Scottish country singer Kerri Watt wowed the crowds on the main stage

Cambridge Folk Festival rarely disappoints and this year saw winning performances from legends Graham Nash, Ralph McTell and Richard Thompson as well as up and coming performers such as Kerri Watt, Lucy Grubb and Annie Dressner.

Graham Nash, formerly of Crosby, Still and Nash, rocked the main stage
Ralph McTell still finds performing at big festivals “daunting”
Brilliant guitarist and supreme songwriter Richard Thompson was part of the classic line-up of folk super group Fairport Convention

It’s come a long way from its first festival in 1965 where a virtually unknown Paul Simon was paid just £15.

  • Lucy Grubb has been attracting plaudits at Americana and country music festivals around the country

The event still books the up and coming artists such at superb Norwich Americana singer songwriter Lucy Grubb who is launching her new EP at the Norwich Arts Centre on 24 October.

Annie Dressner has settled in Cambridge after moving from New York

Cambridge artist Annie Dressner, who’s originally from the US, delighted her home audience playing the club tent. The brilliant singer songwriter has started a nationwide tour this week.

Lisa O’Neill provided a brilliant intensity to her performance

Other highlights of the festival were Irish singer songwriter Lisa O’Neill, folk favourites The Unthanks, Scottish artist Kerri Watt, country star Lucinda Williams and singer songwriter Rosie Carney.

Folk royalty The Unthanks delivered powerful performances (picture by Alice Mills)
Kerri Watt said she was delighted to be playing Cambridge Folk Festival
Singer songwriter Rosie Carney played The Den
Richard Thompson said many pop acts now were fashion labels. He said he couldn’t compete except perhaps with a line of hats

(Nic Rigby is part of the band Nic Norton and the County Band. See nicnortonmusic.com)

*All photos by Nic Rigby except when stated.