Music, comedy, activities, food and drink and more lined up for 2024 Shelford Feast

The annual week-long extravaganza that is the Shelford Feast is back and, as ever, boasts an impressive line-up of music, comedy, food & drink and more.

The Shelford Feast goes back to medieval times when it was believed to have been a festival celebrated around a special day in the calendar. It has existed in its current form since 1994.

Acts who have graced the stage there in recent years include Tony Hadley, the Amy Winehouse Band, comedians Seann Walsh and Zoe Lyons, and festival favourite Trevor Nelson.

This year’s event kicks off on Saturday (6 July), with the Tayabali and White Beer Festival. Entry is free and visitors will be able to enjoy 30 different beers and ciders, plus live music during the afternoon.

Then, in the evening of 6 July, DJ and radio presenter Trevor Nelson will be performing in the Grand Marquee on Great Shelford Recreation Ground, in what has been billed as his final appearance at Shelford Feast.

Support comes from Cambridge DJ, Chris Brown. Adult tickets are £28, plus a £1.50 booking fee, while children’s tickets (those aged 17 and under) are priced at £15, plus a £1.50 booking fee.

Sunday, 7 July, is Feast Sunday - “a celebration of Shelford life” - which includes displays from local groups, stalls, live music throughout the afternoon and plenty of food and drink.

Entrance to the Sunday Feast Day is available on the day by payment of a modest entrance fee. The Quiz Night returns on Monday, 8 July, hosted by question master extraordinaire Steve Dann.

Maximum group of eight per team and pre-booking is required. The Quiz Night always sells out so first come, first served.

Participants should confirm their team name and captain when buying their tickets online. A meal is included in the ticket price. Adult (over 18) tickets are £15, plus a £1.50 booking fee, while children’s (17 and under) tickets are priced at £8, plus a £1 booking fee. The quiz starts in the Grand Marquee at 6.30pm.

Enjoy Sawston Youth Drama (SYD) on Tuesday, 9 July, at 7pm (adults: £10, plus a £1 booking fee, children: £5, plus a £1 booking fee) and then ready to laugh as the Comedy Night returns on Thursday, 11 July.

This year’s headliner is Marcus Brigstocke, a major comedy, writing, and acting talent, with an impressive list of television credits.

He will be joined by Nick Page, who was English Comedian of the Year 2018, and Ashley Frieze, a guitar-toting entertainer with a charming, daft, and warm brand of music-infused comedy.

MC for the evening will be Brennan Reece, who has been seen on TV’s Live at the Apollo, Celeb Coach Trip, and Roast Battle. Adult (16 and over) tickets are £18, plus a £2 booking fee.

Next up, on Friday, 12 July, is Natalie Williams’ Soul Night, which will see an evening of Philly and Motown vibes from Natalie Williams’ Soul Family – a 10-piece soul band that has held a monthly residency at Ronnie Scott’s in London for the past 16 years.

Support comes from The Filthy Six, one of the most exciting soul jazz outfits in the UK today. Tickets are £22, plus a £1.50 booking fee, for adults (18 years and over) and £11, plus a £1.50 booking fee, for children (17 years and under).

Closing the week-long Feast is the Anthems Ibiza Orchestra on Saturday, 13 July – the largest live band the event has ever had on its stage: an 18-piece orchestra, complete with singers.

Support will be provided by Worldy, playing classic club hits. Tickets for adults (18 years and over) are £24, plus a £1.50 booking fee, and £12, plus a £1.50 booking fee, for children (17 years and under).

For more information on this and all of the other events - and to buy tickets - go to shelfordfeast.co.uk.

Peter Wilkinson, one of the festival organisers, said: “Shelford Feast dates back to medieval times but, in its current incarnation, has been running annually since 1994.

“Now a week-long festival, this village tradition unites the community for fun and fundraising, raising £375,000 for local causes, particularly aiding youth, while providing entertainment for all attendees.

“The Feast is run by a core group of volunteers – known as The Bunch – and aided by an army of around 100 voluntary helpers from the local community over the course of the events.

“Natalie Williams’ Soul Family, featuring a host of top session musicians, are providing the entertainment, supported by The Filthy Six, on the Friday night for an evening of Motown and Philly soul not to be missed.

“Marcus Brigstocke headlines the comedy evening, and the 18-piece Anthems Ibiza Orchestra bring the week to a close on the final Saturday night, with support from local band Worldy.

“Trevor Nelson has called the festival the ‘best kept secret gig’ on Radio 2 and returns for a third consecutive year to open the festival.

“The Sunday Times mentioned Shelford Feast this year as a ‘summer highlight’. Tickets are selling fast!”

For more information, and to book, visit shelfordfeast.co.uk.