concerts cambridge – New in Cambridge

What’s on in Cambridge – March 2020

As I write this, yet another storm is raging. Will Spring ever come?? I’d love it to hurry up as I’m attempting to house train a lively 12 week old puppy who definitely doesn’t like going out into the garden in the cold and rain! Here’s the events listing for March. As usual, I’ll add to it as the month goes on so do check back and feel free to get in touch through my Contact page if you have an event that you’d like to be included.

Rolo The Cambridge Dachshund — Rolo is ready for the next storm!!

1 – 9th The Minerva Festival. A city wide Festival celebrating the music of women and non-binary people. http://www.minervafestival.org

1st 2.30 – 5pm Dakshina 2020. An offering of music and dance from South India. Samarpana Classical Arts. Proceeds support Indian classical arts in Cambridge. Chesterton Sports Centre, Gilbert Road, CB4 http://www.eventbrite.com

2nd 8pm Cambridge University Symphony Orchestra. Strauss, Beethoven and Brahms. West Road Concert Hall. Tickets on the door or from http://www.cuso.org.uk

3rd 8pm Continuum. Gesualdo Responses for Holy Saturday and Reproaches by Stuart Beer. Trinity College Chapel. Tickets on the door.

5th 11am – 1pm George Mallory: from student to mountaineer. A special one day exhibition exploring George Mallory’s life from his undergraduate days at Magdalene College (1905 – 1909) to his final expedition to Everest in 1924. Free event. The Old Library, Magdalene College. http://www.magd.cam.ac.uk/old-library/public-engagement

6th 12.15 – 1pm Lunchtime Concert: Cadenza. Cambridge University’s premier A Capella group perform their own arrangements and mash-ups of pop and jazz hits. Free, all welcome. Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street. FB: Lunchtime Concert: Cadenza

6th 8pm Clare College Music Society and Chapel Choir of Clare College. Mozart Coronation Mass, Scattergood, Schubert. West Road Concert Hall. http://www.adcticketing.com

7th 10am – 1pm Family Saturdays: Fruity Fun. Taste delicious and unusual fruits and plant pomegranate seeds that you can grow at home. Find out about Fairtrade as part of Fairtrade Fortnight 2020. Drop in, no need to book. Botanic Garden, Brookside. http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

7th 2 – 4.30pm International Women’s Day event. 8 women talking for 15 minutes each on various zoological themes and the stories of many more. Free, drop in. Aged 8+. Museum of Zoology, Downing Street. https://www.museum.zoo.cam.ac.uk/

7th 6 – 7pm Moving On. Traditional close harmony and classical music. Post concert reception and exhibition of watercolour paintings. The Lucy Cavendish Singers. Emmanuel United Reformed Church, Trumpington Street. http://www.lucycavendishsingers.org.uk

7th 8pm Cambridge University Sinfonia. Rimsky Korsokov, Borodin, De Falla. West Road Concert Hall. http://www.adcticketing.com

8th 12 – 4pm Studio Sunday. Get creative with artists and education volunteers in a practical art making workshop. Free, drop in. Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street. http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk

8th 7.30pm International Women’s Day Concert. Closing event of The Minerva Festival, including a performance of the winning piece of the composition competition. St. Giles’ Church, Castle Street. http://www.minervafestival.org

8th 8.15pm Beethoven’s Violin Sonatas plus miniature companion pieces. Krysia Osostowicz and Daniel Tong. King’s College Dining Hall. http://www.adcticketing.com

9 – 22nd Cambridge Science Festival. Featuring events from astronomy to zoology. Everyone is welcome to explore, discuss and discover science through talks, hands-on activities, films and exhibitions. Free entry. https://www.sciencefestival.cam.ac.uk/ PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL EVENTS AT THIS FESTIVAL ARE NOW CANCELLED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS

9th 1pm Beethoven’s Violin Sonatas plus miniature companion pieces. Krysia Osostowicz and Daniel Tong. St John’s Old Divinity School. http://www.adcticketing.com

9th 7.30pm Magsoc Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. Dvorak, Bruch, Schubert. West Road Concert Hall. http://www.magsoc.net/tickets

9th 7.45pm Climate Change: What it means and what we can do about it. Speaker: Prof Joanna Haigh, CBE, FRS. Part of the Science meets Faith programme of talks. Free admission, retiring collection. Wesley Church, Christ’s Pieces.

10th 7 – 8.30pm Cafe Sci Cambridge. Obscure Crops to Save the World. Free event, non-ticketed. Espresso Library, East Road. FB: Obscure Crops To Save The World

10th 7.30 – 9pm Talk: Town vs Gown – social divides in Cambridgeshire antiquarian life. Mill Road History Society. Ross Street Community Centre, Ross Street. https://millroadhistory.org.uk/events/

12th 8pm Beethoven 250. Coriolan Overture, Piano Concerto No. 3, Symphony No. 2. St John’s College Chapel. FB: St John’s College Music Society

13th 8pm Musical Visions. Mendelssohn and Dvorak. Cambridge Graduate Orchestra. West Road Concert Hall. http://www.cambridgegraduateorchestra.com

13th 8pm March. A selection of marches, fanfares and theme tunes including Copland and Mendelssohn. The University of Cambridge Concert Band. St. Giles’ Church, CB3. Tickets on the door or from uccb.soc.srcf.net

14th 9am – 5.30pm The Rising Festival 2020. Celebrating International Women’s Day with interactive workshops, talks, 1-2-1 coaching, networking, performances, open conversations, Happy Hour and more. St Barnabas Church, Mill Road. http://www.eventbrite.co.uk PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL LATER THIS YEAR DUE TO CORONAVIRUS

14th 10am – 4pm Super Science Saturday – The Museum Takeover. Hands on activities, meet the researchers, discover more about the world of early dinosaurs. Free family drop in. Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, Downing Street. FB: Super Science Saturday – The Museum Takeover

14th 10am – 4.30pm Murder Will Out: A day of crime, thriller and mystery fiction. Heffers bring a selection of authors to the city for this day long crime event. The Old Library, Emmanuel College, St Andrew’s Street. Tickets from Heffers Bookshop or http://www.eventbrite.co.uk

14th 7.30pm Earth, Sea and Space. Back to the Future, Thunder and Lightning Polka, Apollo 13, Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001: A Space Odyssey) and more. Cambridge Concert Orchestra. A fundraiser in aid of the Motor Neuron Disease Association (Cambridgeshire branch). Wesley Methodist Church, Christ’s Pieces, CB1. Tickets on the door or email cambridge@mndassociation.org or c.i.george@icloud.com

14th 7.30pm St John’s Voices. Bach, Howells, Scarlatti. St John’s College Chapel. Tickets 01223 300085

14th 7.30pm Beethoven and Mozart. Cambridge Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus. West Road Concert Hall. http://www.cambridgephilharmonic.com

14th 7.30pm Cambs Frocktails. Meet and get to know other people who sew clothes. Cocktails, competitions and celebration of all things sewing. Wear your special me-made outfits. Clayton Hotel (formerly The Tamburlaine), CB1 https://cambsfrocktails.com/ PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO 17 OCTOBER 2020 DUE TO CORONAVIRUS

15th 11am and 2pm Science on Sundays: The mechanics of plant development. Part of a programme of free, informal, monthly drop-in plant science talks, bringing the latest discoveries in plant science to visitors in a 30 minute nutshell. Botanic Garden, Brookside. http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

15th 7.30pm Folk & Blues. Alistair and Ian Anderson, Black Fen Folk Club. NCI Club, Holland Street, CB4. http://www.blackfenfolkclub.com

16 – 27th Love Cambridge Restaurant Week. Discover different places to eat as some of the city’s best eateries offer set menus at £5, £10, £15 and £20. https://www.love-cambridge.com/restaurant-week/

19th 5 – 9pm LATE: Perceptions of Vision and Taste. See four exhibitions after hours plus there will be four special events on the night, three of which require pre-booking. Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street. https://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/calendar/whatson/late-perceptions-vision-and-taste

19th 7pm Voces 8 – Choral Dances. A celebration of choral music inspired by dance. Palestrina, Victoria, Rachmaninov, Britten. Trinity College Chapel. Tickets on the door or from http://www.CambridgeEarlyMusic.org

19th 7pm A Polar Pint. An evening of polar science talks over a pint! Panton Arms, Panton Street. http://www.pintofscience.co.uk/event/polar-pint-of-science-cambridge

21st 10am – 4.30pm CAMCRAFT Handmade Fair. 40 stalls of gorgeous handmade items. Free entry. Guildhall, Market Square

21st 11am – 4.30pm Cambridge Sustainable Fashion Festival. Stalls, a big Swish (clothes swap party), a free sewing Repair Cafe, learn how to recycle, reuse and create a capsule wardrobe plus pick up styling tips. St Barnabas Church, Mill Road. FB: Cambridge Sustainable Fashion Festival PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO CORONAVIRUS

21st 2 – 5.30pm Reading “Emma”. An intensive and exciting Study Day on this Jane Austen novel, with two lectures and a round-table seminar. Literature Cambridge. Stapleford Granary, CB22. https://www.literaturecambridge.co.uk/emma PLEASE NOTE THIS STUDY DAY HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS AND WILL BE REARRANGED FOR SEPTEMBER 2020 DATE TBC

21st 7 – 9pm Spring Equinox Mindfulness around the Campfire. Simple guided meditations, opportunities for reflection, discuss, poetry and games exploring our relationship with the natural world. Milton Country Park, CB24. https://mindfulness-of-nature.com/

21st 7.30pm The Crucifixion, Stainer. The Leys Choral Society. The Leys School Chapel, Fen Causeway. http://www.theleys.net/boxoffice PLEASE NOTE THIS CONCERT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS

21st 8pm New Cambridge Singers. Frank Martin Mass for double choir and Pergolesi Stabat Mater. Church of Our Lady and the English Martyrs, Hills Road. http://www.cambridgelive.org.uk

22nd 12 – 4pm Studio Sunday. Get creative with artists and education volunteers in a practical art making workshop. Free, drop in. Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street. http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk

22nd 7.30pm A Crowne of sharpest Thorns. Goodall and Purcell. Fairhaven Singers. Trinity College Chapel. http://www.fairhavensingers.org.uk

25th 7.30pm The Sixteen’s Choral Pilgrimage 2020. Allegri’s Miserere. St John’s College Chapel. http://www.thesixteen.com

25th 7.30pm True Stories Told Live. Cambridge storytellers and a musical turn. No need to book, just turn up a bit early to get a drink and find a seat. NCI Club, Holland Street, CB4. FB: True Stories Told Live Cambridge PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS

27 – 28th 4 – 11pm Eddington Beer Garden. A pop up with draft craft beers, gins, spirits, wines and soft drinks, food vans and live music. Free entry. Storey’s Field Centre, Eddington, CB3. You can pre-register at http://www.eventbrite.com

28th 2 – 6pm Board Games Afternoon. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. £2 per ticket. Cambridge Central Library, Lion Yard

28th 7.30 – 10.30pm Stand Up Comedy Night from Big Deal Comedy. 4 comedians and an MC, licensed bar selling alcoholic and soft drinks. Unit 1-4, The Grafton Centre, CB1. FB: Stand Up Comedy Night

29th 2.30 – 4pm A Musical Afternoon at the University Church. Haydn, Vivaldi, Boyce. The Academy of Great St Mary’s. Great St Mary’s Church, Senate House Hill. FB: A Musical Sunday Afternoon at the University Church

Snowdrops

What’s on in Cambridge – October 2019

Well here we are, it’s October already and the rhythm of the city is changing again as the students return. There’s so much happening in Cambridge this month … festivals of film, ideas, craft beer and gin, storytelling, fundraisers for local charities, art exhibitions, Diwali celebrations and lots more. So do take a look and come back too, as I’ll update this listing through the month.

Autumn colours on Trumpington Street, Cambridge — Autumn colours in Trumpington Street

1 – 12th 8am – 5pm Illuminating Cambridge Libraries. Exhibition of Sara Rawlinson’s photographs of College libraries. Michaelhouse Centre, Trinity Street, CB2. http://www.sararawlinson.com

1 – 31st 9am – 5pm weekdays. Black Cantabs: History Makers. Photography exhibition celebrating 260 years of Cambridge education for black Cambridge students and graduates from the 1700s to the 21st century. Fitzwilliam College, Storey’s Way, CB3

3 – 27th The Cambridge Show. Painting, photography, performance, sculpture and other media from 22 local artists. Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street. http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk

5th 10am – 1pm Family Saturdays – Brilliant Bats. Learn loads of bat facts and enjoy bat themed craft ready for Halloween. Free event. Botanic Garden, Brookside. http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

5th 10.30 – 11.15am Sharing Stories. A family friendly story telling session with stories from around the world told, read and sung. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Free, drop in. Milton Road Library, CB4. http://www.friendsofmiltonroadlibrary.org.uk

5th 11am – 1pm Toy Swap Shop. Also books (fiction/children) and clothes swap (women/children). Storey’s Field Centre, Eddington. http://www.atoyslifeandbeyond.org

5th 2.30pm Nearly New Sale of pre-loved parent and baby goods. Sports Centre, Cambridge Regional College, Kings Hedges Road. http://www.nctcambridge.org

7th 7.30 – 9pm LATE: Gallery Party. Celebrate the launch of a new season of programming on the theme of Sensual/Virtual. Music, cash bar and surprises on the night. Free event. Fitzwilliam Museum. http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

10th 7.30 – 9pm Miss Jebb revisits Mill Road. An evening of fact and fiction, drama and poetry as Eglantyne Jebb, founder of Save the Children and author of “Cambridge – A Brief Study in Social Questions (1906), takes us for a walk down Mill Road. Free event. Ross Street Community Centre, Ross Street. http://www.millroadhistory.org.uk

12th 10am 2019 Heffers Classics Forum. A day of talks from some of the top names in the world of Classics. The Old Library, Emmanuel College, St Andrew’s Street. http://www.eventbrite.co.uk

12th 10am – 3pm The Kenya Youth Project Autumn Fayre. Stalls, pictures, stationery, handcrafts, nearly new, books, jigsaws, toys, homemade jam and cakes, Kenyan gifts. Wesley Methodist Church, Christ’s Pieces. http://www.kenyayouthproject.org.uk

12th 10.30am – 2.30pm Nearly New and Used Book Sale. Milton Road Library, CB4

13th 12 noon – 4pm Studio Sunday. Artist led workshop for families. Free, drop in. Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street. http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk

13th 1.15 – 2pm Lunchtime Concert: Works for piano by female composers. Diana Brekalo presents music by Lily Boulanger, Fanny Mendelssohn, Clara Schumann and Countess Dora Pejacevic. Free. Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street. http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

13th 7.30pm Schumann: Overture – Genoveva, Piano Concerto in A minor, Symphony No 2 in C. Sinfonia of Cambridge. West Road Concert Hall. http://www.sinfoniaofcambridge.org.uk

14 – 27th Cambridge Festival of Ideas. Debates, workshops, talks, exhibitions and performances celebrating the arts, humanities and social sciences. This year’s theme is “Change”. Free. http://www.festivalofideas.cam.ac.uk

15th 7pm Fundraiser Evening for Cam Sight. Dining and music from CBT. The Three Horseshoes, Madingley. http://www.camsight.org.uk

16 – 19th The 2019 Cambridge Greek Play: Oedipus at Colonus by Sophocles. A modern day interpretation, performed in Ancient Greek with English surtitles. The tradition of performing a play in Greek every three years at Cambridge University goes back to 1882! Cambridge Arts Theatre, Peas Hill. http://www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

16th 7pm Cafe Sci Cambridge: The ethics of medical data sharing. Espresso Library, East Road. FB @cafescicambridge

17 – 24th Cambridge Film Festival. UK premieres of new features, classic retrospectives, insightful documentaries, short films, discovery titles from the global stage, family favourites and several international film festival winners. http://www.cambridgefilmfestival.org.uk

17 – 20th Eddington Craft Beer and Gin Festival. Local craft beers, flavourful gins, live music and food vans. Storey’s Field Centre, Eddington. http://www.eventbrite.com

17th 7pm Cambridge Breast Cancer Appeal Fashion Show. In aid of Addenbrooke’s Hospital Breast Cancer Appeal. Grand Arcade. http://www.cambridgebreastcancerappeal.com

18th 7.30pm Somersaults. Propulsive, joyous spontaneous music ranging from swinging free jazz to timbral and textural improvisations. Unitarian Church, Emmanuel Road. http://www.wegottickets.com/listencambridge

18 – 19th 7.30pm Dracula Part 1: Jonathan Harker’s Journal with Martin Prest in the haunting and atmospheric one man show adapted from Bram Stoker’s classic novel. The Leper Chapel, Newmarket Road. http://www.ThatsMyCueProductions.com

19th 10am – 4pm Cambridge Photography Show. For anyone who is passionate about photography and video. Free entry. Guildhall, Market Square. FB Cambridge Photography Show 2019

19th 10.30 – 11.15am Sharing Stories. A family friendly storytelling session with stories from around the world told, read and sung. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Free, drop in. Milton Road Library, CB4. http://www.friendsofmiltonroadlibrary.org.uk

19th 12 noon – 4pm WE ARE CAMBRIDGE Family Day. A fun, interactive day exploring what living in and around Cambridge means to you. Artist led workshops where you can create artwork inspired by Cambridge, your ideas of home and hopes for the future of the city. Plus a wildflower seed-bomb workshop inspired by the history and work of Alan Turing. Free, drop in. Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street. http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk

19th 2 – 5.30pm Literature Cambridge Study Day: An Introduction to Reading Poetry. Do you love poetry and would you like to understand it better? Accessible lectures and a seminar with leading young Cambridge scholars. Stapleford Granary, CB22. http://www.literaturecambridge.co.uk/read-poetry

19th 3 – 4pm Children’s Event: Author Isabel Thomas unlocks the life of Stephen Hawking with storytelling and activities. Free event. Heffers, Trinity Street. http://www.eventbrite.co.uk

19th 7.30pm Locked Opened! Stories from the underground railroad told by Sheila Arnold. Unitarian Church Hall, Emmanuel Road. http://www.cambridgestorytellers.com

19th 7.30pm Stargaze. Adams, Prokofiev and Dove. Cambridge Philharmonic Orchestra. West Road Concert Hall. Free pre concert talk at 6.45pm. http://www.cambridgephilharmonic.com

20th 10am – 4pm Apple Day. Apple tasting, identification, cultivation, activities and edibles. Free Garden seasonal highlight tours, live music, pop up food trucks and craft stalls. Botanic Garden, Brookside. http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

20th 10.30am – 4pm Cambridge Vegan Market. Food stalls, lifestyle brands, luxury cosmetics, ethical clothing, interesting charities and more. FB Cambridge Vegan Market

20th 1.15 – 2pm Lunchtime Concert: Music for harpsichord. Final concert of the complete Fitzwilliam Virginal Book, recital No. 30, performed by Francis Knights. Free. Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street. http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

20th 7 – 9.45pm Sakhya Diwali celebrations. A fundraiser evening of music, Indian food and Bollywood dancing. All proceeds go to grass-root education and development oriented projects in India. St Paul’s, Hills Road. Booking required. Email tickets.sakhya@gmail.com

20 – 26th 10am – 4pm Art Exhibition. Original paintings, drawing, prints and sculptures. Cambridge Drawing Society. The Leys School, Fen Causeway. http://www.cambridgedrawingsociety.org

26th 5 – 9pm Cambridge Mindful Pub Crawl. Low and no alcohol drinks at three venues with the first round on Adnams. Starting at The Castle Inn, Castle Street, CB3. Tickets from http://www.joinclubsoda.com

27th 12 – 4pm Studio Sunday. Artist led workshop for families. Free, drop in. Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street. http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk

27th 1.15 – 2pm Lunchtime Concert: Music for piano. George Harliono performs Chopin’s Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor. Free. Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street. http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

28th 7.45pm Centenary Lecture: Professor Dame Sally C Davies, Master of Trinity College, on being the UK’s Chief Medical Officer. Free admission, retiring collection. Wesley Methodist Church, Christ’s Pieces.

29th 7pm Graphene the new wonder material: But will it change the world? Fundraising lecture from Professor Sir Colin Humphreys, CBE, FREng, FRS Director of Research Dept of Materials Science and Metallurgy. In aid of Cam Sight. Dept of Material Sciences and Metallurgy, Charles Babbage Road, CB3. http://www.camsight.org.uk

Laxtons Superb apples — Fantastic harvest of Laxton’s Superb apples from our tree this year

What’s on in Cambridge – July 2019

I love summertime in Cambridge. The May Balls and graduation ceremonies are done now and as the students leave for the summer, the rhythm of the city seems to change. There’s plenty going on, as you will see from this listing which I’ll update as the month unfurls.

Tomatoes at Cambridge Market — Tons of tomatoes at Cambridge Market

1 – 14th Strawberries and Screen. Live screening of BBC coverage from Wimbledon on a giant LED screen between One The Square and The Tamburlaine Hotel. 100 chairs available. Bring your own picnic or buy from food vans (mainly available at lunchtimes). http://www.cambridgebid.co.uk/lovecambridge

3rd 6.15 – 7.15pm Sounds Green. Open air music. Afro Tema, a danceable mix of Senegalese salsa, furious mbalax, afro-rock and some serious roots reggae style music. Botanic Garden. Tickets must be bought in advance online. http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

4 – 7th Independents Week. Celebrating the independent business community in Cambridge with offers and events. http://www.cambridgebid.co.uk/independents-week-2019

4th 6 – 7.30pm Open Mic Night for local musicians and poets. A celebration of music and the spoken word. Free admission. Waterstones, Sidney Street. http://www.waterstones.com/bookshops/cambridge-sidney-str

5 – 7th The Big Weekend. Parker’s Piece. http://www.cambridgelive.org.uk/city-events/events/big-weekend

6 – 7th 11am – 6pm Cambridge Open Studios. Over 350 artists in and around Cambridge open their studio doors to the public. Fine art, photography, pottery, glass making, sculpture, illustration, textiles, jewellery and furniture. http://www.camopenstudios.co.uk Read more about last year’s Open Studios here

6th 10am – 1pm Family Saturdays: Drawing Plants. Free event. Botanic Garden. http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

6th 10am – 4pm Eco Living Festival Cambridge. Talks, workshops and masterclasses. Lion Yard Shopping Centre. http://www.cambridgeecolivingfestival.uk Read more about Eco Living Festival Cambridge here

6th 2 – 4pm Family First Saturday. Activities and art-making on the theme of “caring for our museum”. Free, drop in event. Fitzwilliam Museum. http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

6th 7.30pm Charity Concert supporting Cambridge Summit on Homelessness. Mawson Road Community Orchestra with classical pieces, a cappella from “Sound Scribblers” and traditional music from Greece, Russia, Romania, Macedonia, Scotland and Ireland plus an Auction of Promises. Tickets on the door. St Paul’s Church, Hills Road. http://www.mrco-cambridge.org.uk

8th onwards Cambridge Shakespeare Festival. Productions performed in College gardens, in full period costume and with live Elizabethan music. http://www.cambridgeshakespeare.com Read more about last year’s Cambridge Shakespeare Festival here

9th 7.30 – 9pm Talk: Swimming in Cambridge. Mill Road History Society. Ross Street Community Centre, CB1. http://www.millroadhistory.org.uk/events

10th 6.15 – 7.15pm Sounds Green. Open air music. Martin Kemp’s Organised Chaos. Swing and jazz standards from 1930s to present. Botanic Garden. Tickets must be bought in advance online. http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

11th 7.30pm Alex Hitchcock Quintet. CUC Wine Bar, Granta Place. http://www.cambridgejazz.org

13 – 14th 11am – 6pm Cambridge Open Studios. Over 350 artists in and around Cambridge open their studio doors to the public. Fine art, photography, pottery, glass making, sculpture, illustration, textiles, jewellery and furniture. http://www.camopenstudios.co.uk Read more about last year’s Open Studios here

13 – 21st Cambridge Veg Fest. A city-wide celebration of local and seasonal vegetables, bringing people together to grow, cook, eat and enjoy delicious veg. http://www.cambridgesustainablefood.org

13 – 27th Cambridge Summer Music Festival. Live classical music, focusing this year on music by women composers and music by – and inspired by – J S Bach. www.cambridgesummermusic.com

13th 12 – 5pm Castle Hill Open Day 2019. Art, music, history, tours, talks and food. Free event. http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk/events/castle-hill-2019

13th 4.30pm (child friendly) and 7.30pm Music for a summer’s evening. Fairhaven Singers. Strawberries and sparkling wine (included in ticket price) will be served on the banks of the Cam during the interval of the evening performance. Queens’ College Chapel. http://www.fairhavensingers.org.uk

14th 11am and 2pm Science on Sundays: Stop and smell the … pollination! Free, informal 30 minute drop in plant science talk. Botanic Garden. http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

15 – 17th 10am – 5pm Visitor Centre Open Days and Launch of Museum on a Bike. David Parr House, 184 Gwydir Street. Facebook: @davidparrhouse Read more about David Parr House here

17th 6.15 – 7.15pm Sounds Green. Open air music. Truly Medley Deeply. A hybrid of live band, DJ and jukebox producing a huge sound from Motown classics to stadium rock. Botanic Garden. Tickets must be bought in advance online. http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

20 – 21st 11am – 6pm Cambridge Open Studios. Over 350 artists in and around Cambridge open their studio doors to the public. Fine art, photography, pottery, glass making, sculpture, illustration, textiles, jewellery and furniture. http://www.camopenstudios.co.uk Read more about last year’s Open Studios here

21st 9am – 2pm Mill Road Summer Car Boot Sale. Gwydir Street Car Park.

21st 12 – 4pm Studio Sunday. Artist led workshop for families. Free, drop in. Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street. http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk

21st 3 – 5pm Jazz and Brass in the Parks. Soham Comrades. Nightingale Rec. http://www.cambridgelive.org.uk

24th 6.15 – 7.15pm Sounds Green. Open air music. Noga Ritter. Singer-songwriter and band performing Afro grooves and jazz. Botanic Garden. Tickets must be bought in advance online. http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

25th 6pm Summer Night Market and Open Air Cinema (Incredible 2/The School of Rock). Market Square. Free event. http://www.cambridgebid.co.uk/open-air-cinema-night-market

27 – 28th 11am – 6pm Cambridge Open Studios. Over 350 artists in and around Cambridge open their studio doors to the public. Fine art, photography, pottery, glass making, sculpture, illustration, textiles, jewellery and furniture. http://www.camopenstudios.co.uk Read more about last year’s Open Studios here

31st 6.15 – 7.15pm Sounds Green. Open air music. Singer-pianist Ruth Applin with the Josh Kemp Quartet playing classic jazz, blues and bossa nova. Botanic Garden. Tickets must be bought in advance online. http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

Sweet peas on my desk — Sweet peas from the garden on my desk

Podcast: What’s on in Cambridge, June 2019

I made a podcast! I’ve been thinking about doing this for a while but it’s all very new to me and I’m still getting to grips with the technology …..

In this episode, I’m talking about art, music, celebrations and outdoor swimming in Cambridge.

You can find this podcast episode on Spotify and on the main podcast listening platforms. Just search for New in Cambridge.

Please have a listen and do get in touch through my Contact page if you’d like to suggest topics for future podcasts.

cropped-20180625_105259 — King’s College, Cambridge

What’s on in Cambridge – June

Well, Summer has arrived here in Cambridge and there’s loads happening in June …. outdoor celebrations as well as indoor activities, many of them free, for those rainy days (hopefully there won’t be too many of those!), lots of music, something for foodies and scientists, in fact something for everybody. I’ll update this listing as the month unfolds so please do get in touch through my Contact page if you know of an event that I can list here.

Midsummer Common Cambridge — Midsummer Common bathed in sunshine

1st 10am – 1pm Family Saturdays – Messy Mud. Get messy with mud, make mud pies and have a go at mud painting. Free event. Botanic Garden. http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

1st 10.30am – 11pm Strawberry Fair. Popular volunteer run music and arts event on Midsummer Common. Free entry. http://www.strawberry-fair.org.uk

1st 2 – 4pm Family First Saturday. Activities and art making on the theme of “dazzling doodles”. Free, drop in. http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

1 – 2nd 12 – 4pm Drop in drawing activities for all ages and abilities. Free, no booking required. Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street. http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk

2nd 5.30pm Songs of Song. Ancient songs in praise of music, from the British Isles c.600 – 1200. Two voiced harmonies to harp and lyre. The Round Church. http://www.cambridgelive.org.uk

7th Museum of Technology reopens. Cheddars Lane. http://www.museumoftechnology.com Read more about the Museum of Technology here

8 – 9th 10am – 5pm Cambridge Town and Country Fair. Parker’s Piece. Free entry. http://www.oakleighfairs.co.uk

8 – 9th 11am – 5pm Open Garden at 49 New Square, CB1. Free entry and refreshments. All proceeds to Red Balloon Learner Centres.

8th 10.30am – 1.30pm Flower Crown Workshop. Make your own flower crown. Includes refreshments, an out-of-hours visit to the House and all materials. Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street. http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk

8th 11am – 5pm Arbury Carnival. Procession at 12 noon, leaving from Armitage Way. http://www.arburycarnival.org

8th 11am – 8pm Cambridge Pride. Jesus Green. Parade starts from Jesus Lock at 11am. FB: Cambridge Pride 2019

8th 1pm Membra Jesu Nostri. Buxtehude. Erasmus Chamber Choir and Ensemble. St Clement’s Church, Bridge Street. Free entry, retiring collection.

9th 11am and 2pm Science on Sundays. Plant genetics from Mendel to Monsanto. Free, informal, drop in monthly plant science talk (30 minutes). Botanic Garden, Brookside. http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

14th 7.30pm The Hague String Trio. Schubert, Beethoven, Krasa and Klein. The Auditorium, Gonville & Caius College. Tickets on the door. http://www.thehaguestringtrio.com

15th 10am – 4pm Eddington Discovery Day. Free fun activities and games plus a Soup Disco. Market Square and Storey’s Field Centre, Eddington. http://www.eddington-cambridge.co.uk

16th 3 – 5pm Jazz and Brass in the Parks. Cambridge Groove Orchestra and Cambridge Jazz Festival Choir. Jesus Green. http://www.cambridgelive.org.uk

18th 7.30pm – 10pm Music: Na-Mara. Folk duo Na-Mara tell the story of the “Basque Children” through words and music. Mill Road History Society. Old School Hall, St Barnabas Church, Mill Road. http://www.cambridgefolkclub.co.uk

19th 7.30pm True Stories Told Live. NCI Club, Holland Street. FB: @cambridgetruestories Read more about True Stories Told Live here

20 – 23rd Wimpole History Festival. A weekend of history and heritage for the whole family with talks, debates, book signings, performances, historical walking tours, workshops, activities and events. Wimpole Estate. http://www.wimpolehistoryfestival.com

21st 6pm Summer Night Market and Open Air Cinema (Peter Rabbit/Mamma Mia Here We Go Again). Free event. http://www.cambridgebid.co.uk/open-air-cinema-night-market

21 – 28th Chesterton Festival, including Community Fun Day (22nd). http://www.chestertonfestival.wordpress.com Read more about last year’s Festival here

22nd 10am – 4.30pm Zoology Live! Live animals, hands on activities and expert lightning talks for all ages. Free, drop in. Museum of Zoology, Downing Street. http://www.museum.zoo.cam.ac.uk

22nd 7.30pm Coronation Anthems. Handel, Boyce and Blow. Collegium Laureatum. West Road Concert Hall. tickets@collegium.org.uk

23rd 3 – 5pm Jazz and Brass in the Parks. Cambridgeshire Youth Jazz Orchestra. Jesus Green. http://www.cambridgelive.org.uk

23rd 6 – 7pm In Good Company. Music for a summer evening, with traditional and classical pieces. The Lucy Cavendish Singers. Sidney Sussex College Chapel. All proceeds support the work of Cambridge City Foodbank. http://www.lucycavendishsingers.org.uk Read more about Cambridge City Foodbank here

23rd 7.30pm Singing on the River. A selection of madrigals, part-song and close-harmony from The King’s Men. Back Court, King’s College. Bring a picnic! Tickets from shop@kings.cam.ac.uk or 01223 769340. http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/events/concerts-at-kings

24th 7.30pm A Midsummer’s Day Concert of Georgian Song. Chela and Buska, the Cambridge Georgian choirs. Emmanuel United Reformed Church, Trumpington Street. Free entry with retiring collection. Tickets from chelatickets@gmail.com. http://www.georgianchoircambridge.wordpress.com

28 – 30th Foodies Festival, Parker’s Piece. http://www.foodiesfestival.com/cambridge

Chestnut tree at King's College Cambridge — The chestnut tree at King’s College is 160 years old!

What’s on in Cambridge – March

Crocuses by the River Cam, Cambridge — Crocuses by the River Cam

Well, Spring is definitely in the air and there’s lots happening in the city this month – in particular there are some wonderful concerts to enjoy. I’ll update this listing through the month so if you know of an event that could be included, please let me know through my Contact page.

4 – 16th 8am – 5pm Spring Exhibition. Quy Art Group. Work by six local artists in a variety of media. Michaelhouse Cafe, Trinity Street. Closed Sundays.

5, 12 and 19th 7pm Meditation and Emotional Intelligence. Michaelhouse, Trinity Street. cambridge.cea@gmail.com

7 – 10th Watersprite International Student Film Festival. http://www.watersprite.org.uk Read more about Watersprite here and here

7th 6.45pm Parasitic Plants: a question of degree. Cambridge Natural History Society. David Attenborough Building, New Museums Site, Pembroke Street http://www.cnhs.org.uk

7th 7pm Cam Lates: Pacific Late. Museum of Archeology and Anthropology. Facebook:@cambridgeuniversitymuseums Read more about Cam Lates here

8th (until 22nd April) Hannah Kemp-Welch: Hyperlocal Radio. The 2018 Open House artist-in-residence shares the process and outcome of her year-long residency with North Cambridge communities. Kettle’s Yard. http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk Read more about Kettle’s Yard here

8th 6 – 9pm LATE at Kettle’s Yard. http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk Read more about LATE at Kettle’s Yard here

8th 8pm New Worlds, New Voices. Sims-Williams, Strauss, Dvorak. Cambridge Graduate Orchestra. West Road Concert Hall. http://www.cambridgegraduateorchestra.com

8th 8pm International Women’s Day Concert. Part of the Cambridge Female Composers Festival. Trinity College Chapel. http://www.cambridgefemalecomposers.com/events

9th 10am – 4pm Cambridge Vintage Kilo Sale. St Paul’s, Hills Road. Facebook: Cambridge Vintage Kilo Sale

9th 6pm Sisters, Saints and Sirens. A blend of cabaret, Latin American, classical and opera. The Lucy Cavendish Singers. Emmanuel United Reformed Church. http://www.lucycavendishsingers.org.uk

9th 7.30pm Liszt and Debussy: The Composer as Narrator. Clare Hall Intimate Engagements. Book through music@clarehall.cam.ac.uk

9th 8pm Choral Favourites Concert. Vivaldi, Handel, Faure, Parry and more. Trinity Singers. Trinity College Chapel. http://www.tcms.org.uk/the-trinity-singers. Tickets on the door.

10th 2 – 4pm Motherhood, Makers and Female Artists. Kettle’s Yard. http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk

10th 7.30pm Black Fen Folk Club presents Saul Bailey and Megan Wisdom. NCI Club, Holland Street. http://www.wegottickets.com/event/456079

10th 8pm King’s Voices Lent Concert. Mosolov, Mozart, Greening, Willcocks. King’s College Chapel. http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk

11 – 24th Cambridge Science Festival. http://www.sciencefestival.cam.ac.uk Read more about the Science Festival here

12th 7.30 – 9pm Talk: Ginger Beer and Silicon Chips. The curious tale of a building in Willis Road. Mill Road History Society. Ross Street Community Centre http://www.millroadhistory.org.uk

13 – 23rd 7.45pm (some matinees) Legally Blonde, The Musical. ADC Theatre. http://www.adctheatre.com

14th 8pm John Rutter with the Orchestra and Choir of Clare College Music Society. Butterworth, Grieg, Rutter. West Road Concert Hall. http://www.adcticketing.com

16th 2 – 5.30pm Study Day: Understanding Macbeth. Literature Cambridge. Stapleford Granary, CB22. http://www.literaturecambridge.co.uk Read more about Literature Cambridge here

16th 5.30pm Foundation Concert. Bruckner and Elgar. Members of King’s College Choir (past and present) and Cambridge University Orchestra, conducted by Stephen Cleobury, King’s College Chapel. http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk

16th 7.30pm Mass in B Minor, Bach. New Cambridge Singers with the Cambridge Baroque Camerata. St John’s College Chapel. http://www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

16th 7.30pm The Seasons, Haydn. Cambridge Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus. West Road Concert Hall. http://www.cambridgephilharmonic.com

17th 10am – 5pm “What A Nerve”. Contemporary art exhibition and talk series exploring all aspects of living with Multiple Sclerosis. Cambridge Union Society Debating Chamber, Bridge Street. Free, fully accessible. http://www.sciencefestival.cam.ac.uk/events/what-nerve

19th 7pm Sing Joyfully. Voces 8. Trinity College Chapel. http://www.CambridgeEarlyMusic.org

23rd 2.30 – 4pm NCT Cambridge Nearly New Sale. Cambridge Regional College, CB4. Facebook: @NctCambridgeNNS

23rd 7.30pm Faure Requiem, Cantique de Jean Racine and Ave Verum. The Leys Choral Society. The Leys School Chapel, Trumpington Street. Tickets from http://www.theleys.net/boxoffice

23 – 30th 10am – 5.30pm Art Exhibition, Cambridge Drawing Society. Original paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures. Pitt Building, Trumpington Street. Free admission. http://www.cambridgedrawingsociety.org

24th 3.30pm Sounds of Spring. Vocal concert, fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support, followed by tea and cake. Lee Hall, Wolfson College. mjh64@cam.ac.uk

30 – 31st 10am Cambridge Home and Garden Show. The Guildhall, Market Hill. http://www.camhomeshow.com Read more about the Show here

30th 7.30pm St John Passion, Bach. Collegium Laureatum. West Road Concert Hall. tickets@collegium.org.uk

What’s on in Cambridge – January

Well, a new year has dawned and at the time of writing, things are pretty quiet in the city as life slowly resumes after the festive break. Here’s the listing for January and I’ll add to it as I discover more events – please do get in touch if you are involved in something that could be included.

5th 10am – 1pm Family Saturday – Crazy Cone Creations. Use twigs, paint and wire to make crazy cone works of art. Botanic Garden. Free event. http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

5th 2 – 4pm Family First Saturday. Fun activities and art making for all the family on the theme “Start with Art”. Fitzwilliam Museum. Free, drop in. http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

6th 12 noon – 4pm Studio Sunday. Artist led workshop for families. Kettle’s Yard. Free, drop in. http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk Read more about Kettle’s Yard here

7th 7.30pm A Georgian Christmas Wassail with Chela and Buska, the Cambridge Georgian choirs. Jesus College Chapel. Free entry. Reserve seats at chelatickets@gmail.com

8th Whistler & Nature exhibition opens, running until 17th March. Fitzwilliam Museum. http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

14th 7.45pm Light to the World – Experiences of a Veterinary Opthalmologist. Speaker: Dr David Williams, Dept of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge. Part of the monthly Science meets Faith series. Wesley Church, Christ’s Pieces.

16 – 19th My Fair Lady. Cambridge Operatic Society. Cambridge Arts Theatre. http://www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

17th 8pm Tori Freestone Trio. Cambridge Modern Jazz. Hidden Rooms, Jesus Lane. http://www.cambridgejazz.org

19th 2pm The Big Sing 2019. Faure Requiem. Join The New Cambridge Singers and hundreds of other singers. Rehearsal 2 – 4.30pm, performance 6pm. Great St Mary’s Church. http://www.newcambridgesingers.org.uk

19th 7.30pm Sinfonia Cambridge. Tchaikovsky, Humperdinck, Brahms. West Road Concert Hall. http://www.adcticketing.com

19th 8pm War Requiem, Britten. Choirs of Clare, Jesus, Selwyn and Trinity Colleges with choristers of Jesus and St Catherine’s College choirs and Cambridge University Chamber Choir. King’s College Chapel. Tickets from shop.kings.cam.ac.uk or on the door.

20th 12 noon – 4pm Studio Sunday. Artist led workshop for families. Kettle’s Yard. Free, drop in. http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk Read more about Kettle’s Yard here

21 – 27th 10am – 5pm Cambridge Winter Exhibition. Islamic art, culture, heritage and civilisation. Cambridge Library, 3rd Floor, Lion Yard.

24th 7.30pm Poetry at the Pub. Six published and prize winning local poets read their work, open mic floor spots and books for sale. The Blue Moon pub, Norfolk Street, CB1. http://www.cb1poetry.org.uk

24th 7.30pm An Evening with Sophie Hannah, presented by Literature Cambridge. Stapleford Granary, CB22. www.staplefordgranary.org.uk Read more about Literature Cambridge here

25th 8pm Burns Night Ceilidh in aid of Friends of Freetown. Emmanuel URC Church, CB2. Tickets on the door or from http://www.friendsoffreetown.org.uk/burnsnight

26th 2pm WONDER New You sober social. Yoga and Gong Bath, alcohol free drinks, vegan food, comedy and music. Cambridge University Centre, Granta Place. http://www.wonderfestival.co.uk Read more about WONDER here

26th 2pm and 4pm The Mouse Who Jumped. A musical adventure for adults and children. Family concert suitable for age 5+. Come dressed as a Carnival Creature! Cambridge Philharmonic. West Road Concert Hall. http://www.cambridgephilharmonic.com

27th 10.30am – 4pm Cambridge Vegan Market. Vegan food and drinks, ethical clothing and charities plus ethically produced cosmetics. The Guildhall, Market Square. http://www.veganmarkets.co.uk/cambridge Read more about last year’s Vegan Market here

27th 3 – 4.30pm Holocaust Memorial Day Civic Ceremony Cambridge 2019, “Torn from Home”. Great St Mary’s Church. http://www.creatingmycambridge.com/events

30th 6 – 9pm Zoology Late: Winter Escape! Arts and crafts, the science of animal migration and cocktails. Museum of Zoology, Downing Street. Age 18+. Free, no need to book. http://www.museum.zoo.cam.ac.uk/events

What’s on in Cambridge – December 2018

There’s so much wonderful stuff going on in the city this month. On this listing, you’ll find carol concerts, Christmas music, ballet, pantomime, Dickens and more! Please get in touch if you know of other events that I can include here.

Holly wreath

1 – 9th 10 – 4pm Anglian Pottery Christmas Selling Exhibition. All Saints’ Church, Jesus Lane. Free entry. http://www.anglianpotters.org.uk

1st 10.30 – 4.30pm Mill Road Winter Fair. Facebook: Mill Road Winter Fair 2018 Read more about last year’s Mill Road Winter Fair here

1st Cambridge Made Christmas Fair. St Andrew’s Street Baptist Church, CB2. Facebook: Cambridge Made Christmas Fair 2018 Read more about Cambridge Made and last year’s Christmas Fair here

1st 7.30pm Christmas Oratorio, JS Bach. Clare College Choir and The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Trinity College Chapel. http://www.adcticketing.com

1st 7.30pm Messiah. Handel. St John’s Voices and Cambridge Baroque Camerata. St John’s College Chapel. http://www.adcticketing.com

1st Dec – 6 Jan Aladdin. Cambridge Arts Theatre. http://www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

2nd 5.30pm Candlelit Service of music and readings for Advent. Great St Mary’s Church http://www.gsm.cam.ac.uk

4th 7.30pm “The Story of a Disappearance and an Appearance.” Cambridge ghost stories for Christmas with Robert Lloyd Parry of Nunkie Productions. Cambridge Museum of Technology, Cheddars Lane, CB5. http://www.museumoftechnology.com http://www.nunkie.co.uk

5th 5 – 8pm Rowan Winter Warmer. http://www.rowanhumberstone.co.uk Read more about Rowan, their Winter Warmer and the upcoming “Cambridge Seen” art exhibition here

5 – 31st Snow White. Cambridge Junction. http://www.junction.co.uk

7 – 8th 7.30pm A Christmas Carol. Adapted and performed by Martin Prest. The Leper Chapel, Newmarket Road, CB5. http://www.adcticketing.com

8th 3pm In Dulci Jubilo. Erasmus Chamber Choir and Ensemble. Bach, Buxtehude and Bellis. Choral preludes, motets and carols for Advent and Christmas. St Columba’s Church, Downing Street. Free entry.

8th 7pm Messiah by candlelight. Handel. Eboracum Baroque. Great St Mary’s Church. In aid of Cancer Research. http://www.eboracumbaroque.co.uk

8th 7.30pm Bernstein on Broadway. Cambridge Philharmonic. West Road Concert Hall http://www.cambridgephilharmonic.com

8th 8pm Music for Advent and Christmas. Music by Parsons, Darke and Dove and carols for audience participation. Fairhaven Singers. Trinity College Chapel. http://www.fairhavensingers.org.uk

10th 7.30pm Mr Charles Dickens presents A Christmas Carol. Mumford Theatre, Anglia Ruskin University, East Road. http://www.anglia.ac.uk/mumfordtheatre

11th 7.30pm O Holy Night. Seasonal music, festive favourites and Christmas carols. Choir of Jesus College. Jesus College Chapel. http://www.adcticketing.com

11th 7.45pm The Soldier by Rachel Wagstaff. A play based on the life of Rupert Brooke. In support of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Orchard Tea Garden, Grantchester. http://www.meshtheatre.com/tickets.html

12th 5 – 8pm Fairtrade Christmas gift shopping evening. Cafe Abantu, Hobson Street. Ethical shopping with complimentary mulled wine and mince pies. Read more about Cafe Abantu here

12th 8pm A Ceremony of Carols. Seasonal music for choir and harp. Britten, Rutter, Warlock and others. Traditional carols and contemporary settings. Granta Chorale. Corpus Christi College Chapel. Raising money for Jimmy’s Night Shelter. http://www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

13 – 15th The Nutcracker. Ballet Central. Adapted 45 minute performance. ADC Theatre http://www.adctheatre.com Read more about this production of The Nutcracker here

15th 11am – 12 noon Jingle All The Way. Christmas carols, songs and fun for all the family. Cambridge Chorale. Great St Mary’s Church. Tickets from http://www.adcticketing.com or on the door.

15th 3pm and 4pm Carol Services at Michaelhouse, Trinity Street. http://www.gsm.cam.ac.uk

15th 5pm Welcome All Wonders. Cantata for choir, organ and trumpet, celebrating the Christmas story. Cambridge Chorale. Great St Mary’s Church. Tickets from http://www.adcticketing.com or on the door.

15th 7.30pm Amahl and the Night Visitors (Menotti) and A Ceremony of Carols (Britten). New Cambridge Singers. Church of St John the Evangelist, Hills Road. http://www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

16th 3.30pm and 5.30pm Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Prime Brass with Junior Prime Brass and choirs. West Road Concert Hall. http://www.adcticketing.com

18 – 22nd Peter Pan. Cambridge Theatre Company. Great Hall at The Leys, CB2. http://www.cambridgelivetrust/tickets

18 – 23rd 3pm Nine Lessons and Images. A Christmas Tour of the Fitzwilliam Museum. http://www.eventbrite.co.uk (tickets at 9 Images) or email roblloydparry@hotmail.com. 50% of all ticket sales goes to Wintercomfort.

20th 6.30pm Chesterton Community Carols. Carols with brass band, refreshments and High Wired Circus performing a festive show. St Andrew’s Church, Chesterton. Free entry, collection for Wintercomfort.

23rd 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight. Great St Mary’s Church http://www.gsm.cam.ac.uk

29 – 31st and 1 Jan The Nutcracker/Swan Lake. St Petersburg Classic Ballet. Cambridge Corn Exchange http://www.cornex.co.uk

What’s on in November

As the nights draw in and the leaves crunch under our feet, it’s another busy month here in Cambridge. This what’s on listing for November is by no means exhaustive but you’ll find an eclectic mix of events that have come to my attention. Please get in touch through my Contact page if you know of an event that I can add in. And I’ll try to update through the month, so do check back when you can.

Autumn morning on Midsummer Common Cambridge — Autumn morning on Midsummer Common, image by Harriet Kelsall

1st 6pm Parisian Women and the Nazi Occupation, uncovering their lives and their relationships. Part of the Liberation Literature Lecture Series. The Auditorium, Robinson College. Booking essential. http://www.clarehall.cam.ac.uk

2nd 7.30pm Michaelmas Concert. Vaughan Williams, Stanford and Beethoven. Clare College Music Society. West Road Concert Hall, CB3

3rd Remembering the First World War. Literature Cambridge Study Day. Stapleford Granary, CB22 5BP http://www.literaturecambridge.co.uk Read more about Literature Cambridge here

3rd 1pm Voices and Viols, Laments of the Renaissance. Carissimi, Gibbons, Weelkes and Byrd. Erasmus Chamber Choir with Cambridge University Consort of Viols. St. Clements Church, Bridge Street, CB2

6th Translation as Music, Music as Translation. Part of Women, Languages and Translation in the Italian Tradition Conference. Talk 4.50 – 5.30pm. Concert 6 – 7pm Bach, Chopin and Brahms. Clare College. Advance registration required on womenandtranslation2018@gmail.com

7th 5 – 9pm Late at the Fitzwilliam: Feminist Takeover. Fitzwilliam Museum http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/calendar/events

9th (until 12th Dec) 10am – 6pm Metamorphoses & Other Prints, an exhibition of art works by David Brown. http://www.clarehall.cam.ac.uk

9 – 10th Cambridge Festival of Ukrainian Film. Winstanley Theatre, Trinity College. http://www.CambridgeUkrainianStudies.org

9th 7pm West Road Remembers, a remembrance concert. West Road Concert Hall, CB3

10th 3pm History of Tango. Talk and dance demonstration by Cambridge Tango Academy. St Paul’s Church, Hills Road, CB2. http://www.cambridgelivetickets.co.uk

10th 3.15pm O Nata Lux. London Oriana Choir. Monteverdi, Vaughan-Williams, Britten, Andrew, Hagan and Dale. Queens’ College Chapel. Free entry. http://www.londonoriana.com

10th 7.30pm Pujol Plays Tango. St Paul’s Church, Hills Road, CB2. http://www.pujolcambridge.com

10th 7.30pm A Farewell to Arms, an evening of music to reflect on war and peace. Fairhaven Singers. Queens’ College Chapel. http://www.fairhavensingers.org.uk

10th 8pm The Seraphin Chamber Orchestra. Mahler and Schubert. Emmanuel United Reformed Church, CB2 http://www.seraphinchamberorchestra.com

11th 8.30pm An evening of new choral and orchestral music to commemorate the WW1 armistice centenary. The Phoenix Choir and The Phoenix Ensemble. Great St Mary’s Church, CB2. http://www.adcticketing.com/armistice or tickets on the door

12th 7.45pm Science meets Faith: Issues concerning palliative and end of life care. Dr Stephen Barclay. Wesley Church, CB1

13 – 27th Cambridge International Jazz Festival http://www.cambridgejazzfestival.info

14 – 17th Cambridge Beer Festival. University Social Club, Mill Lane, CB2 http://www.cambridgebeerfestival.com

14 – 26th Cambridge Music Festival http://www.cambridgemusicfestival.co.uk

16th 7.30pm A Courtly Garland. Orpheus Britannicus. Grossi, Handel, Finger and Torelli. Trinity Hall, CB2 http://www.trinhall.cam.ac.uk/news-events/events

17th The North Pole Ice Rink opens. Parker’s Piece, CB1. http://www.thenorthpolecambridge.co.uk

17th 11am – 4.30pm Sustainable Fashion Festival. St Barnabas Church, Mill Road, CB1 http://www.circularcambridge.org/fashion. Read more here

17th 8pm Trinity Singers Concert. Rossini’s Petite Messe Solonnelle. Trinity College Chapel.

17th 7.30pm Raise your Voices Cambridge. A variety of musical styles and songs, raising money for Church Urban Fund. Great St Mary’s Church, CB2 http://www.raiseyourvoices.org.uk

18th 11am – 4pm Naomi Davies Art Winter Open Studio. Cake, carols, cards, gifts and paintings. 151 Hobart Road, CB1 http://naomidaviesart.co.uk/winter-open-studio-on-18-november/

18th 5pm Christmas Lights Switch On. Market Square, CB1

23 – 25th Cambridge Literary Festival http://www.cambridgeliteraryfestival.com

24th 8pm Enchantment and Passion. Delibes, Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky and Khachaturian. Cambridge Graduate Orchestra. West Road Concert Hall, CB3. http://www.cambridgegraduateorchestra.com

29th – 1st Dec Cambridge Made Christmas Fair. St Andrew’s Street Baptist Church, CB2 Facebook: Cambridge Made Christmas Fair 2018 Read more about Cambridge Made and last year’s Christmas Fair here

30th 6 – 8pm Pots for Poverty. Charity sale raising funds for Jimmy’s Night Shelter. The Locker Cafe, King Street, CB1. Read more about last year’s Pots for Poverty here

30th 6 – 9pm Late at Kettle’s Yard. Kettle’s Yard, CB3. http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk/events/late-at-kettles-yard

Autumn colour in Trumpington Street Cambridge — Autumn colour on Trumpington Street

What’s on in October

Well, Cambridge feels a little bit different now ….. there’s a nip in the morning air, the evenings are drawing in and the rhythm of the city changes as the students return. There’s plenty going on and I’ll update this listing through the month so do check back when you can.

5th 8pm Fresher Brass. A “Meet and Greet” concert with the City of Cambridge Brass Band. St Giles Church, Castle Street, CB3. Free entry.

6th 7.30pm The Fishermen. Mumford Theatre, Anglia Ruskin University, East Road, CB1. http://www.anglia.ac.uk

7th 10.30am – 4pm Cambridge Vegan Market. Guildhall, Market Square. http://www.vegfest.co.uk

7th 2 – 4pm/5 – 7pm Cambridge Wine Fair. Royal Cambridge Hotel, Trumpington Street, CB2. Meet local independent wine merchants. http://www.cambridgewinefair.com

8th 7.45pm Climate Change: A Scientific Update. Speaker: Dr Emily Shuckburgh OBE. Part of the Science meets Faith series. Wesley Church, Christ’s Pieces, CB1. Free admission.

15 – 18th Cambridge Festival of Ideas http://www.festivalofideas.cam.ac.uk Read more here

15th 7pm Oompah Brass. The Leys School, Fen Causeway, CB2. http://www.theleys.net/boxoffice

18th 7pm Cambridge Breast Cancer Appeal Fashion Show. Grand Arcade, St Andrew’s Street, CB2. Tickets include welcome drink and canapes. http://www.cambridgebreastcancerappeal.com Read more here

19th 8pm The Choral Pilgrimage 2018. Music by Cornysh and Britten. The Sixteen. St John’s College Chapel. http://www.thesixteen.com

20th 11am – 4pm Volunteer for Cambridge. Free showcase for the diversity of volunteering opportunities in the city with around 90 organisations attending. Guildhall, Market Square, CB2. http://www.cambridge.gov.uk/volunteer-for-cambridge

20th 2 – 5.30pm Understanding King Lear. Study Day with Literature Cambridge. Stapleford Granary, Stapleford, CB22. http://www.literaturecambridge.co.uk/lear/ Read more here

20th 7.30pm Let there be Light. Charity concert for CBM UK, the overseas disability charity, showcasing local musicians and voices. St Paul’s Church, Hills Road, CB2. http://www.ticketsource.co.uk

21st 10am – 4pm Apple Day. Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Brookside, CB2. http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk Read more here

22nd 1 – 3pm The Fitzwilliam Museum. Disability friendly opening. A relaxed afternoon aimed at children with sensory sensitivities along with their families, siblings and carers. Free entry but please book in advance. Trumpington Street, CB2. http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

23rd 11am – 5pm Tues – Sun. Richard Pousette-Dart: Beginnings. Abstract Expressionist. This exhibition runs until 6 January 2019. http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk

24th 7 – 10pm Plague Late. Part of the Cam Lates season. Get up close and personal with the past and present of the Plague. Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Downing Street, CB2. Book in advance. http://www.museums.cam.ac.uk

24 – 27th 7.30pm plus two matinees at 2.30pm. West Side Story. Cambridge Theatre Company. The Leys School, Fen Causeway, CB2. http://www.camtheatrecompany.co.uk

25 – 1 Nov Cambridge Film Festival. http://www.cambridgefilmfestival.org.uk Read more here

26th 9.30am – 12.30pm Kids’ Repair Cafe. Fixing children’s games and toys. Arts Picturehouse, St Andrew’s Street, CB2. http://www.cambridgecarbonfootprint.org Read more here

26 – 28th 7.30pm Ghost Stories for Halloween. The Leper Chapel, Newmarket Road, CB5. http://www.nunkie.co.uk

28th 1pm Cambridge Halloween Dog Parade. Facebook: Cambridge Halloween Dog Parade Read more here