The Cambridge Folk Festival, one of the most iconic and beloved music events in the UK, has announced the cancellation of its 60th-anniversary celebrations, a decision that has sent shockwaves through the folk music community. Renowned for its rich history, vibrant performances, and international acclaim, the festival has been a staple of the cultural calendar since its inception in 1965.

This year’s event was anticipated to be a grand celebration, honoring six decades of folk music and bringing together legendary performers alongside fresh talents from around the globe. However, unforeseen challenges have forced the organizers to make the difficult choice to cancel the milestone event, leaving many fans and artists disappointed.

In a statement released by the organizers, they expressed their regret and outlined the reasons behind the cancellation. “We deeply regret to announce that the 2025 Cambridge Folk Festival, which would have marked our 60th anniversary, will not go ahead as planned. This decision has not been taken lightly. After evaluating a range of factors, including logistical issues, financial pressures, and unforeseen challenges, we concluded that it would not be possible to deliver the high standards that our audience and artists expect.”

The cancellation highlights broader issues that many live music events are facing in the post-pandemic landscape. Rising costs, supply chain difficulties, and changing audience behaviors have created new hurdles for even the most well-established festivals. The Cambridge Folk Festival, with its unique charm and intimate atmosphere, has not been immune to these challenges.

Fans and artists alike have expressed their dismay on social media, with many sharing fond memories of previous festivals. For some, the event is more than just a music festival—it is a cherished tradition and a chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share a love for folk music.

“This is heartbreaking,” said one longtime attendee on social media. “The Cambridge Folk Festival has been a part of my life for decades. It’s where I discovered my love for folk music, and it’s where my family gathers every summer. I hope this isn’t the end.”

While this cancellation marks a disappointing chapter in the festival’s history, organizers have reassured fans that they are committed to its long-term future. “We are determined to bring back the Cambridge Folk Festival stronger than ever in the years to come. Our team is already exploring ways to ensure the event remains a cornerstone of the folk music community.”

The cancellation of the 60th-anniversary event is a poignant reminder of the fragility of live music events, even those with a legacy as celebrated as the Cambridge Folk Festival. For now, fans can only hold onto their cherished memories and look forward to the festival’s return, whenever that may be.

The financial landscape is constantly evolving, and one area that often garners attention is the mortgage market. Recent discussions among policymakers and financial experts have centered around the possibility of easing mortgage rules to encourage borrowing and support economic growth. This approach could have far-reaching implications for homebuyers, lenders, and the broader economy.

The idea of relaxing mortgage regulations is not new. Stricter lending criteria were implemented in many regions after the 2008 financial crisis to prevent a repeat of the risky lending practices that led to widespread economic turmoil. However, these tightened rules, while ensuring greater stability, have also made it more challenging for potential homebuyers—particularly first-time buyers and those with moderate incomes—to secure loans.

In recent years, housing affordability has become a pressing issue. Many aspiring homeowners face significant hurdles due to high property prices, rising interest rates, and strict loan qualification requirements. By easing certain mortgage rules, governments and financial institutions aim to address these challenges and provide more opportunities for people to enter the housing market.

One proposed adjustment involves revisiting the debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, a key metric used by lenders to assess a borrower’s ability to repay a loan. By slightly increasing the acceptable DTI limits, lenders could approve more applications, particularly for those who demonstrate consistent income but are hindered by existing debt obligations. Another measure could include relaxing stress test requirements, which currently require borrowers to prove they can afford payments at higher-than-current interest rates.

Critics of easing mortgage rules argue that such changes could reignite risky lending practices, potentially leading to an overheated housing market or even a financial crisis. They caution that loosening regulations without sufficient safeguards might encourage overleveraging, leaving borrowers vulnerable to financial shocks. Policymakers, therefore, must strike a delicate balance between fostering accessibility and maintaining financial stability.

On the other hand, advocates emphasize that easing mortgage rules does not necessarily mean a return to lax oversight. Instead, targeted adjustments could help specific segments of the population, such as young professionals, gig workers, or families in high-cost urban areas, achieve homeownership without exposing the system to undue risk. Additionally, a more active mortgage market could stimulate the construction sector, create jobs, and boost consumer spending.

As policymakers weigh the potential benefits and risks, it’s clear that any changes to mortgage regulations must be implemented thoughtfully. Easing the rules could provide much-needed relief to aspiring homeowners and inject fresh momentum into the economy. However, safeguarding against the pitfalls of excessive borrowing remains essential to ensuring long-term financial stability.

In 2017, the Women’s March became one of the most significant demonstrations in modern history, sparking a global movement for equality, justice, and solidarity. At the heart of its inception was a passionate group of women, among them a leader who played a pivotal role in shaping the event’s vision and execution. Now, as the movement continues to evolve, one of its founding voices has chosen to step back from the fight.

Her decision to sit out this year has sparked curiosity and reflection. For years, she was at the forefront of activism, rallying communities, organizing protests, and amplifying marginalized voices. Yet, her current choice is not one of resignation but of reevaluation—a deliberate pause to focus on other priorities and recalibrate her approach to advocacy.

For her, stepping back is not about abandoning the cause but rather a necessary step for self-preservation and long-term impact. “Activism is a marathon, not a sprint,” she explained in a recent interview. “Burnout is real, and to sustain the fight for justice, we must also take care of ourselves.” Her words echo a sentiment shared by many activists who face the emotional and physical toll of their work.

She acknowledges the complexities of her decision. Some supporters have expressed disappointment, viewing her absence as a loss during a critical time for women’s rights. Others, however, have applauded her transparency, recognizing the importance of setting boundaries and encouraging sustainable activism.

Her departure also opens the door for new leaders to emerge. Movements thrive on collective energy, and she believes that stepping aside allows fresh perspectives and voices to take the stage. “Movements are bigger than any one person,” she emphasized. “The Women’s March wasn’t about me—it was about all of us coming together for change.”

Even as she steps back from the public eye, her contributions continue to inspire others. Her early work helped galvanize millions, turning frustration into action and hope into a movement. While she may not be in the thick of organizing this year, she remains deeply committed to the principles that sparked the march in the first place.

As the fight for women’s rights persists amid political and social challenges, her story serves as a reminder that activism takes many forms. Whether leading a march, mentoring new leaders, or simply taking time to recharge, every role plays a part in the ongoing pursuit of equality. For now, her focus is on finding balance and ensuring that, when she returns to the fight, she does so with renewed strength and vision.