Published on: Tuesday, 13 June 2017
Last updated: Thursday, 14 December 2017
FOR THE FOLKSY
Cambridge Folk Festival
27–30 July, Cherry Hinton Hall, Cambridgeshire
In 1964, a young Paul Simon took to the stage to play in front of a crowd of 1,400 at the inaugural Cambridge Folk Festival. Fifty years on and it is now the most famous folk festival in the world, with 14,000 folkies descending annually on Cherry Hinton Hall for a weekend of toe-tapping. Expect an eclectic line-up this year including Jake Bugg, who is playing an acoustic set, folk legend Shirley Collins and the multi-platinum selling Indigo Girls.
cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk | Nearest station: Cambridge
FOR THE PARTY ANIMALS
Secret Garden Party
20–23 July, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
This is a bittersweet time for devotees of Secret Garden Party (aka SGP), as it’s the very last one. But what better reason to book your ticket for this four-day music extravaganza? Often cited as the UK’s first boutique festival, SGP has seen past performances from Gorillaz, Florence + The Machine, Faithless and Blondie. Alongside the tunes, there are art installations, a costume parade, kids’ area, and luxe camping options on the 220-acre site.
secretgardenparty.com | Nearest station: Huntingdon
FOR THE FOODIES
Jimmy’s Festival
22–23 July, Wherstead, Suffolk
Billing itself as a celebration of great live music, delicious food and wholesome family fun, the focus here is very much on eating and drinking. After all, founder Jimmy Doherty is not only a rare breed pig farmer, he’s also best buddies with Jamie Oliver. During the two-day event, top chefs will be cooking up a storm in a series of demonstrations, and stalls will be offering street food and local produce. Don’t miss the world-famous sausage eating competition!
jimmysfestival.co.uk | Nearest Station: Ipswich
FOR THE CULTURE VULTURES
Holt Festival
22–30 July, Holt, Norfolk
Every year, this Georgian market town hosts a diverse mix of international music, drama, visual art, comedy, literature, theatre and cinema in a week-long arts festival. This year, the programme includes a talk on genetics by Professor Robert Winston, a discussion with politician Dame Margaret Hodge, burlesque act Cirque de Cabaret, live jazz from Ronnie Scott’s All Stars, pop-up opera, and laughs courtesy of Jasper Carrott. Booking is advised.
holtfestival.org | Nearest station: Cromer