Someone up there must surely be a folk fan.
Despite a forecast prophesying the mother of all storms, the threatening clouds dispersed at the Cambridge Folk Festival to make way for the sunshine.
The music this year was truly terrific, fabulous performances with some real surprises and, for me, here are the highlights…
THURSDAY
Martha Wainwright
Coming from the Wainwright stable you would expect Martha to be able to do the business, but I was honestly surprised at the quality of her live delivery.
Delicate, yet powerful, Martha’s style is distinctive from the rest of the brood and you can’t help thinking that there is much more to come from her yet.
Hayseed Dixie
I was looking forward to seeing this hillbilly covers band live and their witty interpretation of rock classics was just spectacular.
Manic, vibrant and a little bit scary they provided an explosive ending to the first day of the festival.
FRIDAY
Kathryn Tickell
A fan of the pipes, it was lovely to witness fabulous playing on the beautiful Northumbrian version of the instrument by this talented lady voted Musician of the Year at this year’s BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
Mavis Staples
Another artist from a legendary family – this time the fabulous Staples Singers.
Wonderful R&B oozing soul into the twilight.
The Proclaimers
The Proclaimers were the highlight of the festival for me, more from a personal perspective and their influence on me in my youth, than their performance this weekend.
But deserving headliners they were and their impassioned harmonies and intelligent, honest lyrics roused the crowd to sing out in their best Scottish accents at the top of their voices. Moving stuff indeed.
SATURDAY
The Duhks
With a sound that belies their looks, this Canadian band has elements from Irish fiddle tunes, Scots/Maritime folk and Appalachian Old Time string band in their music.
A striking, high-energy mélange.
Mary Gauthier
New England-based alt country singer-songwriter Mary’s witty lyrics made ample reference to her colourful past and her gravelly delivery was just absolutely captivating.
The Blind Boys of Alabama
The Blind Boys of Alabama finished what was a vibrant day of music, guiding us through their world of luscious, funky gospel.
One of the biggest names in gospel music and sixty years together under their belt, the experience certainly showed!
SUNDAY
Shemekia Copeland
Fabulous blues singer Shemekia shook up the afternoon with some blues-rock from Texas and a swing of her booty.
She’s a bad, bad woman and you’re a lucky fan!
Blazin Fiddles
Fast and furious fiddlin’ – just what you’d expect from an ensemble voted Live Band of the Year at the 2004 Scots Traditional Music Awards.
These guys were hot!
Of all the festivals I have covered, I am pleased to say 
that Cambridge is quite unlike any other. Renowned for it diverse mix of music and a wide definition of what might be considered folk, it is a totally unique experience for everyone who attends and this year was no exception.
