Cambridge Folk Festival 2017

If you need proof that music brings people together, look no further. Reuniting members of the Syrian National Orchestra for Arabic Music – who were displaced around the globe due to the bitter conflict back home – this Africa Express-supported initiative is testament to the healing power of song. Get prepped for the performance with their recent live album, which combines traditional compositions with classic pop covers, and features guest turns from Damon Albarn, Paul Weller and Julia Holter.

To say Shirley Collins’ comeback album was long-awaited would be a gigantic understatement. Due to contracting the dysphonia that left her unable to pursue music, until Lodestar she hadn’t released a record since 1978. And yet her debut for Domino still surpassed everyone’s high expectations, being featured in several Best of 2016 lists, and receiving two BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards nominations. Don’t miss your chance to see one of the most significant artists of the English Folk Revival in the flesh.

After more than 10 years’ worth of material and four BBC Radio 2 Folk Award wins for Best Group – not to mention multiple wins for their component members’ solo output – Lau are well-established as one of the most respected folk groups in Britain. Hear Kris Drever, Martin Green and Aidan O’Rourke’s beautiful, accordion and fiddle-flecked songwriting on Saturday, where they’ll be playing stage two, in support of their fantastic new compilation, Decade: The Best of Lau.