Cambridge TradFest 2025: A Triumph
Cambridge, UK – The streets of Petersfield were filled with people carrying instrument cases, making their way between the pubs and cafés of the Mill Road area to join the jam sessions that formed the heart of the inaugural Cambridge TradFest. Irish musicians from across the UK—London, Stamford, Colchester, Ipswich, Norwich, Lowestoft, Oxford, Brighton, Coventry, Birmingham, Sheffield, Manchester, Leeds and even Ballyclare in County Antrim—came together in Cambridge, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
“It’s been completely beyond my wildest dreams for the festival,” said organizer Kevin Naughten. “I honestly don’t know where all these people have come from!”
The Saturday Session Trail was a major highlight, with up to 40 musicians spotted at one session at The Devonshire Arms. Other venues, including The Kingston Arms, The Alex, and Hot Numbers, were also packed with both musicians and music lovers. When some musicians were unable to find space in the official sessions, they started an impromptu overflow session at The Six Bells. From 10 pm onwards, The White Swan hosted lively gatherings that continued until well after midnight.
Attendees also enjoyed a sold-out Céilí with the Lemon Céilí Co. on Friday night at St. Matthew’s Church. It was a wonderful family event, with multiple generations from many families in attendance. On Saturday morning and afternoon, over 50 musicians gathered at St. Philip’s Church for exceptional workshops on fiddle, banjo, mandolin, button accordion, flute, and whistle. There were also workshops for Sean-nós dance and set dancing, attracting a large group of enthusiastic dancers.
The weekend culminated in a sublime acoustic concert at St. Philip’s Church on Sunday. Visiting musicians Oisín Mac Diarmada, Samantha Harvey, Daithí Gormley, and Elaine Reilly filled the church with beautiful tunes on fiddle, piano (carefully tended by St. Philip’s Church), button accordion, and banjo. The concert was followed by more sessions at The Six Bells and The Devonshire Arms.
Stay tuned for updates on the possibility of Cambridge TradFest 2026!