54:00.000+01:00

Today on the podcast we catch a father and Son duo doing a special secret set, talk to Eliza Carty, the award winning Sam Carter, and the hard working Joe Pug. We also talk to one of the team behind the club tent and find out more about the PRS foundation and how it benefits musicians. Listen!

Gretchen didn't peter out

2010-07-31T22:48:00.000+01:00

Country music star Gretchen Peters has a host of hits under her belt and has recently released a compilation of all her best songs. As well as being a fantastic singer-songwriter, Gretchen, we understand from one of the journalists who interviewed her earlier, is also a really lovely person. That's always nice to hear. Go Gretchen!

Thanks The Unthanks!

2010-07-31T21:08:00.001+01:00

The award winning and critically acclaimed folk band The Unthanks offer a strong and fresh approach to classic folk tunes, and engaged the Stage 1 crowd with a rich and lovely sound. The band, led by vocalist sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank, treated us to some traditional folk storytelling, warmly received by the discerning Cambridge audience.

Pink Martini? They should be called Pink Champagne!

2010-07-31T20:02:00.001+01:00

Pink Martini are on Stage 1 right now and to say the crowd are loving it would be a total understatement. The 'little orchestra' from Portland, Oregon, sing in ten different languages and tick off a multitude of different styles in doing so. From Latin to lounge, and classical to jazz, the band are inspired by early Hollywood musicals and certainly seem to have brought that movie-star glam to

Spacey site art

2010-07-31T19:15:00.000+01:00

Who are these strange characters that have descended from outer space? Well actually, they are human and Festival customers posing in one of our pieces of interactive site art. There are several different themed boards around the site so look out for them!

Kathy Mattea sings in the sunshine

2010-07-31T19:05:00.001+01:00

Having been in the business for almost thirty years, Kathy Mattea has been top of the country music game for some time. Bringing a laid-back sound to Stage 1 the artist and 'her band' - a sole guitarist - rounded up the crowd for a rendition of Kumbaya, which sounded just lovely. And seemed to draw the sun out from behind the white clouds it was hiding behind. Her latest album, Coal, draws on

A bit of Sussex Wit

2010-07-31T17:50:00.001+01:00

Johnny Flynn takes to stage 2 during the late sunny afternoon. Johnny Flynn is also known as Joe Flynn and he named the band after watching a documentary that said English folk is entwined with a style of irony to be found in rural counties like Sussex. Johnny Flynn was originally an actor and counts W. B. Yeats and Shakespeare amongst his influences which is clearly reflected in his music with

Devilishly good Dervish

2010-07-31T17:23:00.003+01:00

Proving that not winning the Eurovision Song Contest a few years back was only a good thing for them and their careers, non-Euro Trash band Dervish celebrated their 21st birthday at the Festival this year. No strangers to Cambridge the band returned for the fifth time (and they're doing three sets this weekend!) to play a mixture of love songs and some more upbeat numbers, pleasing the audience

Angelic Jackie

2010-07-31T17:00:00.001+01:00

Hearing her sing, it is easy to understand how Jackie Oates has quickly become one of this country's most celebrated young folk stars. The talented vocalist and fiddle player sounded and looked angelic when she graced Stage 2 on Saturday afternoon with an exquisite performance of tradtional folk.

Hypnotic Vibe

2010-07-31T16:45:00.001+01:00

Quartet Spiro played a vibrant set on Stage 2 this afternoon, captivating the audience with their eclectic and original sound. Complex arrangements and edgy harmonies made for an hypnotic musical experience, performed with verve by the band, led by fiddler Jane Harbour, who's stunning floor length gold dress added to the drama.

Hobo Jones & The Junkyard Dogs

2010-07-31T16:16:00.001+01:00

Even though Hobo Jones & The Junkyard Dogs weren't actually scheduled to play this year, Festival Organiser Eddie thought they were so good when he saw them at Glastonbury earlier this year that he decided to get them to do a surprise set in the Club Tent. Describing themselves as 'not a band, just a bunch of people who like getting drunk and sodding about' the groupplayed the musical genre

Julie Fowlis - big on audience participation!

2010-07-31T16:06:00.001+01:00

A very glamorous-looking Julie Fowlis took to Stage 1 to deliver a multitude of traditional Gaelic folk songs. The singer, who has previously won BBC Radio 2's Folk Singer of the Year and been nominated for a stack of other awards, invited the audience to sing along. And after they mastered the tricky language they sounded (almost) good!

Sweet as chocolate

2010-07-31T15:54:00.001+01:00

Carolina Chocolate Drops brought sunshine and happiness to Stage 1. With their array of unusual instruments and quirky songs, the trio produced a set filled with music from the 20s right up to present day. Toe-tapping goodness.

Father and Son...

2010-07-31T15:25:00.001+01:00

After Seth's signing he and his dad, Geoff, popped into the Club Tent to surprise everyone in there with a few songs!

Hats off to you!

2010-07-31T14:26:00.000+01:00

Don't forget that the Festival's holding it's first-ever Hat Day on Sunday! If you forgot yours, or didn't have time to make one, worry not, you could always pick one up on site... Become a real animal in one of these fabulous hats - on one of the fantastic festival stalls.

We've got rhythm, we got music... who could ask for anything more?

2010-07-31T14:12:00.001+01:00

Think pink - these pink ukuleles are utterly fabulous! Hats hats hats....... there's a hat for everyone! If the feeling takes you don't miss out on the folk jam - some wonderful instruments are available to buy, including drums of all shapes and sizes, these beautiful bodhrans.... and a plethora of fine violins, guitars and banjos!

The Burns Unit, burning down the house!

2010-07-31T13:30:00.002+01:00

The seven piece Scottish-Canadian band proved very popular with the crowds. With folk singer Karine Polwart (our very own celebrity blogger in 2007), Emma Pollock of The Delgados and pop artist Future Pilot AKA as well as King Creosote, Glaswegian rapper MC Soom T, multi-instrumentalist Kim Edgar, drummer Mattie Foulds and Michael Johnson. There is definitely a slightly alternative style with

Morris Men get the sun gods moving

2010-07-31T11:48:00.000+01:00

Y'see, there is a shamanic magic to Morris Dancing. As the Morris Men started their dance in the bar, the sun gods decided to join in the fun. The clouds parted, and the first rays of sunshine appeared. Nice one bell-ringing, tassle-wearing dudes!

A grey start to Saturday!

2010-07-31T11:43:00.000+01:00

After a rousing finish to last night's Festival, Saturday opened under grey skies and a touch of rain. As we all know though it takes more than just a spot of rain to dampen the spirits of the Festival-goers. Decamping to the bar there was only one thing for it...whip out the instruments and let the folk music begin!

How many artists can you fit on Stage 1?

2010-07-30T23:30:00.001+01:00

The Unusual Suspects - Scotland's acclaimed and brilliant 'folk-orchestra' - closed Friday's programme in superb style. A collaboration of over 30 artists took the stage by storm, fusing celtic folk and jazz in a powerful contrast; bagpipes, brass, strings and percussion creating a huge and joyful sound.

The Wonderful Wonder Stuff

2010-07-30T23:00:00.000+01:00

After winding up the auience with a little fib about not playing any of their more rocky tunes like Size Of A Cow and Dizzy because they were at a Folk Festival, 90s groovers The Wonder Stuff churned out their hits to a cram-packed Stage 2. Joined by their new violinist, Erica Nockalls, who looked the part in a fifties polkadot dress and red lipstick, the band were the perfect party band.

Friday's podcast is now online!

2010-07-30T22:52:00.000+01:00

On Friday's Podcast we talk to Cajun Zydeco band Mama Rosin, Legends Sharon Shannon and Imelda May, Hobo Jones & The Junkyard Dogs as well as finding out about festival tent etiquette, The Co-Operative, and the English Folk Dance and song society Listen!

We knew he'd be good...

2010-07-30T22:05:00.000+01:00

...but he was even better than that! Seasick Steve, who's been a bit under the weather today (not that you'd know it - what a trooper!) just stormed Stage 1. The blues guitarist had everyone singing along and really getting into the spirit. One lucky lady was even plucked from the audience by the one-time hobo to sit on his knee and be serenaded. How romantic, just don't tell his wife! Going

Mama Mia Mama Rosin were good!

2010-07-30T22:00:00.001+01:00

Despite Seasick Steve headining the main stage at the same time Swiss band Mama Rosin had no problems drawing the crowds to Stage 2. The band mix punk and rock with traditional music to produce a really young and upbeat sound.

Down in the Imagined Village

2010-07-30T21:00:00.000+01:00

Back by popular demand, The Imagined Village - a remarkeable collaboration featuring by Martin Carthy, Chris Wood, Eliza Carthy and Johnny Kalsi - gave mesmerising performance of their unique folk fusion on Stage 1 on Friday night. The rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of an uplifted audience during this rich and dramatic set, which inlcuded songs from Empire and Love, the new album which

Seth Sizzles ... again!

2010-07-30T20:32:00.002+01:00

The Festival's favourie fiddler Seth Lakeman is pretty handy, isn't he? And he's not too bad looking either. Bonus! Unfortunatley for us girls backstage, that information's not the best kept secret around here, which might explain the huge crowd crammed into Stage 1 to see his performance. They weren't disappointed either. That was some fine fiddling, Seth, some fine fiddling! He's doing a

Joe Pug on Stage 2

2010-07-30T20:04:00.001+01:00

Joe Pug took to Stage 2 just now for his first of three performances this weekend. The singer-songwriter has been compared to Dylan and Springsteen in the past, but he just showed he his own unique sense of musicality too. If you missed out, try and catch him Saturday on Stage 1 at midday, and at 9.25 at the Club Tent.

The colours of the Festival...

2010-07-30T18:03:00.000+01:00

Seasick Steve spotted spying on Imelda May and Sharon Shannon...

2010-07-30T17:55:00.000+01:00

While watching the Imelda May and Sharon Shannon on Stage 1 from our trusty little caravan backstage who did we spot right next to us? Seasick Steve, that's who! He probably thought that by hiding away from all the fans and watching from behind some railings would be a sure-fire way of keeping on the down-low. Little did he know we were out with our trusty camera... PAPPED!

Marvellous Markovics

2010-07-30T17:50:00.000+01:00

The atmosphere sizzled to sensational Serbian brass ensemble. The orchestra, led by virtuoso Boban Markovic and his son Marko, strormed through traditional eastern european Gypsy tunes at a dramatic pace. Explosive energy and rolling rhythms really got the crowd smiling and bouncing.

It's not just all about the music...

2010-07-30T17:00:00.001+01:00

Morris Dancers Kids' Ceilidh

Sassy Imelda May with Irish folk Superstar Sharon Shannon

2010-07-30T15:00:00.002+01:00

What a unique collaboration this is! Irish accordion and fiddle player Sharon Shannon with a rockabilly artist Imelda May. Sharon Shannon opens the set with some impressive Irish accordion music Of course, she is a accordion virtuoso so it's bound to good! Imelda joins Sharon on stage for the fourth song, dressed in a green tartan dress, red nail polish and black high heels - what else would

Swing Out (Quebe) Sisters

2010-07-30T14:59:00.000+01:00

Stage 1 is currently swinging to the sound of The Quebe Sisters Band. Since they formed the group have taken the American music scene by storm and their performance at Cambridge is part of the first-ever European tour where they're sure to win even more fans this side of the Atlantic. The sisters will be doing a signing at the MOJO tent at 4pm today. Plus on Saturday they'll be busy with a song

Breabach opens main stage!

2010-07-30T14:20:00.001+01:00

The Scots take to main stage with some toe-tapping folk music to get the crowds going on this warm summer's day. Their lively folk music mixes fiddle and guitars with bagpipes, flute, whistle and Bouzouki. And their opening even song included a bit of a jig! The band were nominated for Best Up And Coming Artist at the 2006 Scots Trad Music Award and also nominated for the Best Folk Band in 2007

Teddy Bears Picnic

2010-07-30T14:00:00.000+01:00

Lots of children went down to the woods today and got a big surprise - a Teddy Bears' Picnic... On Sunday there'll be a bigger bear on site - PUDSEY! Look out for him on stage with Gretchen Peters and at the signing tent giving out hugs.

The MOJO Interview: Seasick Steve

2010-07-30T13:21:00.008+01:00

Being interviewd by Colin Irwin Seasick Steve realy entertained his fans in the Club Tent during his interview with Colin Irwin from MOJO Magazine. With his trademark beard and cap the blues man swigged from what looked like a bottle of wine while being quizzed by the audience. The crowd were in stitches with his tales of living as a hobo, busking to pay the rent, playing his

Stornaway end the first night of the Festival

2010-07-29T22:10:00.000+01:00

Hotly-tipped for the big time Stornaway didn't disappoint as they took to Stage 2. Especially the front row, which was made up of young female super-fans! The foursome from Oxford made reference to the fact they were playing in their birth-place's arch rival city but they certainly didn't seem upset about that fact! Having played at Festivals all over the country, including Glasto and Radio 1'

Cocos Lovers do MC Hammer (seriously)

2010-07-29T21:46:00.000+01:00

The great thing about this Festival is all the impromptu performances that go on. Among some pianno playing, and a session from the recently reformed The Shivers in the bar, Cocos Lovers have just set up on the grass near Stage 1 and have drawn quite a crowd. The band, made up of husbands, wives, brothers and sisters, are currently playing a mix of traditional folk and more up-to-date tunes,

Thursday's podcast

2010-07-29T21:29:00.000+01:00

We talk to Lissie, Stornaway, and Port Isaac's Fisherman's Friends as the Festival opens it's doors to the public. Plus, a look around the site, including new interactive art installation 'The Tree Of Lost Things'. Listen!

Lovin' Lissie

2010-07-29T20:46:00.000+01:00

Fans of blues, folk and country music were certainly not disappointmented when Lissie appeared on stage. The angelic-looking blonde warmed her raspy voice up with a couple of slow songs then into her new single, 'When I'm Alone'. And the crowed loved it! Lissie definitely has star quality - the looks, the stage presence and, most importantly, the voice!

Port Isaac's Fisherman's Friends reel 'em in at Stage 2

2010-07-29T20:24:00.000+01:00

Port Isaac's Fisherman's Friends packed out Stage 2 with their authentic Sea Shanty singing. They've recently released their first major label album, and despite their age and the fact they've been going for more than 15 years, the group seem to be about to the hit the big time. Signing for them at 8pm - not sure how they're all going to fit on one table?!?

Ezio open the Festival

2010-07-29T19:00:00.001+01:00

Local favourites Ezio opened the Festival this year and by the looks of the crowd they went down a storm - just as we thought they would! The Cambridge duo are doing a signing at the MOJO tent at 7pm, and after that performance the queue is likely to be pretty big. Port Isaac's Fisherman's Friends up next - can't wait!

Stornaway pop by to say hello

2010-07-29T17:15:00.000+01:00

Up and coming folk-pop sensations, Stornaway, have just popped by to say hello. The boys from Oxford were recently named as The Guardian's "new favourite band", and after tonight's performance (on Stage 2 at 9.05pm) they're bound to become a few more people's too! The lads have just popped off to be interviewed for the Festival podcast. You'll be able to hear it later on tonight / early

Bill & Ben The Flower Pot Men

2010-07-29T16:56:00.000+01:00

Check out what we just found roaming around the site. I wonder how much a Full Festival Flower Pot ticket sets you back these days?

More snaps from around the site...

2010-07-29T16:30:00.000+01:00

Now the site's open the place looks completely different. With people milling around, food stalls serving hungry punters, and bars pouring pint after pint! We've just been for another walk and saw some weird, wonderful and truly lovely sights. The Festival really has kicked off in style...

A look around the site...

2010-07-29T14:08:00.002+01:00

Before the site opened this morning we took a walk round with our trusty camera and took a few snaps. Here's what we found... Fantastic Mr Fox Stage 1 - before the crowds descend I wonder what's going to go here?

Access All Areas

2010-07-29T13:35:00.001+01:00

Here at the Festival we're tucked away backstage in our little press office caravan, blogging, Tweeting and Facebooking to keep you guys up to date with everything that's going on. So, if you want to know what Seth Lakeman eats for breakfast, what Stornaway sounded like on stage, or who's doing an impromptu busking session or signing at the MOJO tent, then the only place to come is here!

We're under starter's orders...

2010-07-29T08:40:00.002+01:00

We were up extra early this morning with that Christmas-style excitement in our bellies. We've made it - the Festival opens it's doors today!! We're all in store for an amazing weekend, with more stuff going on than ever before. As well as all the fantastic artists playing across the three stages, you should also look out for our new installation 'The Tree Of Lost Things'; join us for a Teddy

Check out the first podcast of 2010!

2010-07-28T23:42:00.002+01:00

The first of this year's Festival podcasts has just been uploaded to our website. Listen to Phil as he makes it onto the site before the doors open to the public. A look at how the final preparations for are coming along and previews some artists who'll be performing. There'll be a new podcast uploaded to the site at the end of every day - don't miss out! Listen!

Follow the blog during the festival!

2010-07-28T17:22:00.001+01:00

We'll be updating the blog every hour with news, backstage gossip and pics from the festival. If you are coming this year - see you there.

Two days to go!

2010-07-27T11:06:00.002+01:00

This year's Festival is almost upon us - woooo hooooo! Here in the Folk Festival marketing office we're getting everything together ready to decamp to our little media caravan backstage tomorrow afternoon. We've got laptops so we can update our blog, Facebook and Twitter while we're on site meaning you'll stay up-to-date with everything that happens - whether you're at Cambridge or not; a

Less than a week to go!

2010-07-23T15:11:00.000+01:00

It's now only six sleeps to go until the Festival and we hope you are all getting you tents and instruments ready. And of course, your hats for the Festival Hat Day on Sunday! We can't wait to see what headgear people will be wearing, and we've even tried to get creative here in the office - let's hope you can do better! If you want to get in the mood for the Festival and can't wait until next

Go Green...and win a bike!

2010-07-21T17:39:00.001+01:00

How do you fancy winning a brand new bike? Our friends and sponsors at the the Co-op are going to give one lucky festival-goer the chance to win a brand new set of wheels - and all you have to do to qualify is upload to their website a picture of you getting to the Festival in the most 'green' way possible. Here's some examples to get you going. Eliza on her bike and Cambridge residents Jessica

9 days to go!

2010-07-20T09:59:00.000+01:00

Just 9 days to go now til this year's Festival. Ticket sales are looking great with day tickets about to sell out (again!...after we released some more) and the final weekend tickets close to running out too. We are now also doing daily prayers to the rain gods to take a holiday for our weekend. So...who's excited yet?!

A message from the Festival organiser

2010-07-15T15:02:00.000+01:00

The Co-operative Cambridge Folk Festival organiser, Eddie Barcan, talks about what's in store for us at this year's Festival, which is just two weeks away!

Artists of the future...

2010-07-14T15:05:00.005+01:00

If you sing or play an instrument and would like to record, now's your chance! Rockhopper Studio will be on site offering professional audio and video recording services to all. Housed in an unmissable 1963 Airstream caravan, musicians of all ages and abilities are welcome with prices starting from £15 per song and £35 for a personal HD video...Could be your first step to a future Festival slot!

Just over 2 weeks to go!

2010-07-13T15:18:00.000+01:00

There's just over 2 weeks to go to this year's Festival. Work on the site starts at later this week to build what will become home for Festival go-ers from all over the world. Keep an eye on this blog where we will be bringing you constant updates from how the work is progressing as we get closer to the the 29 July. Who's excited then...?

Interview with Festival Organiser, Eddie Barcan

2010-07-06T15:51:00.003+01:00

Local radio station Star Radio recently interviewed Festival Organiser Eddie Barcan about what people can expect at this year's event. You can hear the interview here.

Meet Eliza

2010-07-05T11:52:00.000+01:00

The Co-operative ambassador and Festival favourite, Eliza Carthy, will be on site at The Co-op membership stall at 3.45pm on Saturday 31 July. After that she'll be at The Co-op food store. Pop down to meet her - she's really nice!

Would you like cashback with that?

2010-07-02T09:39:00.000+01:00

For those of you worried about running out of cash at the Festival, or not wanting to carry lots of cash around with you, we just wanted to let you know that our good friends and sponsors The Co-operative will be offering a cashback service at their onsite stores.If you buy anything from the shops either in the arena or at the campsite then you can get cash back with your purchase so long as your

Hear Folk Festival acts on the wireless!

2010-06-24T17:16:00.000+01:00

We've been enjoying Radio 2 in the office over the last few weeks and were delighted that some of the acts playing the Festival have been getting lots and lots of airplay.Lissie, Seth Lakeman and Harper Simon are among the acts that have been playlisted by the station.Don't know about you...but is sure is getting us in the mood for the Festival. Bring it on!!

Fun at this year's Festival

2010-05-28T15:45:00.000+01:00

As well as all the fantastic acts we have lined up this year, there is plenty of other things to see and do at the Festival. We've loads of fun and surreal street theatre booked. We're also putting more emphasis the beautiful site art including willow figures and a new installation called the Tree of Lost Things. As usual there are workshops for young and old and not just musical ones. Why not

Up-and-coming acts at this year's Festival...

2010-05-17T16:18:00.000+01:00

There's loads of up-and-coming acts booked to play at this year's Festival, below are just a few of our highlights...LissieBluesy folk and pop from rising star, US singer-songwriter Lissie. Her first single was A listed on Radio 2 and her second single is just starting to pick up airplay so you may have already heard her. She also made her UK TV debut on Jools Holland earlier this month (7th May)

Tickets on sale this Sunday

2010-05-14T13:36:00.000+01:00

Tickets for this year's Co-operative Cambridge Folk Festival go on sale on Sunday 16 May at 9am.80% of tickets will be available online and the remainder by phone (01223 357851). There will be no tickets available to personal callers on the actual Sunday.

Don't Forget...

2010-05-07T11:23:00.000+01:00

Tickets for Cambridge City Residents only will go on sale at 9am on Sunday 9th May by phone and in person only. Tickets will go on sale nationally at 9am on Sunday 16 May. Please see the website for more information.

MOJO interview - artist announced

2010-04-22T11:39:00.000+01:00

Seasick Steve will be doing the MOJO interview at the Festival this year. He'll be on stage in the Club Tent for a chat with one of the MOJO journalists and will then take questions from the floor. The action takes place on Friday 30 July, time tbc. This is definitely something not to miss out on!More details to follow.

Whoop! We're one of Songlines' Top 10 Summer Fests

2010-04-15T16:06:00.000+01:00

Exciting news! We've been selected as one of the Songlines' 2010 Top 10 UK Summer Festivals. We'll be featured in the mag's Festival Guide in the next issue, June #68 - on sale from April 30. (By the way, only about three weeks until tickets go on sale!)

Can't wait until the Festival? Why not check out these gigs...

2010-04-13T10:57:00.000+01:00

If you can't wait until this year's Co-operative Cambridge Folk Festival, then check out these gigs coming up in Cambridge that you might enjoy! Coming up at Cambridge Corn Exchange is Paul Brady on Thursday 22 April. Check out www.cornex.co.uk for more details. Also coming up at The Junction in Cambridge are John Renbourn and Robin Williamson (Wednesday 14 April), Shooglenifty (Thursday 13 May)

The line up has now been announced!

2010-03-31T19:12:00.000+01:00

This year's Co-operative Cambridge Folk Festival line up has now been announced. Check out www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk for more details!

Line up to be announced....

2010-03-30T10:23:00.000+01:00

on Wednesday 31 March at 7pm! To find out who's playing at this year's Co-operative Cambridge Festival, check out the 'News' section on the Folk Festival website at 7pm on Wednesday 31 March!

We're now on Facebook!

2010-03-08T11:33:00.000Z

Hello to all you Folk Festival fans! Just a quick note to let you know that we are now on Facebook. Please go to facebook.com/cambridgefolkfestival to become a fan. Don't forget, we are also on Twitter. Please go to twitter.com/coopcamfolkfest to become a follower. Happy tweet-booking!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-11T14:50:00.000Z

Happy New Year everyone - we hope you all had a pleasant time over the festive period.To kick off the new year, why not enter into our design a T-Shirt competition? The deadline is Monday 8 February and for more information on the brief and how to enter, please click here.