Highland musical talent join world-class Cambridge Folk Festival line-up

Highland musicians are set to join the world-class line-up at the Cambridge Folk Festival this summer.

The festival, which has partnered with the Showcase Scotland Expo, will boast some of the finest emerging artists from north of the border when it takes place from July 25 to 28.

Dozens auditioned for twelve coveted spots on the event’s three stages at Cherry Hinton Hall, resulting in a hugely talented and eclectic line-up of musicians - including Assynt, Birdvox, Eabhal, and Sian.

Award-winning instrumental folk trio Assynt - who combine the myriad talents of BBC Scotland Young Musician of the Year finalists and Inverness’ Graham Mackenzie (fiddle) alongside Dingwall native and BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award winner Innes White (guitar), and David Sheddon (pipes/whistles) - will take to the Cambridge stage on the Friday of the festival.

Scottish quartet, Birdvox, gleefully fuse the traditional with the electronic. A shapeshifting supergroup of female musicians, Birdvox comprises Sarah Hayes (Admiral Fallow, Rachel Newton, Andrew Wasylyk) on vox, flute, synths, programming, Jenny Sturgeon (Salt House, Herkja) on vox, guitar, synths, sampling, Inge Thomson (Karine Polwart Trio, Hen Hoose, Modern Fairies) on vox, accordion, electronica, beats and Charlotte Printer (Altered Images, Pronto Mama, Apache Darling, Skipinnish) on vox, bass, programming.

Steeped in tradition, Eabhal have made a significant impact on the Scottish music scene with their vibrant and energetic folk and distinctive West Coast sound. Eabhal comprises Fearn Native Kaitlin Ross (vocals), Megan MacDonald from Lairg (accordion), Nicky Kirk (guitar), Robbie Greig (fiddle), and Newtonmore-born Ewan Duncan (pipes and whistle). The band’s focus on kinship, and connection to people and the land are keenly reflected in its music and identity.

Gaelic royalty Sian, meanwhile, comprises three of today’s most gifted young Gaelic singers – Ceitlin Lilidh, Eilidh Cormack and Inverness native Ellen MacDonald. Their deep feeling for tradition with boldly imaginative harmony work has seen them likened to The Staves and even Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. They will play the festival on Saturday, July 27.

Assynt, Birdvox, Eabhal and Sian will join a stellar group of Scottish musicians, including Blue Rose Code’s Caledonian Soul Cavalcade who will close the world renowned festival’s Stage 1 on Sunday evening, in a fitting finale highlighting the huge impact of Scottish music.

Lisa Whytock, Executive Producer of Showcase Scotland Expo, commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with Cambridge Folk Festival in 2024, showcasing an abundance of Scottish talent, from up and coming acts to well-established, household names, as part of the incredible event. We hope the audiences enjoy the Spotlight and revel in the fantastic music on offer.”

Head of Music at Creative Scotland, Alan Morrison said: “Cambridge Folk Festival is a major event on the European music calendar. The focus on Scotland in 2024 offers a unique opportunity to share our music with new audiences and showcase the high quality and wide diversity of our traditional and contemporary scenes.

“Creative Scotland’s support for Showcase Scotland Expo through National Lottery targeted funding has, over several years, helped a positive partnership with Cambridge to grow, and this summer we will see it blossom in full.”

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.