Cambridge and Newport folk festivals are coming together to kick-start a new transatlantic relationship.
Between them, the legendary US and UK events have hosted Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and Shirley Collins (pictured) since their inception in 1959 and 1965 respectively.
The new partnership heralds the start of a new artistic era for both festivals, and will include the sharing of ideas, experiences and artists.
Steve Bagnall, Cambridge Folk Festival managing director, said: ‘Cambridge Folk Festival has always tested the boundaries of folk with its programme and we are excited to be working with and learning from a festival that has the artistic heritage and ambition of Newport.
‘Twinning with Newport will allow both festivals to explore unique and extraordinary artistic opportunities that will excite audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.’
Jay Sweet, Newport Folk Festival executive producer, added: ‘We are excited that from next year Newport Folk Festival will be twinning with Cambridge Folk Festival.
‘This move will allow us to share ideas, experiences and some artists from two festivals that have grown up together and in their own way played a role in shaping the folk music landscape on both sides of the Atlantic. This partnership will allow us to bring a little bit of Newport to Cambridge and vice versa.’
Full details of the twinning will be confirmed after the 2017 festivals.
Ahead of this weekend's event, Cambridge Folk Festival manager Rebecca Stewart let us in on some of the eclectic acts she's most excited to welcome to this year's edition. Playlist here.
Read our interview with Shirley Collins.
Between them, the legendary US and UK events have hosted Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and Shirley Collins (pictured) since their inception in 1959 and 1965 respectively.
The new partnership heralds the start of a new artistic era for both festivals, and will include the sharing of ideas, experiences and artists.
Steve Bagnall, Cambridge Folk Festival managing director, said: ‘Cambridge Folk Festival has always tested the boundaries of folk with its programme and we are excited to be working with and learning from a festival that has the artistic heritage and ambition of Newport.
‘Twinning with Newport will allow both festivals to explore unique and extraordinary artistic opportunities that will excite audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.’
Jay Sweet, Newport Folk Festival executive producer, added: ‘We are excited that from next year Newport Folk Festival will be twinning with Cambridge Folk Festival.
‘This move will allow us to share ideas, experiences and some artists from two festivals that have grown up together and in their own way played a role in shaping the folk music landscape on both sides of the Atlantic. This partnership will allow us to bring a little bit of Newport to Cambridge and vice versa.’
Full details of the twinning will be confirmed after the 2017 festivals.
Ahead of this weekend's event, Cambridge Folk Festival manager Rebecca Stewart let us in on some of the eclectic acts she's most excited to welcome to this year's edition. Playlist here.
Read our interview with Shirley Collins.
