What’s on in Cambridge – September 2019

September always feels to me like a time of new beginnings and although it’s never easy to get back into top gear after the hazy drift of summer days, the slight nip in the morning air reminds us that it’s time to crack on.  There’s lots of fun stuff happening in the city this month, which should help us ease back into routine.  I’ll update this listing through the month so do check back and please get in touch if you know of an event that I can add to it.

Acorns on Jesus Green Cambridge
Acorns on Jesus Green

1st – 29th    Cambridge Festival of Cycling.  A month of events celebrating our city’s cycling culture.  Over 20 cycling themed events, including social bike rides, bike maintenance and photography workshops, a film night showing the documentary “Motherload” and the Cargo Carnival.  Most events are free or have a minimal charge.  http://www.cambridgefestivalofcycling.org

1st    10.30am – 12 noon  Walking Tour: Hidden Cambridge and the Museum of Cambridge.  http://www.museumofcambridge.org.uk

1st    12 – 4pm  Studio Sunday.  Artist led workshop for families.  Free, drop in.  Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street.  http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk

3rd    7.30pm  Shoot for the Moon.  Improvised comedy night with the Ministry of Unplanned Occurrences.  Pay what you want.  Blue Moon Pub, Norfolk Street, CB1

5th    6 – 7.30pm  “Mindfulness on the Meadows”.  Practise mindfulness of nature and meditation with Claire Thompson.  Stourbridge Common.  http://www.mindfulness-of-nature.com/workshops-in-around-cambridge

7 – 8th    10am – 5pm  Wimpole Autumn Craft and Produce Fair.  Crafts, food stalls, live music, beer tent serving local ales, face painting.  Wimpole Estate.  FB Wimpole Autumn Craft and Produce Fair

7th    Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival.  In aid of Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust.  River Cam, Ditton Meadows, Fen Ditton.  http://www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk

7th    10am – 1pm  Family Saturday.  Plants of the Pharoahs.  Find out about plants used by the Ancient Egyptians, including plants used to make paper and to help preserve bodies.  Free event.  Botanic Garden, Brookside.  http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

7th    10.30 – 11.15am  “Sharing Stories”.  A friendly family story telling session with stories from around the world told, read and sung.  Free, drop in.  Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Milton Road Library, CB4.  http://www.friendsofmiltonroadlibrary.org.uk

7th    12 – 4.30pm  Stourbridge Medieval Fair.  Traditional dancing and singing, stalls, crafts and talks.  Visit the Chapel (which is shut for most of the year).  http://www.cambridgeppf.org/Event/cambridge-medieval-fair

8th    11.30am – 4.30pm  Knit for the River.  Free, drop in, all ages welcome, no need to book.  Museum of Cambridge, Castle Street.  http://www.museumofcambridge.org.uk

8th    3 – 5pm  Jazz and Brass in the Parks.  City of Cambridge Brass Band.  Cherry Hinton Hall.  http://www.cambridgelive.org.uk

9th    7.45 – 9pm  Talk about the history of Cambridge Railway Station by Rob Shorland-Ball.  Cambridge Museum of Technology, Pye Building.  Tickets £3 on the door.  Enter via Cheddars Lane entrance.  http://www.museumoftechnology.com

10th (until 9th October)  Open Eco Homes.  Advice from local householders and experts, householder led tours and low energy home workshops.  http://www.openecohomes.org

10th    7.30 – 9pm  “Archeology found by the public”.  Talk from Mill Road History Society with Dr Helen Geake, well known for being party of Channel 4’s Time Team.  Ross Street Community Centre.  http://www.millroadhistory.org.uk

11th    6.45 – 9pm  Cafe Sci Cambridge: Gut bacteria and human health.  Using genomic tools to study gut microbiome to help us understand its role in health and disease.  Free, non-ticketed.  Espresso Library, East Road.  http://www.publicengagement.wellcomegenomecampus.org/cafe-scientifique-cambridge

13 – 14th  Open Cambridge.  Discover the local history and heritage of Cambridge with special access to places that are normally closed to the public or charge admission.  http://www.opencambridge.cam.ac.uk

15th    9.30am  Bridge the Gap.  A charity walk through Cambridge University College grounds.  The route is wheelchair and pushchair friendly.  Raising funds for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity and Romsey Mill.  http://www.arhc.org.uk/bridge-the-gap.asp

15th    9.30am – 12.30pm  An Introduction to Mindfulness of Nature with Claire Thompson.  Mindfulness based exercises, meditations, walking, games, discussions and poetry.  Trumpington Meadows Nature Reserve.  http://www.mindfulness-of-nature.com/workshops-in-around-cambridge

15th    10.30am – 5.30pm  Dog Day.  Free ice cream for kids with a dog.  Gift stalls and more.  Benets Cafe, King’s Parade.

15th    12 – 4pm  Studio Sunday.  Artist led workshop for families.  Free, drop in.  Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street.  http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk

15th    3 – 5pm  Jazz and Brass in the Parks.  The Brass Funkeys.  Jesus Green.  http://www.cambridgelive.org.uk

16th    6 – 7.30pm  “Mindfulness on the Meadows”.  Practise mindfulness of nature and meditation with Claire Thompson.  Stourbridge Common.  http://www.mindfulness-of-nature.com/workshops-in-around-cambridge

17th    5.30 – 7.30pm  Circuit Social.  A creative evening for 18 – 25 year olds.  Make some art, meet new people and discover more about Circuit, the young people’s programme.  All welcome, no previous art experience needed.  Free, drop in.  Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street.  http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk

17th    7.30pm  Poetry in the Pub with John Clegg and Steve Xerri.  CB1 Poetry.  Blue Moon Pub, Norfolk Street, CB1  http://www.cb1poetry.org.uk

18th    7.30pm  True Stories Told Live.  NCI Club, Holland Street, CB4.  FB True Stories Told Live Cambridge

19th    7.30pm  Clara Rackham – her life and achievements.  A talk by Professor Mary Joannou (ARU).  Milton Road Library, CB4.  http://www.friendsofmiltonroadlibrary.org.uk

21st    9 – 10am  Day of Peace Meditation.  On International Day of Peace, gather for meditations to find inner peace and to cultivate feelings of peace of others in our families, our communities and across the world.  White Lotus Meditation.  The Bodywise Studio, Gwydir Street.  http://www.whitelotusmeditation.co.uk/classesandcourses

21st    10.30 – 11.15am  “Sharing Stories”.  A friendly family story telling session with stories from around the world told, read and sung.  Free, drop in.  Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Milton Road Library, CB4.  http://www.friendsofmiltonroadlibrary.org.uk

21st    10.30am – 4pm  Artsfest 2019.  A day of workshops in printmaking, life drawing, papercloth, drawing, exploring abstraction, creative writing, expressive lettering and drop in sewing plus an all day cafe.  Early booking advised as workshop places are limited.  St Paul’s Church, Hills Road.  http://www.stpaulsartsfest.org

21st    11am – 5pm  Literature Cambridge Study Day: Reading The Waves.  An intensive day of lectures and a seminar on Virginia Woolf’s lyrical novel of 1931, with leading scholars.  Stapleford Granary, CB22.  http://www.literaturecambridge.co.uk/waves

21 – 22nd    10am – 5pm  Cambridge Food, Garden and Produce Show.  Parker’s Piece.  Free entry.  Oakleigh Fairs.  http://www.oakleighfairs.co.uk

22nd    10.30am – 5pm  Milton Country Park Autumn Festival.  Seasonal food, craft, activities, music and entertainment for the family.  http://www.miltoncountrypark.org/autumnfestival

25th    6 – 9pm  Zoology Late: Board Games.  Animal inspired board games and bar.  Free, no need to book. 18+   Museum of Zoology, Downing Street.  http://www.museum.zoo.cam.ac.uk

26th    6 – 9pm  LATE:  The Greatest Showman.  Special screening of The Greatest Showman to complement a new exhibition about Giovanni Belzoni, the 19th century explorer and circus showman.  Fitzwilliam Museum.  http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

28th    10am – 4pm  Worth The Weight Vintage Kilo Sale.  Vintage clothing at £15 per kilo.  St Paul’s Church, Hills Road.  FB Worth The Weight Vintage Kilo Sale – Cambridge

29th    3pm rehearsal, 7.30pm performance.  Come and Sing Carmina Burana.  Cambridge Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus.  West Road Concert Hall.  http://www.cambridgephilharmonic.com

29th    10am – 5pm  Cambridge Chinese Community Mid-Autumn Festival.  Parker’s Piece.  http://www.cambridgechinacentre.org

King's College Cambridge
This chestnut tree at King’s College is 160 years old!

 

 

 

What’s on in Cambridge – August 2019

Summer is here and there’s lots going on in the city this month.  And take a look at my recent posts for details of some great analogue pursuits and events (most of them low cost or free) to keep the kids occupied for a bit.  Happy summer everybody!!

Portugal Place Cambridge
Portugal Place, looking lovely in the sunshine

1st    5.30 – 7.30pm  Wellbeing in Romsey – an evening of Breathwork and Yoga to celebrate Mill Road Summer.  No experience necessary and no need to book.  Outside Tesco Express, 163 Mill Road  http://www.millroadsummer.org/whats-on/

1 – 4th    Cambridge Folk Festival.  Cherry Hinton Hall Park.  http://www.cambridgelive.org.uk/folk-festival

1 – 24th    Cambridge Shakespeare Festival.  Productions performed in College gardens, in full period costume and with live Elizabethan music.  http://www.cambridgeshakespeare.com

1 – 31st    Summer at the Museums.  Over 140 low cost and free family events in and around Cambridge.  http://www.museums.cam.ac.uk/events/summer

3rd    10am – 1pm  Family Saturday.  The Nightshade Family.  Find out about the Nightshades, one of the most amazing families in the plant kingdom.  Free, drop in.  Botanic Garden.  http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

3rd    2 – 5pm  Come and Sing!  A light, summery programme of song.  All welcome.  St Barnabas Church, Mill Road.  http://www.millroadsummer.org/whats-on/

3rd    7 – 8.15pm  Flute and Guitar Recital.  Charity concert in aid of Romsey Mill, featuring a range of musical styles.  St Philip’s Church, 185 Mill Road.  http://www.millroadsummer.org/whats-on/

4th    9am – 2pm  Mill Road Summer Car Boot Sale.  Gwydir Street Car Park

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

6th    7.30pm  Shoot for the Moon.  Improvised comedy night with The Ministry of Unplanned Occurrences.  Pay what you want.  The Blue Moon Pub, Norfolk Street, CB1

7th    7 – 8pm  Hula Hoop Workshop with Penny Farthing.  Free class for all ages and abilities, no need to book.  Outside Tesco Express, 163 Mill Road.  http://www.millroadsummer.org/whats-on/

10th   3 – 5pm  Folk Music and Storytelling by Serendipity Sessions.  Open mic event.  Come and have a go at storytelling, playing, poetry reading or singing.  Turn up at 3pm to book your slot on the day.  St Barnabas Church, Mill Road.  http://www.millroadsummer.org/whats-on/

10th    3 – 8.30pm  RomseyFest!  Music on Mill Road.  An afternoon of busking, bands and dancing.  Outside Tesco Express, 163 Mill Road.  http://www.millroadsummer.org/whats-on/

10th    8pm  Hamlet.  A solo performance by Richard Spaul.  The Leper Chapel, off Newmarket Road.  http://www.insitutheatre.co.uk

10 – 25th    10am – 6pm/5pm on Sundays  Anglian Potters Cambridge Exhibition.  Handmade ceramics from 60+ local potters.  All Saints’ Church, Jesus Lane.  http://www.anglianpotters.org uk

11th    4.30 – 6.30pm  A Journey to the Centre of the Hive.  A fun and educational workshop taking you through the life of the honey bee colony.  Observation hive, blind honey tasting experience, complimentary tea and coffee.  Dulcedo Patisserie, 60 Hills Road.  Online booking at http://www.beesitter.co.uk

15th    9pm  Queers in Shorts.  An evening of queer-themed short films from around the world.  Free event.  Arts Picturehouse Bar, St Andrew’s Street, CB2  https://www.picturehouses.com/cinema/Arts_Picturehouse_Cambridge

17th    1am – 4pm  Making the most of …..  A reuse and recycle event featuring artists, makers, fashion designers and creatives who work with sustainable media.  Interactive activities and varied shopping opportunities.  Organised by local charities the Children’s Society, Arthur Rank Hospice and Romsey Mill.  St Philip’s Church, 185 Mill Road.  http://www.millroadsummer.org/whats-on/

18th    9am – 2pm  Mill Road Summer Car Boot Sale.  Gwydir Street Car Park

18th    12 – 4pm  Studio Sunday.  Artist led workshop for families.  Free, drop in.  Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street.  http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk

18th    6.30pm  Meditation Taster Session.  Sample two meditation techniques and mindful breathing.  White Lotus Meditation.  The Bodywise Studio, Gwydir Street, Off Mill Road.  http://www.whitelotusmeditation.co.uk

20th    2 – 6pm  Mill Road Bridges: Meet the Artists.  Join local artists to make art and share stories about Mill Road.  Try your hand at origami, printing and clay work.  St Barnabas Church, Mill Road.  http://www.millroadsummer.org/whats-on/

23 – 26th    Movies on the Meadows.  Open air film screenings in the river meadows at Grantchester.  http://www.cambridgefilmfestival.org.uk/news/movies-meadows-2019

24 – 26th    11am – 5pm  Drop in drawing.  Drawing activities for all in the gallery spaces.  Free, drop in.  Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street.  http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk

24th    7 – 9pm  Soiree with Adam Pounds.  Music, poetry and storytelling, featuring performances of Cajun and other folk styles.  St Philip’s Church, 185 Mill Road.  http://www.millroadsummer.org/whats-on/

25th    3 – 5pm  Jazz and Brass in the Parks.  Caxton Swing.  Jesus Green.  http://www.cambridgelive.org.uk

30th    6pm  Summer Night Market and Open Air Cinema (Early Man/Bohemian Rhapsody).  Free event.  Market Square  http://www.cambridgebid.co.uk/open-air-cinema-night-market

30th    7 – 10.30pm  Legendary: The Big Fantasy Quiz.  Immerse yourself in the epic worlds of Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, Disney and much more.  C3 Centre, 2 Brooks Road.  http://www.millroadsummer.org/whats-on/

31st    5 – 11pm  Wonder at the Museum of Technology.  A festival event with life-living workshops, vegan food, SoBar (alcohol free) drinks and DJs.  Museum of Technology, Cheddars Lane, CB5    https://www.wonderfestival.co.uk/

Punting on the River Cam Cambridge
Messing about on the river

What’s on in Cambridge – May

It’s set to be another busy month here in Cambridge with so much going on from steampunk to poetry, comedy to ceilidh and everything in between!  Read on for more and please do get in touch through my Contact page if you know of an event I could add in to the listing. 1st    … Continue reading “What’s on in Cambridge – May”

It’s set to be another busy month here in Cambridge with so much going on from steampunk to poetry, comedy to ceilidh and everything in between!  Read on for more and please do get in touch through my Contact page if you know of an event I could add in to the listing.

Wisteria in Cambridge
It’s wisteria hysteria season here in Cambridge!

1st    4 – 8pm  Student Discount Event, 25% off at Tindalls Art and Graphics, King Street

2nd    8pm  St Matthew Passion, J S Bach.  Singers from Trinity, St. John’s and King’s. Cambridge University Bach Ensemble.  Trinity College Chapel.  Tickets on the door.

4th    2 – 4pm  Family First Saturdays.  Fun activities and art making for the family on the theme of “Toot, toot, beep”.  Free, drop in.  Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street.  http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/calendar/whatson/2019-05-04/family-first-saturdays-40

5th    10.30am – 4pm  Cambridge Vegan Market.  Food stalls, lifestyle brands, cosmetics, ethical clothing, charities and more.  Guildhall, Market Square. http://www.veganmarkets.co.uk/cambridge  Read more about Cambridge Vegan Market here

5th    10.30am – 11pm  Steampunk in Cambridge V11: May the 5th be with you!  The seventh annual Steampunk in Cambridge event.  Museum of Technology, Cheddars Lane.  http://www.museumoftechnology.com

6th    9am meet for 10am departure.  The Reach Ride, a bike ride to the 800 year old Reach Fair.  Free.  Organised by Camcycle.  Assemble in front of the Guildhall, Market Square.  http://www.camcycle.org.uk/reachride

7 – 12th    Cambridge Festival of the Voice.  Cambridge Early Music.  http://www.CambridgeEarlyMusic.org

7th    8pm  Rhapsody in Blue.  Cambridge University Wind Orchestra and Cambridge University Jazz Orchestra.  West Road Concert Hall.  http://www.adcticketing.com

8th    3 – 8pm  Spring Student Night, Grand Arcade.  Discounts, DJ, freebies, drinks.  www. grandarcade.co.uk

11th    10.30am – 4pm  Eat Cambridge.  Annual food and drink festival celebrating Cambridgeshire’s independent food scene.  Followed by two weeks of fringe events.  Guildhall, Market Square.  http://www.eat-cambridge.co.uk

11th    11am – 5pm  Open Gardens, Christ’s Pieces Residents’ Association.  8 gardens open in Parker Street, Victoria Street, Clarendon Street, Orchard Street and New Square.  In aid of Jimmy’s Homeless Project East Road and the Cambridge Children’s Charity.  £10 ticket on the day for all gardens (children are free) from the Unitarian Church, Emmanuel Road.  Tea provided.

11th    4pm  A Spring Concert with Rolling Thunder.  CSD Brass.  Free, retiring collection.  St Luke’s Church, Victoria Road

11th    7.30pm  Symphony 3, Mahler.  City of Cambridge Symphony Orchestra, St Catherine’s College Girls’ Choir and St John’s College School Senior House Chamber Choir.  West Road Concert Hall.  http://www.adcticketing.com

11 – 12th    Jesus Green Lido Open Weekend.  Everyone is welcome for a free swim this weekend as the Lido reopens for the summer.  http://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/cambridge/jesusgreenlido  Read more about Jesus Green Lido here

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

15th    8 week course  Learn Improv.  Improvised theatre and comedy classes for beginners.  Facebook:  RedCapeImprov

15th    5 – 9pm  Late at the Fitzwilliam.  An after hours evening at the Museum, including talks, the Long Road Sixth Form College 2019 Graduate Art Foundation Show, late night shopping, wine and tapas.  Free. Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street.  http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/calendar/whatson/late-fitzwilliam-2

15th    6 – 9pm   Museum at Night.  Explore the Museum of Zoology after hours and experience the natural world after dark.  Age 18+  Free, no need to book.  Museum of Zoology, Downing Street.  http://www.museum.zoo.cam.ac.uk

16th    David Parr House reopens.  A terraced house and arts and craft movement treasure which was home to Victorian decorative artist David Parr.  186 Gwydir Street, CB1.  http://www.davidparrhouse.org  Read more about David Parr House here

16th    7.30pm  Poetry at the Pub.  Readings from two poets, open mic floor spots and books for sale.  Blue Moon, Norfolk Street.  http://www.cb1poetry.org.uk  Read more about Poetry at the Pub here

17th    2pm and 4pm  Puss In Boots.  A ballet for children.  2pm is a Relaxed Performance.  Northern Ballet.  Cambridge Corn Exchange.  http://www.cornex.co.uk

17th    6 – 9pm  Drink and Draw.  After hours sketching in the Cast Gallery with a glass of wine.  Adults only, free, drop in.  Materials provided, all abilities welcome.  Museum of Classical Archeology, Sidgwick Avenue, CB3.  http://www.museums.cam.ac.uk/events/drink-and-draw

17th    6.30 – 9.30pm  LATE guest curator: Oscar Murillo.  Creative workshops, pop up talks, music, a performance by Oscar Murillo, cocktails and refreshments.  Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street.  http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk/events/late-oscar-murillo/

18th    10am – 5pm  Festival of Plants, with live music and pop up food trucks.  Botanic Garden, Brookside.  http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

18th    7.30pm  Mass in B Minor, J S Bach.  Cambridge Chorale and Academy of Ancient Music with soloists from Amici Voices.  Trinity College Chapel.  Tickets on the door or from http://www.cambridgechorale.org.uk

18th    7.30pm  From London to Venice: Fusing Poetry and Music.  Monteverdi, Grandi, Strozzi, Caccini, Ferrari and Merula.  Clare Hall, Herschel Road.  Tickets from Porters’ Lodge or music@clarehall.cam.ac.uk

19th    5.30pm and 7.30pm  The Pelicantata, narrated by Sir Tony Robinson.  Come dressed as your favourite Roald Dahl character!  Cambridge Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra and Chorus.  Choirs from Chesterton Community College and Sawston Village College.  West Road Concert Hall.  http://www.cambridgephilharmonic.com

19th    6pm  The Time of Gifts.  Spring themed Medieval and Renaissance songs, traditional Spanish pieces with classical and contemporary works.  The Lucy Cavendish Singers.  Storey’s Field Centre, Eddington.  http://www.lucycavendishsingers.org.uk

20 – 22nd    Pint of Science.  A worldwide science festival which brings researchers to your local pub to present their scientific discoveries.  Various venues around the city.  http://www.pintofscience.co.uk/events/cambridge

20 – 25th    Cambridge Beer Festival.  Cider, perry, mead and English wine also available at this CAMRA festival.  Opening times vary.  Jesus Green.  http://www.cambridgebeerfestival.com  Read more about Cambridge Beer Festival here

23rd    7pm  “Guess the Toppings” pizza evening.  Guests will be blindfolded and have to guess the pizza toppings.  Fundraiser for Cam Sight.  The Punt Yard, Quayside.  http://www.camsight.org.uk/event/guess-the-toppings-evening  Read more about Cam Sight here

24th    6pm – 10.30pm  Summer Night Market and Outdoor Cinema, showing Coco and Mamma Mia.  Free.  Market Square.  http://www.cambridgebid.co.uk/open-air-cinema-night-market

25th    10.30am – 4.30pm  Affordable Vintage Fair.  Over 30 traders selling shop quality vintage, handmade, reworked and retro with fashion, accessories and collectables from 1940s – 1990s.  Guildhall, Market Square.  Facebook: @JudysAffordableCambridgeVintageFair

25th    7pm until late.  Ceilidh.  A charity evening in aid of the World Land Trust.  St. Paul’s Church, Hills Road  Tickets from becky.lockyer21@gmail.com

26th    12 – 4pm  Studio Sunday.  Artist led workshop for families.  Free, drop in.  Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street.  http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk

26th    Cambridge Fringe Festival.  A community oriented comedy festival focusing on stand up and improv.  Free entry to shows.  Various venues around Mitcham’s Corner, CB4.  Facebook:  @FringeCambridge

Newton's apple tree at Trinity College Cambridge
Newton’s apple tree blossoming at Trinity College