Yahoo News Ely Folk Festival: Everything to know about Cambridgeshire's calmest festival from parking to tickets
Cambridgeshire will be playing host to a number of festivals this summer. From music to beer, there's something to suit everyone in the county. But perhaps the calmest and most family-friendly of them all is taking place this weekend.
Over three days, Ely Folk Festival is bringing the best music to an estate just outside Ely. If you love ceilidh and Morris dancing then this festival is perfect for you.
The organisers call the festival "one of the UK’s top weekend folk events". Just a short drive from the pretty city of Ely, the festival, which is happening at Stuntney Estate, has on-site camping facilities, a real ale bar, lots of kids activities, Morris dancing displays, ceilidhs, workshops and music sessions.
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Whether you're visiting for a day or the whole weekend, find all the information you will need to know below.
When and where is it?
The festival is taking place this weekend - Friday, July 12 to Sunday, July 14. Many choose to camp for the three day event, whereas locals tend to buy a day ticket and take a shuttle bus into the festival.
Ely Folk Festival takes place in the lovely rural setting of Stuntney Estate – Soham Road (A142), Ely CB7 5TR (adjacent to Ben’s Yard).
What's the lineup?
Each Ely Folk Festival is better than the last, with an impressive guest list and programme of performances, workshops, sessions, Morris displays and ceilidhs.
The organisers said: "Musicians reflect the rich diversity of the modern folk and roots music scene, with a mixture of established favourites and newer talent. We are proud to remain a small, friendly festival."
Some of the major performers at the festival include Breabach who are one of Scotland’s most dynamic contemporary folk bands, Thomas Bradley Project who are the winners of the 2024 Band Competition, and Eddi Reader who plays everything from traditional to contemporary.
You can find the full lineup for each day on the festival website here.
What else is at the festival?
The family ceilidh is always incredibly popular and the Morris dancing, which is a big part of Ely Folk Festival.
With Morris performances, a Saturday morning Morris procession through Ely and dance workshops over the weekend, there will be lots of colour, noise and artfully executed dance moves.
There will also be plenty of kids entertainment and activities to enjoy. This year, there will be crafts and activities from Pop Up Pottery with Louise, amazing stories from Malcolm, crafts and more with Naomi, astounding magic for kids with Sam and Lou, Reimagine with Ruth and Tashi and Carnival Arts with Ricki and Cary.
What can and can't I bring?
Allowed:
Barbecues are allowed, but they must be fit for purpose and at least 18” above the ground
Campervans - a ticket must be purchased for it
Fold up chairs are allowed but please try not to obscure other people’s view
The festival is completely dog friendly
No rules regarding drink cans
Not allowed:
Open fires (including fire pits) and disposable barbecues are NOT allowed on the festival site
Flash photography is not allowed during performances
Glass bottles or drinking vessels are not allowed in the festival arena
How to get there
The festival takes place on the Stuntney Estate on Soham Road (A142), Ely CB7 5TR (adjacent to Ben’s Yard). It is a 5-10 minute car drive from Ely city centre.
These are the best ways to get there:
Shuttle bus: A free shuttle bus connects the festival site, city centre and rail station over the festival weekend. The shuttle bus will operate every 30 minutes between the festival site, railway station and city centre (drop off/pick up at coach parking bay along The Gallery near the entrance to the cathedral)
Car park: The postcode for the festival location is CB7 5TR. Parking will be available on the festival site for weekend and day ticket holders
Train: The festival shuttle bus will make regular trips between the festival site, city centre and train station
How to get tickets
Although the online box office for the 2024 Ely Folk Festival has now closed, there is still a way to get last minute tickets. There will be tickets for sale at the festival site box office on the day.
Ticket prices:
Adult : Weekend – £118; Fri: £32, Sat: £60; Sun; £58
Concession: Weekend only – £108
Youth (12-17): Weekend – £39, Fri: £11, Sat: £20, Sun: £19
Child (under 12): Free
