About Ely Folk Festival

With its beautiful cathedral towering majestically above the surrounding countryside, the City of Ely lies in the heart of the Cambridgeshire Fens, famed for spectacular sunsets and the vast open sky. What better location for a weekend of the best in folk music and dance?

Each Ely Folk Festival is better than the last, with an impressive guest list and programme of workshops, concerts, displays, ceilidhs and children's entertainment. The musicians appearing at the Ely Folk Festival reflect the rich diversity of the modern music scene, with a mixture of established favourites and newer talent.

We will be spending more than ever on performers and are especially proud to remain a small, friendly festival. You can meet the artists 'unplugged'. You can take part in workshops, dances, sessions or perform in the Club Tent. And you can get really close to the main stage.

The Folk Festival is based on a single site which includes marquees, camping facilities, food stalls, trade stands, real-ale bar, real toilets, showers, children's entertainment... Ely city centre is accessible by shuttle bus (or 20 minutes' walk). We are in town for Morris displays and pub sessions during the daytime.

There is ample space for tents and caravans on site, and plenty of parking space. For alternative accommodation ring the Ely Tourist Information Centre on 01353 662062.

SUMMARY

Club Tent Bring your instruments sign up to play and perform in the Club tent, your chance to be discovered!

Real Ale Bar Enough guest beers and ciders to tempt the most discerning palate with sessions and singarounds

Childrens’ entertainment Saturday and Sunday we have storytelling, juggling, Jan and her amazing blackboard van

We are wheel chair friendly with reserved camping area, marquee area, ramp access to the dance floor, an accessible loo near the main marquee, we have been known to help in putting tents up – please advise when booking

We are based on a single site with on-site caravan and camping for season ticket holders and ample car parking space.

Morris displays on site and in town In keeping with our traditional roots, we will once again be welcoming some of the countries best sides, covering all Morris traditions

Workshops – your chance to learn from festival performers, who will be leading guitar, fiddle, bodhran, and many other workshops throughout the weekend. Also, don’t miss our French dance workshops.

Meet the artistes sessions – up close and personal, a chance to meet some of the artistes performing over the weekend

Free shuttle bus into town – regular service from Friday to Sunday evening