The Cambridge Club will return this summer, bringing musical magic in genres ranging from disco to funk and soul to R&B to the Cambridgeshire countryside. There’s a three-day music extravaganza in store as the feel-good family festival moves to a full weekend (10-12 September) for the first time. On offer are a vastly expanded line-up, newly introduced glamping opportunities, and an exciting selection of delicious food pop-ups to ensure that the treat for your ears is accompanied by a feast for your mouths.
As part of their exciting expansion, The Cambridge Club have a new home in the historic Childerley Orchard – just a few minutes outside of the city centre, and close to Cambridge North train station. This stunning, spellbinding site – centred around an ancient orchard – will offer an idyllic backdrop for visitors to “Dance, Disco and Discover” their way through the festival’s immersive array of activities.
Headlining the festival on Friday and guaranteeing that the weekend starts with a big bang is neo-blues & soul singer Rag ‘N’ Bone Man. With his unique sound, Rory Graham will have audiences singing along to pop hits like Human and Giant alongside new material including Fall In Love Again. Joining him are Queen of British soul Beverley Knight and 70s styled pop, rock and soul creators Young Gun Silver Fox. If that wasn’t enough, funk and soul tastemaker Craig Charles will return with The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club, bringing the scene’s greatest hits to the festival dance floor.
On Saturday, acoustic singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti will enthral with his soothing tones and mesmerising storytelling while dance-pop favourite Sophie Ellis-Bextor will step out of her Kitchen Disco and onto the stage for a blend of noughties anthems and up-tempo magic. If undeniable tastemaker of RnB and soul Trevor Nelson will select only the finest anthems for ticketholders to dance under the stars, then disco’s funkiest dance group Heatwave will keep the temperature up to ensure we have some proper Boogie Nights. Joining them will be the enigmatic The Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Choir, who created ripples this year by featuring in Justin Bieber’s hit Holy alongside Chance the Rapper. For those camping overnight, downtown Vauxhall sensations Horse Meat Disco, electro DJ star Greg Wilson, and all-time favourites ABBA Disco Wonderland will keep crowds swaying long after the sun goes down at the inaugural ‘Party Time Continuum: After Dark’ stage.
Sunday will see a funky close to the festival, with the ever-entrancing Soul II Soul bringing their 80s dance and R&B sounds to the party whilst Shalamar ensure those attending have A Night To Remember with their timeless classics. Sara Cox will take everyone on a trip down memory lane by holding the ultimate 80s disco, full of the funkiest throwback tunes from Belinda to Bowie and Wham to Whitney. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of their single Dancing In The Moonlight, Toploader will deliver a special performance that’s certain to leave many spellbound. And Uncle Funk’s Disco Inferno, one of the U.K.’s most-loved live disco bands, will belt out disco classics and modern bangers in spectacular costumes. Bringing the night to a close, blues band Heavy Soul and resident DJs Intergalactic Rhythm Society will take to
the stage after dark to ensure that everyone at Childerley Orchard has an unforgettable end to a fun-filled weekend.
Festival Managing Director, William Young said: “This festival has been two years in the making, and we are more excited than ever to share the magical experience that is the hallmark of The Cambridge Club. We are back bigger and better, ready to welcome our loyal fans and new audiences to a spectacular new venue with stellar artists, a diverse non-musical entertainment offering, and a brand-new theme that reflects our rootedness within the Cambridgeshire community. After a long period of uncertainty for everyone in the industry, this is a chance for us to get back to doing what we do best – creating an incredible arena for visitors to dance, disco, and discover.”