Spirit Of Cambridge
It's not just the three performance stages that makes Cambridge Folk Festival what it is. By festival standards, the food and drink are reasonable price, as well as being of a quality that you look forward to eating rather than just getting by on. But good though that is, it's not what gives the festival it's spirit.
Away from the three stages, there's always something going on in the field. It might be street performers, it might be a group of musicians just having a quick play by the beer tent. It could even be some of the festival artists having an impromptu set next to the Mojo Tent.
Children are thought about and catered for. Parents aren't made to feel that their children are an inconvenience that the organisers would rather not have to deal with. Other festivals are starting to understand this and whilst te situation is good elsewhere there's still catching up to do.
Accidently knock someones beer over at Cambridge and the chances are there'll be a shrug of shoulders and even a chance that they'll turn down yor offer of a replacement. At some festivals a knocked over beer is tantermount to fighting talk.
The spirit of Cambridge is there because we're looked after, made to feel like we belong. We may, on the whole be paying guests, but we're made to feel welcome and it feels good.
Click on the link below for Phil Carter's pictures of events in the field and festival goers.