Folk by the Oak presents Spell Songs – In Thin Air Tour
- Date
- 4 September, 2026
- Start time:
- 19:30
- Venue Name
- Cambridge Corn Exchange
Description
A much-anticipated live performance by folk ‘supergroup’ Spell Songs, the musical evolution of the iconic Lost Words and Lost Spells books by acclaimed author Robert Macfarlane and award-winning artist Jackie Morris, commissioned by Folk by the Oak Festival and featuring the collaborative genius of Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis, Seckou Keita, Kris Drever, Rachel Newton, Beth Porter and Jim Molyneux.
Spell Songs are renowned for enthralling live performances that expertly blend virtuosic kora, electroharp, cello, Indian harmonium and more, gorgeously layered with musical and linguistic influences spanning from Orkney to Senegal. Inspired by Robert and Jackie’s latest work, The Book of Birds, Spell Song’s new studio album In Thin Air is released on 4th September and this uplifting performance will include a wealth of beautiful new songs alongside favourites from The Lost Words Spell Songs (2019) and Spell Songs II, Let The Light In (2021).
Spell Songs will be joined on stage by Lost Words artist Jackie Morris conjuring creatures and birds from ink and watercolour, bringing a captivating artistic dimension to the show, and exclusive to Cambridge Corn Exchange, for this performance Jackie will be joined by Robert Macfarlane for a pre-show talk about The Book of Birds.
Market House
Mix and match between vibrant British and Asian menus at Market House — one of Cambridge’s favourite independent eateries, just minutes from the Corn Exchange.
Book your table for a pre-show meal!“One of the best live experiences I’ve ever seen at Birmingham Town Hall”
Accessibility Information
If you would like to book accessible seating, your account with the Cambridge Corn Exchange must have a tag applied to it. Please email tickets@cambridge.gov.uk or call 01223 357851 (Mon-Fri 10am-5pm)* to request we add this tag to your account. Please read our access document in advance of booking to ensure the tickets you book are the most suitable.
Access to the box office
The Box Office for the Corn Exchange is called Cambridge Live Tickets and is located left of the venue, two doors down (next to the restaurant Steak & Honour.)
The Cambridge Live Tickets Box Office is currently closed, however, when there is a performance taking place the Box Office opens at 6pm (or an hour before a matinee starts) and closes half an hour after the start time (or until 9pm for standing performance.)
Here is a summary of Box Office features:
- Lowered kerb providing level access
- Automatic sliding doors to Box Office
- Large print seating plans
- A lowered counter
- An induction loop
- Wi-Fi
Audio Loop
There is an infra-red hearing enhancement system which can be used either with, or without a hearing aid. The system only works in the auditorium and balcony. The headphones and receiver can be obtained from the steward at the Customer Services Desk. No deposit is required but the stewards will ask for your name and seat number” There are 6 sets available which consist of, a headset, receiver and neck loop. There are certain areas within the auditorium where the system doesn’t work:- Rows S to Z, seats 1 to 8 (House Right), at the rear of the auditorium. Rows XF to XK Rows O to R, seats 1 to 4 Using the system with a hearing aid Headphones are attached to the receiver and then worn in a similar fashion to a personal stereo. For those customers with hearing aids without a T setting, we suggest using this system with headphones but removing your hearing aid whilst inside the auditorium. The loop should be placed around the customer’s neck and attached to the receiver. The receiver should remain uncovered at all times, in order to pick up the signal. They can use channels 0 - 4 to receive the sound. The volume can be controlled on the receiver. Using the system without a hearing aid The headphones should be attached to the receiver and worn in similar fashion to a personal stereo. The receiver should remain uncovered at all times, in order to pick up the signal. They can use channels 0 - 4 to receive the sound. The volume can be controlled on the receiver.
Wheelchair Access
Level Access and Automatic Doors (or No Doors)
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome at our venue.