Crowds flock to famous Cambridge Folk Festival

The Proclaimers were Friday's headliners at the Cambridge Folk Festival 2023

Thousands of people are attending one of the oldest and most prestigious folk festivals in England.

The famous Cambridge Folk Festival, which began in 1965, usually attracts about 14,000 people between Thursday and Sunday.

This year, the event is headlined by Rufus Wainwright, The Proclaimers, Arrested Development and Kate Rusby.

It will also feature Cambridge singer Emily Fraser and Suffolk group Honey and the Bear.

Arrested Development say they are the only hip-hop group to play folk festivals

Arrested Development frontman Todd Thomas, better known by his stage name of Speech, said he could not believe the band was playing the festival.

"Our lyrics have always been about the struggles of life and how to overcome," he said.

"Since the 90s, we've been invited to folk festivals. I love that because our peers in hip-hop are never invited - but we are."

Award-winning Scottish harpist Chloe Matharu's songs are inspired by her career in the Merchant Navy

The Proclaimers headlined the main stage on Friday, finishing their set with a rousing version of their hit I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles).

BBC 6 Music's Mark Radcliffe said the event's traditional location at Cherry Hinton Hall Park meant "it can't get too much bigger so it retains its spirit".

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Award-winning Scottish harpist Chloe Matharu said it was "brilliant to be here, the last time I was here I was still at school".

That first visit was as a member of a Scottish folk choir, she added.

Elsi, from Norwich, opened the festival at the Den on Thursday and "could not wait" to see Kate Rusby play

The festival has four stages, including the Den, which is dedicated to emerging talent, and was this year opened by Norwich singer-songwriter Elsi.

The performer said her appearance at the festival was "a big step up and the biggest place I have played".

Elsi, who grew up near Diss and is working on her first album, said she "could not wait" to see one of her inspirations, Kate Rusby, play at the festival.

Christina McNally, who has helped organise the event for years, said: "It's very interesting to see people who were unknown at certain points going on to have incredible careers.

"It's lovely the festival has played such a part in helping people advance in their musical careers."

Singer Ellie Gowers from Warwickshire said she was "very excited to be at the festival"