Cambridge Folk Needs New Backer

Two months before this year’s sellout event, Cambridge Folk Festival has announced it’s looking for a new backer.

After a decade of successful sponsorship from BBC Radio 2, including four years as title sponsor, the relationship with the broadcasting corporation has run its course.

"Four years is as long as title sponsorships usually last and the BBC will still be doing its usual extensive coverage," explained Cambridge City Council arts development manager Catherine Alexander.

Lewis Carnie, BBC Radio 2 head of live music and events, said the station is proud of its longstanding relationship with Cambridge and will continue to reflect the festival in its output.

As it’s run by the local authority and partly funded with public money, the organisers are looking for "an ethical company" that can also demonstrate a proactive approach to environmental issues.

The festival has developed a worldwide reputation, despite its refusal to increase the beautiful Cherry Hinton Hall site beyond a 10,000 capacity. The combination makes it an almost instant sellout.

The council is trying to attract sponsors by promising "high level branding opportunities to an audience base that is made up of a broad range of ages and occupations with a high percentage identified as being professionals with a good level of disposable income."

The acts on this year’s bill July 26-29 include Joan Baez, Nanci Griffith, Steve Earle, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Toots & The Maytals, Bruce Cockburn, The Waterboys , Kate Rusby, C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band, and The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.