After a pandemic-forced hiatus and a glorious return in 2022, the Cambridge Folk Festival is well and truly back in the groove as it approaches its 60th year.

Much loved by festival-goers who often return year after year, this sell-out folk spectacular also often welcomes back artists, many of whom first played as newly discovered talent and have since become big names.

One such artist is Imelda May, returning for the fourth time to headline the final night.

Ely Standard: The crowd at this year's Cambridge Folk Festival The crowd at this year's Cambridge Folk Festival (Image: Celia Bartlett)

 

Ely Standard: One of the families who attended Cambridge Folk FestivalOne of the families who attended Cambridge Folk Festival (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Having entered the stage in a long, flowing black dress and sheer, floaty cape top, the latter was discarded after the first song as she paid tribute to her good friends Jeff Beck and Sínead O'Connor.

"Where's the t-shirt I made", she asked rhetorically, as she returned wearing a self-painted vest bearing the name of her fellow Irish singer who had passed away just four days before.

May went on to perform an emotional cover of 'Nothing Compares 2 U'.

Ely Standard: Niall McNamee performing at Cambridge Folk Festival 2023Niall McNamee performing at Cambridge Folk Festival 2023 (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Ely Standard: Judy Collins performing at Cambridge Folk Festival 2023Judy Collins performing at Cambridge Folk Festival 2023 (Image: Celia Bartlett)

From new name Niall McNamee in The Den, where the emerging talent begins, to veteran singer Judy Collins taking the 'folk legend' slot on the main stage, there is something for all tastes at this festival.

Lady Blackbird, the modern day Nina Simone, captivated the audience with her cover of Blackbird, as well as her spectacular costume.

Meanwhile, down-to-earth Grace Petrie struck a chord with her protest songs.

Ely Standard: Lady Blackbird performing at Cambridge Folk Festival 2023Lady Blackbird performing at Cambridge Folk Festival 2023 (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Ely Standard: Grace Petrie performing at Cambridge Folk Festival 2023Grace Petrie performing at Cambridge Folk Festival 2023 (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Ely Standard:  Eliza Carthy performing at Cambridge Folk Festival  Eliza Carthy performing at Cambridge Folk Festival (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Festival favourite Eliza Carthy put her all into making folk fantastic, whilst Daoirí Farrell shared banter and traditional Irish music with a delighted crowd.

Hollywood star turned musician Kiefer Sutherland rocked Stage One on Sunday afternoon, much to the delight of the crowded marquee.

By gentle contrast, Rufus Wainwright, breezed onto the stage sporting a cosy pair of red-striped socks and no shoes, and provided the calm before the late dance session.

Ely Standard: Daoiri Farrel Trio performing at Cambridge Folk Festival 2023Daoiri Farrel Trio performing at Cambridge Folk Festival 2023 (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Ely Standard: Kiefer Sutherland performing at Cambridge Folk Festival 2023Kiefer Sutherland performing at Cambridge Folk Festival 2023 (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Ely Standard: Rufus Wainwright performing at Cambridge Folk Festival 2023Rufus Wainwright performing at Cambridge Folk Festival 2023 (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Ely Standard: Niteworks performing at Cambridge Folk Festival 2023.Niteworks performing at Cambridge Folk Festival 2023. (Image: Celia Bartlett)

With a meld of Scottish traditional and electronica, Niteworks rounded off Saturday night.

By contrast, Friday night's late session had audiences "walking 500 miles" with Scottish duo The Proclaimers.

The weather was just perfect for the majority of this weekend, with the rain only arriving on Sunday afternoon during the performance by the Fisherman's Friends, on stage in the second 'folk legend' slot.

Ely Standard: The Proclaimers performing at Cambridge Folk Festival 2023The Proclaimers performing at Cambridge Folk Festival 2023 (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Ely Standard: Fisherman's Friends performing at Cambridge Folk Festival 2023Fisherman's Friends performing at Cambridge Folk Festival 2023 (Image: Celia Bartlett)

In true festival style, everyone stoically continued to enjoy the rest of the day until the last wave from Imelda May.

A goodnight from the festival organisers ended the weekend with the words "see you next year?" You bet!