Ely Folk Festival promotional gig at Portland Arms Cambridge

A packed house heard music from headliners and festival patrons Boo Hewerdine and Brooks Williams, who reunited for their only gig this year as State Of The Union.

Their blend of self-penned folk and Americana enthralled the audience and prompted more than a few singalongs while their between-song dry and self-deprecating wit had people in stitches.

Hewerdine, who now lives in Glasgow after spending many years in Cambridge and Ely, had come down specially for the gig and had to dash afterwards to get a train to London before catching a 5am one back to Glasgow the next day.

Earlier in the evening, multi-award-winning acoustic folk duo Tu-kay and Ryan played an outstanding original set with Rebecca Ryan’s gorgeous voice wrapping itself round their warm and emotional songs to perfection.

The night was opened by local hero Rich Young playing a selection of songs largely drawn from his latest excellent album Prozac Diary, accompanied by Cambridge music legend Myke Clifford on his usual huge variety of instruments.

Gig organiser and festival committee member, Trish Reed, said: “We were delighted to see so many people come out.

“It was a wonderful evening with loads of positive feedback from the audience.

“It also generated a lot of interest in the festival, where attendees will have the opportunity to see Boo and Brooks again as they present a special curated concert.

“They’re inviting some of their favourite performers to join them. Who is playing is a closely guarded secret, not even the organisers know.

“In addition there will be performances from Eddi Reader, (with Boo Hewerdine in her band), O’Hooley & Tidow, Breabach, Peatbog Faeries, John Kirkpatrick, Rusty Shackle, Barefoot Doctors and many more.”

Ely Folk Festival takes place on July 12-14 at the Stuntney Estate.