UK’s longest-lasting female folk duo While & Matthews return to Cambridge

Folk singer-songwriters Chris While and Julie Matthews are the longest-lasting female duo in Britain and have played more than 3,000 gigs, appeared on more than 100 albums, and written hundreds of original songs.

Now, more than 30 years after their debut, their autumn tour, which includes a Cambridgeshire date, will see them delving into their extensive back catalogue, including songs from their latest album, 2024’s Days Like These.

The talented pair answered some questions.

Are you looking forward to the UK tour?

Chris: Yes very much so, this will be our 31st year as a duo and we are as excited as ever.

As we don’t have a new studio album this year, we’ll be delving into our past catalogue (13 studio albums) so it’s always nice to revisit old favourites and much-requested songs.

What can the fans expect from a While & Matthews show?

Julie: Our shows and our songs are all about connection. We write songs that people can relate to, stories drawn from our own lives and observations of those around us.

After 31 years as a duo we pride ourselves on having a chemistry and humour that our audiences share with us. Shows can be an emotional rollercoaster but our hope is always that there is always a feelgood take-away at the end of the night.

You're playing in Cambridgeshire, do you have any memories of other shows in the county?

Chris: Yes definitely. We have performed at the Cambridge Folk Festival numerous times as well as many great venues around the county. Cambridgeshire audiences are very discerning and know what they like! Always a great night for us.

Do you have a favourite place in Cambridgeshire to play or visit - if so, why is it your favourite?

Julie: Two of our favourites are actually listed on this tour, Toft Social Club and Upwood Village Hall, both packed to the rafters and a buzzing atmosphere.

Another favourite, which we played earlier in the year, is Storey’s Field Centre, a beautiful venue in Cambridge and very grand.

What’s next for While & Matthews after the autumn tour?

Chris and Julie: We will be flying to Australia in February ’26 for the festival season, as we have done every two or three years since 1997.

We have a wonderful following there, many of whom have been with us since the beginning. This time we’ll be there for two months so the daffodils will definitely be up to welcome us home in April when we’ll be returning to the studio to record our new album.

This year, While & Matthews were featured artists on Radio 2’s 21st Century Folk and received widespread daytime coverage across the network.

They also enjoyed a television appearance on The One Show, a segment on BBC Weekend World Service, and were even highlighted on BBC Radio 4’s pick of the week.

The single of the song written for 21st Century Folk, The Waiting Room, was released on 28 July.

See the duo perform at Toft Social Club on Tuesday, 14 October. Tickets, priced £18, are available from toft.club. For more on While & Matthews, go to whileandmatthews.com.