Running Cambridge Folk Festival and City Events alongside providing guidance in and around Cambridge
Cambridge City Council’s Cultural Services deliver a vibrant and diverse programme of events for the whole community making Cambridge a great place to live, work, study and visit.
City Events, organise a range of free outdoor events from our newest edition, established in 2023, Out of the Ordinary Festival showcases a free weekend of outdoor arts in the city centre each summer. Our much-loved annual free non-ticketed Fireworks Night attracting over 20,000 attendees. Plus, our Music in the Parks, a free summer series of Sunday afternoon concerts in Cambridge’s beautiful green spaces across the city. All with a core focus on making quality arts, and cultural experiences accessible to everyone.
We also support and host major civic, special, and one-off events (including past highlights like Remembrance Sunday, Proclamations, Processions, and events such as Tour de France, Olympic Baton Relay etc.), whilst providing expert advice, guidance, and practical support to local organisers, festivals, and community events across the city.
Cambridge Folk Festival, one of the world’s most iconic and longest-established folk and roots music events, has been delighting audiences since 1965. Renowned for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and eclectic line-up, the festival brings together the finest traditional folk artists from the UK and Ireland, cutting-edge contemporary acts, top American country, blues, and roots performers, acclaimed singer-songwriters, major names, and world music stars. After evolving its format in 2026 to a more sustainable, city-wide programme of concerts and events across Cambridge venues, it continues to celebrate music, community, and creativity – with tickets kept affordable (kids often go free!) and the same magical spirit that has drawn loyal fans for decades.
In February 2026 Cambridge City Council and Outdoor Arts UK collaborated to host the Outdoor Arts UK National Conference.
Additional Areas of Focus
Community Engagement, Cultural Diversity, Family Friendly
