Cambridge Folk Festival 2008

Merry Christmas from Cambridge Folk Festival...

2008-12-17T07:35:00.000-08:00

And here's to another great year in 2009!

The 45th Cambridge Folk Festival will be held on 30 July - 3 August 2009. Don't forget to keep checking this blog and our website (www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk) for further details.

Hope to see you all next year!!

So...who sold the most CDs then?

2008-09-10T04:17:00.000-07:00

Now that the Festival has finished for 2008 we've amassed various bits of info which you may find interesting.

For example, if you were a gambling man or woman...who would you put a fiver on as to the 2008 Festival artist that sold the most CDs at the Festival stall this year...well read on as we have the results in the order of the most sales...drum roll please:

1. Peatbog Faeries - What Men Deserve To Lose (Peatbog Records)
2. Karine Polwart - This Earthly Spell (Hegri Music)
3. The Chair - Hiunka (Folky Gibbon Records)
4. Imagined Village - Various Artists (Real World)
5. The Waifs - The Sundirtwater (Jarrah Records)
6. Mauvais Sort - Mauvais Sort (Mauvais Sort)
7. Chris Wood - Trespasser (R.U.F. Records)
8. Seth Lakeman- Poor Mans Heaven (Relentless)
9. Cherryholmes - Cherryholmes II Black And White (Skaggs Family Records)
10. Eric Bibb - Eric Get Onboard (Telarc)
11. The Waifs - The Brief History... (Jarrah Records)
12. Eliza Carthy- Dreams Of Breathing Under (Topic Records)
13. Cherryholmes - Cherryholmes (Skaggs Family Records)
14. Chris Wood - The Lark Descending (R.U.F. Records)
15. Kouyate,Bassekou & Ngoni Ba - Segu Blue (Out Here Records)
16. Joan Armatrading - Into The Blues Deluxe Edition (Hypertensio Music)
17. Elizabeth Cook- Balls (31 Tigers Records)
18. Cara Dillon- The Redcastle Sessions (Proper Films)
19. Laura Marling - Alas I Cannot Swim (EMI)
20.Tim O'Brien - Chameleon (Proper American)

How the site looks on Tuesday 26 August 2008.

2008-08-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

We came, we saw...we folked!

These pics were taken on Tuesday 26 August, just a few weeks after the Festival had happened.

This picture is looking into where the arena was from the entrance. Stage 2 would be on your right and the traders' marquee on your left.

How the site looks on Tuesday 26 August 2008.

2008-08-27T07:54:00.000-07:00

This show is the view looking directly at Stage 1. Minus the stage. And people. And traders. And...er anything really! We love Cherry Hinton Hall Grounds...what a beautiful space, do visit it if you are in the area.

How the site looks on Tuesday 26 August 2008.

2008-08-27T07:51:00.000-07:00

Some small areas of the site had poor grass coverage before the Festival and other small areas were damaged as a result of the event. All of these have been aerated and re-seeded by specialist contractors. Here you can see the new grass coming through nicely.

Thank you, good night and see you next year!

2008-08-04T03:57:00.000-07:00

...that's all folks! If you were at the Festival, we hope you had a great time. If you weren't we hope you enjoyed reading this blog and seeing the pics and videos of the weekend.

A massive THANK YOU to everyone involved in making the 44th Festival one to remember, from all the hard working staff both front of house and behind the scenes, the artists who provided some wonderful music....and of course, the Festival go-ers who truly make the event what it is.

Thanks...and see you same time next year!

Kila bring the Festival to rip roaring close.

2008-08-04T03:43:00.000-07:00

Having played a set on stage 2 yesterday, Kila close Stage 1 tonight and bring the curtain down on what we're sure you'll agree has been a fantastic festival.

Joan Armatrading takes to the stage

2008-08-04T03:41:00.001-07:00

Her deep dulcet tones are amazingly seductive and her guitar playing isn’t bad either! She mesmerized the crowd with her classic soulful songs from over the years and surprised everyone with her last minute signing at the MOJO signing tent after her set! Just one more act to go until the end of the festival Booooooooooooooo :0( We don't want it to end.

Waiting for Joan...

2008-08-04T03:39:00.001-07:00

The crowd patiently waiting for Joan Armatrading to take to the stage. The atmosphere is intense.

It's still wet...so perfect for Noah & The Whale!

2008-08-04T03:37:00.000-07:00

Noah and the WhaleNoah And The Whale, that could be described as eccentrically dressed, played to an extremely crowded stage 2 audience. Their style of playing which is a cross between indie, pop and folk which had the crowd singing along. This performance follows their recently re-released song ‘Five Years Time’ which is currently in the charts. Look out for their interview on the final podcast.

We're back!

2008-08-04T03:32:00.002-07:00

Pesky technical problems! Anyhooooo, we are back in blogging action. Lets update what happened at the end of Sunday night.

Oooooooooops!

2008-08-03T13:26:00.001-07:00

If you are reading this blog regularly throughout the day please note that the Festival has just experienced a few technical problems with its internet. We blame the weather (well...it's an easy target). But rest assured the rest of the blog entries are still being written and will be updated here as soon as we are back up and running.

This blog was written off site by the way...in case you were wondering why we could do this one but not others!!!!

We're singing in the rain

2008-08-03T12:20:00.000-07:00

As Richard Hawley finishes his set on Stage 1, the rain continues to pelt down on his loyal fans. Luckily, most seem well prepared for the British weather and the park is filled with brightly coloured umbrellas bobbing up and down to the music.

Meanwhile, popular new band Noah and the Whale are performing on Stage 2. Check back for details and pictures soon...

Richard Hawley looks as good as he sounds (that's pretty good!)

2008-08-03T12:04:00.000-07:00

Richard Hawley dedicated his first song of the evening to John Hiat and his family. The acclaimed singer-songwriter and guitarist replaced Hiat at the last minute after a family illness forced him to cancel his European tour.

Sporting dark glasses and looking slick, Richard resembled Elvis Presley as he crooned out his hits, supported by an equally stylish and talented band.

First time for everything!

2008-08-03T11:03:00.001-07:00

Judy Collins appeared on main stage with a touch of class. She had never been to Cambridge before but she certainly was given a warm welcome by the audience. Her velvety voice didn't need much accompaniment and one of the highlights of the set was 'Amazing Grace' with the crowd singing along.

Dead Good

2008-08-03T10:57:00.000-07:00

Dead or alive? Another musical walkabout act that is looking a bit worse for wear!

Sexy Seth on the fiddle

2008-08-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

Sexy Seth Lakeman had the ladies (and some gents) at Cambridge Folk Festival swooning over him a short while ago when he performed on Stage 1. His fabulous fiddling, gorgeous voice and hunky bod(!) whipped the audience into a frenzy which continued throughout his set.

The main stage looked as though it may collapse as the audience jumped, danced and sung along with stunning Seth, who performed songs from his back catalogue (including everyone's favourite, Kitty Jay) as well as stuff from his new albumn, Poor Man's Heaven.

Seth's doing a signing at the MOJO tent at the moment, and the queue's HUGE!!

Oh, and did we mention that he's gorgeous??

Elizabeth Cooks it up on Stage 2

2008-08-03T08:33:00.000-07:00

While Seth Lakeman was over on Stage 1, singer/songwriter Elizabeth Cook was entertaining stage 2 with herhillbilly blend of country and blues. Looking every inch the festival part in shorts and sunglasses her infectious sounds reminded everyone why she had been described as 'this generation's Loretta Lynn'.

Gator Competition

2008-08-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

The gator (gator = small green buggy used around the site) competition took place at 3pm this afternoon and had a very special guest judge of Ade Edmondson. The gators were dressed up in all kinds of attire. There was an alli-gator, Boadicea theme, one had a tent attached, there was a garden theme and one was based on EDF energy with a generator attached. The winner, as chosen, by Mr Edmonson was the chariot contanining Bodicea who won the annual 'gator' trophy.

Well done to all the site crew for what is an annual fun competition.

Right....back to work everyone!

Jeana Leslie and Siobhan Miller

2008-08-03T05:51:00.000-07:00

Scottish girls Jeanna Leslie and Siobhan Miller came on to stage 2 with an element of calm. They opened their set with a gentle folk duet that had them both singing accompanied by Jeana on the keyboard. By the third song they had a couple more people on stage and were singing in Orkney dialect!

Hey Negrita!

2008-08-03T05:50:00.000-07:00

Not a booked artist at the festival, but Hey Negrita certainly got people's feet tapping while busking at the MOJO signing tent. They also played a set after this signing in the club tent as part of Ely Folk Club.

It's a hat trick for Beoga!

2008-08-03T05:49:00.000-07:00

If there was anyone suffering from tiredness, (or even, dare we say it, a hangover!) in the festival crowd this morning, then they're symtoms were cured at 1.05pm when Beoga took to Stage 1. Beoga is the Irish word for lively, and what a fitting name - the band is certainly that, and a whole lot more!

The five-piece from County Antrim, including brilliant bodhran player Eamon
Murray (who's four-times All-Ireland champion) roused the crowd with their third appearance of the weekend.

Day 4 starts...and it's education time from Mr Bibb

2008-08-03T03:34:00.000-07:00

Sunday. And at 10.00am the Club Tent is already packed (how do you all do this after a Saturday night at the Festival?!) for a Blues guitar workshop from Eric Bibb. Taking questions from the crowd too the legendary bluesman makes a fitting start to the Sunday.

Rain update: It's fine. It's pouring down. It's sunny. It's raining again. It's...oh frankly, we give in. Where's John Kettley when you need him? :o)

The Festival reveals it's Bottom

2008-08-03T02:50:00.000-07:00

Ade Edmonson, star of TV's Holby, the hilarious Bottom and also previously The Young Ones was enjoying the Festival all weekend. He is seen here doing his best impression of what Festival Marketing Manager Neil Jones normally looks like in the office.

Hiding in the shadows

2008-08-02T14:19:00.000-07:00

As the sun poured into the main stage tent this afternoon, you could see the shadows of the crowd eagerly anticipating the arrival of Allen Toussaint on stage!

Ladies and Gentlemen...

2008-08-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

....will you please welcome to the stage, the one and only k.d. Lang. It's no secret that the Festival has been trying to get her to the Festival for a number of years and she's finally on stage. A packed crowd see her perform tracks from her extensive back catalogue as well as from new album Watershed. Dressed all in white k.d.'s voice was as immaculate as her dress sense and a responsive crowd lapped up her every word.

Just another day in the office!

2008-08-02T12:47:00.001-07:00

OK, it's day 3 and it's all starting to get to the Festival HQ team. Actually, what are we saying, this is tame compared to their normal office attire :0)

Imagined Village

2008-08-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

Well...what an undertaking. The Imagined Village project is a bold one on CD alone - to undertake such a project live is an even braver prospect. But, that's exactly what happened Saturday night on Stage 1 when the project came to life in front of a rapt Cambridge audience.

With arguably the most people on stage at anyone time in the Festival's history the musicians included Eliza and Martin Carthy, Sheila Chandra and Billy Bragg (resplendent in a memorable Marmite T shirt). One of the highlights for the audience was when the line-up were joined onstage by dub poet Benjamin Zephaniah who also appears on the project.

What a colourful experience involving amazing musicianship, visuals, narration and much more. A real night to remember!

Killer Kila!

2008-08-02T12:39:00.000-07:00

While k.d. Lang was wowing Stage 1, Dublin based 7-piece band Kila were whipping up a storm over on Stage 2 with their infectious blend of traditional Irish music which got the audience dancing. Te-Kila! Arrriba!

From celebrity blogger to wonderful singer...

2008-08-02T12:31:00.000-07:00

Yes, its Karine Polwart, doing what she does best (when not contributing to this very blog) and entertaining the crowds at the Festival and proving exactly why she has previously been named Best Scots Singer as well as receiving numerous BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards over the years. A raptuously received performance from a superb singer.

Allen Toussaint brings a touch of New Orleans to Cambridge.

2008-08-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

7.45pm on Stage 1 and the Festival is filled with the marvellous sounds of New Orleans singer/pianist Allen Toussaint. What ensued was classic after classic after classic from the sublime 'Working In A Coalmine', to 'Ride Your Pony' to 'Get Out Of Life Woman' and more. Now aghed 70, Toussaint remains a class act - a great way to start Saturday night at the Festival.

What a sort...

2008-08-02T12:29:00.000-07:00

It's 2 nil to the French Canadians. Mauvais Sort play a storming second set of the festival on Stage 2. The crowd love 'em. We love 'em and we're sure you love 'em too!

Special guest spotted on site.

2008-08-02T12:28:00.000-07:00

A very special guest was just spotted on site who looks set to make an appearance on stage later tonight. It should be pure poetry in motion...

Martha rocks in bright pink socks!

2008-08-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

Martha Wainwright gave a stunning performance on Stage 1 a short while ago. The singer, who was wearing a fetching pair of bright pink knee-socks and silver stilettos, sang in front of a mass of fans, as well as the TV cameras for BBC4 who are filming at the festival for a highlights show that will be broadcast on 29 August.

Daughter of Loudon and sister of Rufus, Martha was on stage for just short of an hour and had the audience captivated with her powerful songs, including one which is rudely entitled "B****y M****r F*****g A*****e!!"

She ended the set with "Stormy Weather", after playing Pink Floyd's "See Emily Play" written by Cambridge's very own, the late great Syd Barratt.

Are we green or what?

2008-08-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

With a green theme at the festival this year, even the staff caterers are taking it into consideration! Yum!

You want to blues...you got it!

2008-08-02T11:00:00.001-07:00

5.25 on Stage 1 saw the arrival of Eric Bibb to the Festival for his first performance since 2001. His sublime offering of blues soon had the festival crowd totally immersed...one of those festival sets that is just simply impossible not to like. A true class act.

I predict a riot!

2008-08-02T10:33:00.001-07:00

6 Days Riot on stage 2 this afternoon with creative outfits, a ukulele, a trumpet, a double bass, percussion, a violin, a guitar and a bit of singing!

Free Devon Sproule festival download

2008-08-02T09:31:00.000-07:00

The BBC studios have been busy this afternoon - Mark and Stuart have just finished their second festival show and are heading off to the bar for a well-earned pint. Catch their shows, featuring lots of live sessions and interviews on the BBC iPlayer.

Canadian singer-songwriter Devon Sproule popped into Radcliffe and Maconie on Thursday to do a special session in advance of her set on the main stage this afternoon. You can download Devon's performance of The Well-Dressed Son to His Sweetheart, from this session on the BBC Radio 2 Cambridge Folk Festival website.

Folk Festival staff take multi tasking to a new level!

2008-08-02T08:41:00.000-07:00

Here at the Folk Festival we like to make the staff really work for their money...so much so that the comperes are even taking to the stages as part of the musical entertainment. The pic below shows Stage 1 comperes Myke Clifford and Andrew Webster entertaining the crowds in the club with their band. Anyone who saw their set will know that when not waxing lyrical about the bands onstage Myke has a quite awesome voice as anyone who saw them play today will testify to.

Walkabouts!

2008-08-02T08:27:00.000-07:00

Did you see any of the wonderful walkbout characters that were wandering around the Festival site throughout the day...if ya didnt here's a couple that you may have missed.

The weather is officially crazy!

2008-08-02T08:05:00.001-07:00

One minute we are all in T-shirts, the next the arena resembles the picture below. It's official the British weather makes no sense whatsoever. The forecast is looking better though...although having said that we've probably jinxed it all now. D'oh!

The sun shines for Lisa Knapp

2008-08-02T07:36:00.000-07:00

Lisa Knapp has just finished her set on Stage 2. When she started her performance it was pouring with rain, but after a few songs the sun poked its head from behind the clouds.

In just her first three songs Lisa played the guitar, the fiddle and the harp and sung a mixture of old, traditional English Folk songs, as well as one she'd penned herself in her kitchen.

Introducing sales and information!

2008-08-02T07:18:00.000-07:00

Here is our sales and information team that will be working hard at the Official Festival Merchandise stall all weekend. Pop in and say hello to the team (and obviously buy something!).

And on the subject of merchandise, this year the Festival has a new addition to its range - yes, ladies and gentlemen, we give you...the Cambridge Folk Festival Knickers!...as modelled by one of the team (not literally though!)

Devon Sproule on the Main Stage

2008-08-02T06:47:00.000-07:00

Devon Sproule, born in Canada but grew up in Virginia plays and sings with elegance and sophisication. After her first song, she pulls something out that looks a bit like a fan and magically changes into the hat that she is fashioning here!

Karine Polwart: talks hats and Hamlyn

2008-08-02T06:23:00.000-07:00

At a festival with many elaborately be-hatted folks, Devon Sproule has - officially - by far the best hat in town. And her lovely fan turned wide brimmed ray of sunshine and languid lazy days songs are a much needed dose of sunshine on this very soggy Saturday afternoon site. I've been on the go since too early to mention this morning via an eventful trip from my hotel with the only taxi driver in town who didn't know there was a Folk Festival on ... or where it was, making it just on time for a cheery singing workshop over at The Club Tent with a hundred hardy souls, a soundcheck for the Radcliffe-Maconie Show (which I'm playing in a couple of hours), a very messy lunch with a small boy and a couple of songs on Stage 1 with the splendid Chris Wood, which was a rare treat. My top tip for later is to get yourself and your bairns over to The Hub at 5pm for Kidsamonium with my fellow villager/neighbour, the eccentric and wonderful jazz drummer Tom Bancroft. The Pied Piper has nothing on him!

Cambridge - a greener festival (boom boom)

2008-08-02T05:42:00.000-07:00

So, there we were, wandering around the site and the next thing we bumped into these 2 unlikely characters. Next thing we know we were transported to a strange place, surrounded by lights, smoke and wierd looking characters where everything was very unusual. Was it a close encounter of a third kind....actually no, we fell asleep and woke up in Stage 2 during the Festival session. arf!

Festival Session kicks off

2008-08-02T05:34:00.000-07:00

The annual Festival session kicked off on Stage 2 at midday. Lasting three hours, the event was once again hosted by folk hero Brian McNeill and featured, at various intervals, performances from Jeana Leslie & Sibhan Miller, Tim O Brien and members of Boega, The Chair, Mauvais Sort, Peatbog Fairies and more.

What exactly IS 'pubic camping'?

2008-08-02T05:24:00.000-07:00

This picture was actually taken to show some of the wonderul musicians that come to the festival, but the sign behind them gives it a whole new angle. Apologies to the musicians in the pic...!!!

Festival go-ers are true heroes.

2008-08-02T05:15:00.000-07:00

No...really! Y'see every year a group of festival attenders dress up in fancy dress. This year, the theme was superheroes. Guys, we salute you. can't wait to see next years!

Cambridge punts gets lost...

2008-08-02T05:07:00.000-07:00

Well, it wouldn't be Cambridge without some punting. This couple though seem to have taken somewhat of a detour. The things people do to get to the Festival ... :0)

It wouldn't be a festival without juggling!

2008-08-02T03:02:00.000-07:00

For some Festival go-ers, Saturday morning meant only one thing...and that's the Festival's juggling workshop. The only juggling act for the rest of the day is working out which acts to see on which stage - so many great acts to choose from!

Karine Polwart gets Cambridge singing to kick off Day 3

2008-08-02T02:28:00.000-07:00

Scottish singer songwriter (and Folk Festival 'celebrity blogger') Karine Polwart wakes Cambridge up from its camping stupor with a singing workshop in the campsite. Following the festivities of The Levellers headline set the night before, lots of bleary eyed festival go-ers and a suprising number of fresh faced ones came out for a mass sing-a-long. What a lovely start to day 3.

Friday night ends in style

2008-08-02T02:27:00.000-07:00

The mixed weather didn't dampen spirits on Friday night. The Levellers finished off the evening in stye with a rousing set. On to day 3...

Cambridge revellers simply love The Levellers

2008-08-02T02:26:00.000-07:00

The Levellers kicked off the last performance of Friday night with a bang! Their energy on stage completely wowed the audience who didn't stop dancing the whole time and you were left buzzing at the end of the set.

They also did two encores with Billy Bragg joining them on stage for the last song. It was incredible - what a night!

Simply Fantasma!

2008-08-02T02:25:00.000-07:00

Grupo Fantasma closed stage 2 on Friday night. The have a funky Latin style that got the audiences up on their feet and dancing right to the end!

Folk Festival on the airwaves!

2008-08-01T14:58:00.001-07:00

The local TV have been down for a wander round, check out the coverage on the links below:

BBC Look East (live at lunchtime)

BBC Look East

ITV (Anglia)

Shop shop...til ya drop!

2008-08-01T13:44:00.000-07:00

There's all sorts of stuff available in the Festival shops. In fact the shopping area is so cool that its basically like a shopping mall...only in side a tent...actually, that's not true as there's now escalators. But you get the picture. Here's a few of the things on display. The blog team are thinking of learning how to play the mandolin.

New Festival T shirt sells out in record time!

2008-08-01T13:38:00.001-07:00

Well...the punters clearly love the new designs for this year as the main Festival T-shirt for this year completely sold out on Day 2 of the event. The new design, as pictured below, is the most popular to date.

Billy Bragg brings his political and social message to the masses

2008-08-01T13:34:00.001-07:00

He's a Cambridge favourite and the audience are once again enjoying the one man political crusade that is Sir Billy of the land of Bragg. Armed with just a guitar, a social conscience and some great songs that continue to stand the test of time it's a real Festival pleasure to see Billy take to Stage 1 once again and to receive a raptuous response.

Check out what our buddies at Radio 2 are up to...

2008-08-01T13:15:00.000-07:00

Our good friends at BBC Radio 2 also have some fantastic online coverage...I was about to explain all about it, but you know what, let's hand over to them... *hands over keyboard to lovely Radio 2 bod*

Thanks! As always, BBC Radio 2 are here in force - hopefully you caught Seth Lakeman in session on Radcliffe and Maconie last night (and if you didn't you can listen again on the iPlayer). Stuart and Mark will be back on-air tomorrow - don't miss that and all the Cambridge Festival shows available on air and online over the weekend and for the next week or so.

Radio 2's interactive team have broken free of London and are camped out backstage to bring you lots of extra content from the festival site including photos, our own (less ambitious) blog, our fine presenters' tips on what to see and from tomorrow, video highlights of various artists appearing on the main stage.

There's a lot to see and do online - so make sure you use both excellent sites to keep up to date and in the picture over the weekend and beyond. I'll be back to blog some more tomorrow, I hope!

Clare

Billy Bragg takes to the stage.

2008-08-01T13:03:00.000-07:00

He's on now, and sounding good. Check back here soon to see some pics and read about his performance.

Shhh it's a secret!

2008-08-01T12:36:00.001-07:00

Don't tell anyone but something exciting is going to happen at 1pm on Saturday. Keep your eyes peeled...

Eliza is on the Fiddle!

2008-08-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

The talented musician and singer Eliza Carthy took to the Main Stage this afternoon. As you can see, she is pregnant and described herself as "about to have a table" as she rested her accordian on the bump! Watching proudly from the wings was Eliza's father Martin Carthy who will be taking to the stage later on.

Karine Polwart blog: In A Bleeze

2008-08-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

So the behind the scenes joke is that in 45 years the English Arts Council has never contributed a penny to The Cambridge Folk Festival but tonight the Scottish Arts Council laid on wee willie winkie sausages and teeny yums yums (extra deep fried doughnuts for the unintiated!) for the launch of "In A Bleeze", the exceptionally mature and accomplished new album by BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award Winners Jeana Leslie and Siobhan Miller. Catch them live at Brian McNeill's big session tomorrow on Stage 2 and on Sunday afternoon at two in The Club Tent for beautifully unaffected and absorbing joint harmony singing. Just great.

The event also launched this year's inaugural "Showcase Scotland" at Cambridge. I arrived a bit late after braving the A1 from Edinburgh with two shouting infants and a million verses of Old Macdonald and met Martin Carthy en route to the caravan with all the action.

"Do you know where all the Scottish people are?" I asked.

"Oh, just keep walking" he said "there's one every couple of feet. ..."

He's right! So meantime I'm off to Peatbog Faeries who are well and truly stomping theirs ...

Ladies and gents - please welcome our celebrity blogger Karine Polwart!

2008-08-01T11:58:00.001-07:00

Yes folks...Karine, who is playing on Stage 2 at 8.20 tomorrow (and twice on Sunday) has very kindly agreed to keep us up to date with her take on the Festival. Over to Karine...

Riot breaks out in stage 2...

2008-08-01T11:45:00.000-07:00

...oh, no hang on, that's far too orderly for a riot. It can only mean one things and that's the legend that is Whapweasal! If you were there, see if you can see yourself as the camera pans round. And can we just say that Cambridge, you have excelled yourselves in the dancing stakes this year.

Chris Wood is One in a Million!

2008-08-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

Chris Wood took to Stage Two at 6.30pm to perform in front of a crowd of fans. He had the audience captivated with a mixture of songs, including One in A Million, which was penned by Hugh Lupton.

Chris will perform solo again on Stage One tomorrow at 12.55, then again at 10.30pm as part of The Imagined Village. We'll keep you updated!

The Waifs wow Stage One

2008-08-01T10:49:00.000-07:00

The Waifs are currently performing on Stage One, and going down an absolute storm! The crowd are singing along and dancing to the Aussie trio's set, who are accompanyed by a very talented band.

We snapped them during their first few songs. For those not lucky enough to catch them, here they are...

Rain update

2008-08-01T10:48:00.000-07:00

Its not raining anymore. Hooooooraaaaaay!

Holby / Bottom star seen enjoying festival

2008-08-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

Your eagle eyed bloggers spotted Ade Edmonson, star of Holby, Bottom and The Young Ones enjoying the festival...rumour has it his daughter is performing at the event.

Rain update: it's raining. Boooooooooooo.

TV coverage

2008-08-01T09:26:00.001-07:00

The local beeb pop down for a natter...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7537723.stm

Peatbog Pete pod

2008-08-01T08:31:00.000-07:00

Another band playing more than one set at the Festival are Peatbog Fairires, Hailing from the Isle of Skye and among the many fantastic Scottish bands in the Festival this year, the band offer a wonderful mix of traditional jigs, jazz, electonica and even hip hop. A real eclectic mix! We love them, and we hope you do to0.

The pic below is Pete from the band being interviewed by Phil, the podcast man for the daily Festival downloadable podcast. (...and you can't really tell from this picture but we think he looks not unlike comedian Jimmy Carr. We've never seen them in the same room at the same time, so the rumours start here!).

Tatt's life with the Co-op!

2008-08-01T07:57:00.000-07:00

One of the Festival's sponsors, The Co-operative this year are running an anti-vivisection campaign on site under the banner 'Clean Up Cruelty'. Lots of the Festival artists are getting involved and showing their support. The Co-operative are also handing out some rather fab temporary tattoos to festival go-ers...as proudly displayed below...

Billy Bragg talks to the BBC

2008-08-01T06:56:00.000-07:00

Billy Bragg, a big supporter of the Festival, is hugely involved in the event this year. Making his first appearance on the Club Tent stage at midday Friday as part of the MOJO interview on the topic of 'Englishness', he will also grace Stage 1 at 8.45 and then make a further appearance with The Imagined Village on Saturday. What a star...and what a great performer, a firm favourite at the Festival over the years.

He's pictured here speaking to BBC Look East after his MOJO interview. Check back here after 10pm for details and pics of his Stage 1 set.

And the winner is...

2008-08-01T05:50:00.000-07:00

Rob Henderson! He designed one of the Folk Festival T-Shirt's for this year's festival which are being sold through the official festival merchandise stall.

Day 2 kicks off in style...

2008-08-01T05:11:00.001-07:00

Day 2 of the Cambridge Folk Festival saw Stage 1 open up in style with Quebec band Mauvais Sort with their up beat blend of traditional folk. Always a high energy affair the band offered a fitting start to the days proceedings. Now then, the all important question...how's the weather. Well, at the time of writing (1.30pm) it's looking good. Fingers crossed though...

Folking interactive

2008-08-01T04:29:00.000-07:00

There's plenty more to do and see at the Cambridge Folk Festival than listen to live music on stage.

There's The Hub, a music making area reserved for young people, located in a funky Bedouin tent. Currently, there's some clog and ceilidh dancing, and tomorrow there'll be a fiddle workshop and some junk percussion.

Next door to The Hub is the Folknet Cafe, which gives all the festival-goers free internet access plus scrummy food. As well as checking weather reports, surfers can interact with this very blog. So come on, add your comments and let us know your take on this year's event.

Laura Marling on stage

2008-07-31T13:48:00.000-07:00

18 year old Laura Marling, hailing from Reading was last on stage 2 on Thursday night and met with a warm applause considering how wet it was outside the tent! She wowed the crowd with her intimate style of acoustic folk showing exactly why she is 12 to 1 on to win this year's Mercury Music Prize.

It's raining, it's pouring...

2008-07-31T13:23:00.000-07:00

Well...the heaven's finally opened, and in style. The video below was taken near the mainstage at around 9.15pm. But, every cloud has a silver lining (no pun intended) and with the rain coming down every packed inside stage 2 (covered) to get ready for Laura Marling's headline set. Torrential rain. Bad times. Laura Marling. Good times!

Folk names sign up for podcast

2008-07-31T13:08:00.001-07:00

Frank Turner and Seth Lakeman are among the people who have so far been interviewed for the Folk Festival podcast - don't forget to listen each day...just click the download button on the home page.

2008-07-31T12:57:00.000-07:00

Megson duo Stu Hanna and Debbie Palmer drew the crowds when they began to busk outside the MOJO Signing Tent a few minutes ago.

The Signing Tent isn't just for signing you know, occasionally the artists bring their instruments and jam for the crowd. And what a nice surprise it is, too.

Cherryholmes rocked Stage 2

2008-07-31T12:17:00.000-07:00

Nashville bluegrass band Cherryholmes brought colour, style and some amazing sounds to Stage 2 as the heavens threatened to open once again outside the tent. Both a visual and aural spectacle the Grammy nominated family band will also play a set again on Friday on Stage 1, so if you'r reading this at the actual Festival and didnt manage to catch them, then don't miss out the second time round!

Cambridge Festival Goers on the fiddle!

2008-07-31T11:29:00.000-07:00

One of the charms of the festival is the punters bring their own instruments and start some impromptu busking. Take a look...

The Shivers

2008-07-31T11:20:00.000-07:00

Cambridge locals The Shivers performing in the club tent

Frank at the MOJO signing tent

2008-07-31T11:02:00.000-07:00

Frank at the MOJO signing tent after his set with quite a queue of fans...

Frank Turner starts the proceedings.

2008-07-31T10:44:00.000-07:00

Former punk man turned folk troubadour Frank Turner kicked off stage 2 with a storming set of heartfelt, passionate songs. Rattling through tracks from new album Love, Ire & Song as well as old favourites he was received by an enthusiastic crowd. The Festival is officially go...

...and the heaven's opened!

2008-07-31T09:33:00.000-07:00

5.30pm on the Thursday and the first real downpour - only lasted a few minutes, but the weather is looking pretty unpredictable. The blog team are now practising hourly Rain Dances to ensure that the sun comes out to enjoy some folk.

On the run!

2008-07-31T08:27:00.001-07:00

It's funny who you run into at the festival...

Food, glorious food!

2008-07-31T07:41:00.000-07:00

There's plenty to choose from by way of food at the Festival this year. So, whatever you're into, there's bound to be something to tickle your taste buds.

Here's just a few examples of what you might find...

It's an arty party!

2008-07-31T07:13:00.000-07:00

The Festival this year has some really great artwork dotted around the arena and campsites. Here's just a selection of a few...

Refill Not Landfill

2008-07-31T06:12:00.000-07:00

With environmental issues high on the agenda of the festival, here is the first look at the at the souvenir plastic pint glasses.

A warm welcome to Cambridge.

2008-07-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the 2008 Cambridge Folk Festival - if you are reading this at the Festival, we hope you are enjoying yourselves. If you are reading this having just been to the Festival, we hope you enjoyed yourselves. If you weren't at the Festival and are reading this, well....we hope you enjoyed your weekend whatever you were doing!

Morning Campers

2008-07-31T04:41:00.000-07:00

er...well, OK it's afternoon. The campers arrive and start securing their places for the weekend ahead.

The Festival has two campsites - one next to the arena (Cherry Hinton Grounds) and one just down the road (Coldhams Common). A shuttle bus ferries people from the outer campsite to the site.

Here we go...

2008-07-31T04:02:00.000-07:00

Just gone 12 and the Festival has just opened the gates to the arena. The campers have been arriving all morning and pitching tents galore. The weather is looking...well, OK. A few sprinkles of rain but we are all holding our breath.

6 hours til the music starts with the superb Frank Turner.

One day to go...

2008-07-30T10:51:00.000-07:00

The finishing touches are currently being added and the site is starting to take shape. Here's some of the smiling faces that'll be greeting you when you arrive tomorrow...

Hiatt out...Hawley in...

2008-07-28T09:12:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce that critically acclaimed singer-songwriter and guitarist, Richard Hawley has been added to this year's line-up. He replaces John Hiatt who cancelled his full European tour on Friday 25 July due to illness in his family. For more info on Richard Hawley click here.

5 Days to go!!

2008-07-25T05:10:00.000-07:00

With now only 5 days to go here is a word about how things are going at the site from Ken Rankin, the Folk Festival Production Officer...

And as I blog the Main Stage, Stage 2, Beer Tent and the other marquee's are being built...

Which act are you tipping to rule the Festival?

2008-07-25T02:18:00.000-07:00

Will The Levellers rule the day...maybe The Imagined Village will be the ones to watch...or how about k.d. Lang?

If you would like to see who Radio 2 presenters Mark Radcliffe and Mike Harding predict will be the ones to watch at the Festival then click on the link below.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/cambridgefolkfestival/2008/presenterschoice/

8 Days to go!!!

2008-07-22T04:58:00.000-07:00

With 8 days to go the main stage tent is being put together. Ken Rankin, the Folk Festival Production Officer has a few words on how it is all going...

13 days to go!!!

2008-07-18T06:56:00.000-07:00

I remember when all this was just fields you know...oh, hang on, it still is! Yes, with 2 weeks to go the site currently looks as above. But not for much longer, the Festival site is now about to be built. Check back here soon for more updates on its progress as inch ever closer to the event.