jazz cambridge – New in Cambridge

What’s on in Cambridge – February 2020

Well, it’s grey and gloomy as I write this but we got through January and there are definite signs of Spring now. I’ve noticed buds on the trees, little froths of blossom and the birds are chirping morning and evening. Read on for details of what’s happening in the city this month … this listing is not exhaustive but is an eclectic mix of events that come to my attention. I’ll update it through the month so do check back and if you are involved in an event that you’d like me to include, please get in touch via my Contact page.

River Cam Cambridge — A winter day on the towpath

1st 10am – 1pm Family Saturday: Plant Fibres. Create your own wall hanging to take home. Free activity for children, drop in event. Botanic Garden, Brookside. http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

1st 10.30am – 12 noon Learn 5-a-side chess. Free, drop in event, all welcome. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Milton Road Library, CB4. http://www.friendsofmiltonroadlibrary.org.uk

1st 10.30am – 4.30pm Cambridge’s Affordable Vintage Fair. Vintage, handmade, reworked and retro. Fashion, accessories and collectables from the 40’s to the 90’s. Guildhall, Market Square. FB: Cambridge’s Affordable Vintage Fair

1st 12 noon, 1pm and 2pm Children’s Workshop: Chinese Calligraphy. Celebrate Chinese New year and learn how to create characters with Chinese brushes and ink. For children aged 8+, must be accompanied by an adult. Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

1st 12 – 4pm Family First Saturday: Chinese New Year. Celebrate Chinese New Year with family activities which include lion dance, animals of the zodiac trail, lantern making, paper cutting. Free, drop in. Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

1st 2 – 4pm “Undiscovered beauty spots within an hour’s drive of Cherry Hinton”. Talk from Peter Green, Walks Co-ordinator, National Trust. All welcome, free entry, contribution invited towards expenses. Food for Thought Cafe, Cherry Hinton Baptist Church Building, corner of Fisher’s Lane and Cherry Hinton High Street.

1 – 23rd Snowdrop Trail. Discover more about snowdrop science, history, folklore and cultivation when you follow the Garden’s snowdrop routes. Botanic Garden, Brookside. http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

2nd – 28th The Minerva Festival. A city wide celebration of music composed by women and non-binary people. http://www.theminervafestival.org

3rd 7 – 10pm An evening at The White Hart Country Inn, Fulbourn. A two course meal and live entertainment for £20. Fundraiser for Camsight http://www.camsight.org.uk

4 – 8th 7.45pm My Fair Lady. Cambridge University Musical Theatre Society. ADC Theatre, Park Street http://www.adctheatre.com

6th 11am – 1pm Twentieth-century First Editions Exhibition. The Old Library, Magdalene College will be open for visitors to these historic book-lined rooms, with displays of items from the College’s special collections and archives which are rarely seen in public. Free entry, no need to book. Magdalene College, Magdalene Street.

7 – 16th Ahbab Festival. A festival of music, film, food and culture from the Middle East and North Africa. Cambridge Junction and multiple venues across the city. FB: @AhbabFestival

8th 1 – 4pm Chinese New Year Crafts. Celebrate Chinese New Year with CFT Chinese School. Decorate a paper lantern, paint a panda and try your hand at Chinese calligraphy and pictograms. Free, drop in event for families. Parents/carers must stay with children. Cambridge Central Library, Lion Yard

8th 7pm Hungarian Music for Cello and Accordian. Cambridge Szeged Society. Free entry, retiring collection. Church of Our Lady and English Martyrs, Hills Road.

8 – 9th 11am – 4pm Rowan Art Exhibition. Buy original art at this “Celebrate Your World” art exhibition. Pictures from amateur and professional artists on sale at £45 each, raising funds to support Rowan’s student artists. Chesterton Community College, Gilbert Road, CB4 http://www.rowanhumberstone.co.uk

9th 8.30pm King’s Voices Lent Concert. Haydn, Beethoven and Reger. King’s Voices with the King’s College Symphony Orchestra. King’s College Hall http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk

10th 7.45pm Seeking to know: A humane philosophy of science and religion. Speaker: Professor Andrew Steane, Physics Department, Oxford University. Part of the Science Meets Faith series. Wesley Church, Christ’s Pieces. Free entry, retiring collection.

15th 1pm Come and Sing Faure Requiem. For singers of all ages and abilities who can read music. St Catherine’s College Music Society. McGrath Centre, St Catherine’s College, Trumpington Street http://www.eventbrite.co.uk

15th 7 – 9.30pm Winter Mindfulness around the Campfire. Simple guided meditations, opportunities for reflection, discussions, poetry and games exploring our relationship with the natural world, around a campfire. Byron’s Pool, Trumpington http://www.mindfulness-of-nature.com

18th 7 – 8.30pm Cafe Sci Cambridge: The Genetics of Depression. Free, non ticketed. Espresso Library, East Road. FB: Free event: The Genetics of Depression

19th 4.30 – 7.30pm Twilight at the Museums at the Botanic Garden. Bring your torch for a night time adventure around the Glasshouses and discover some seriously freaky plants. Free, no charge for entry after 4.30pm, no need to book. The Garden Shop and Cafe will be open until 7pm. Botanic Garden, Brookside http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

19th 4.30 – 7.30pm Twilight at the Museums: De-lightful! Take a journey through light and dark at this annual Twilight event which takes place across University of Cambridge Museums. Discover torch lit treasure, sensory activities, interactive theatre, stories, dance and studio art creativity. Free event. http://www.museums.cam.ac.uk/events/twilight_museums

21 – 22nd 12 – 5pm Cambridge Antiquarian Book Fair. Old books, prints, maps and manuscripts. Guildhall, Market Square

21st 6.30 – 8.30pm Cam Lates: Garden Kitchen Takeover. Explore the diverse plant collections in the Glasshouse Range which will be filled with imaginative illuminations. Food and drink from The Garden Kitchen. Booking essential. Botanic Garden, Brookside http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

21st 8pm St John Passion. St John’s College Music Society with Trinity College Music Society. St John’s College Chapel. Tickets on the door.

22nd 11am – 5pm Cambridge’s Craft and Flea. Local produce, street food, collectables, crafts, vegan and more. St Barnabas Church, Mill Road

22nd 2 – 6pm Board Games Afternoon. LGBTQ+ board games social afternoon. Free admission. Cambridge Central Library, Lion Yard

25 – 29th Stage adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s “The Waves”. Pre-show talk on 28th. ADC Theatre, Park Street. http://www.adctheatre.com/whats-on/play/the-waves/

27th 6 – 9pm Student LATE: Love Art After Dark. A dynamic programme of art events, performances, live music, pop up talks, behind the scenes tours plus creative arts and crafts activities. Cash bar and snacks in the Courtyard Cafe. Free but booking essential. Student ID card required. Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street http://www.loveartafterdark-event.getqpay.com

29th 6 – 9.30pm Mastana. South Asian cultural performances ranging from dance to music to fashion, acting, magic and more. Guildhall, Market Square http://www.fixr.co/event/82327218

29th 7.30pm Harmony in Harlem Jazz Orchestra. Duke Ellington’s Primping for the Prom. St Andrew’s Baptist Church, St Andrew’s Street. Tickets on the door or from http://www.hhjazz.co.uk

The Minerva Festival Cambridge

The Minerva Festival is a city-wide celebration of music composed by women and non-binary people. Now in its second year, it started life as Cambridge Female Composers Festival, founded by a group of students from Cambridge University to highlight the work of women composers. The Festival’s name change for 2020 reflects both a desire to be more inclusive and a commitment to supporting the musical work of women and non-binary people.

In a varied programme, the recital series offers several events each week at colleges, churches and Kettle’s Yard, showcasing a broad range of instruments and music styles including musical theatre and jazz at Bar Nights, recorder and viola recitals as well as song. You’ll find services of Evensong and Compline in beautiful College chapels while King’s College Chapel will host a Sequence of Music and Readings for International Women’s Day.

There’s a workshop on the use of computer coding and electronics in live performance, talks on female composers and a panel discussion with stakeholders in the Cambridge music scene who’ll look at studying women in music and performance of their work.

The Minerva Festival’s Composition Competition is open to students and recent graduates of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin universities. Women and non-binary composers are invited to submit a new a cappella choral work. Shortlisted entries will be workshopped by choral scholars and judged by a panel of leading female composers including Judith Weir and Deborah Pritchard. The winning composer will receive a cash prize of £100 and their work will be premiered in the International Women’s Day Concert on 8 March.

This International Women’s Day Concert will also feature a range of works by women and non-binary composers. Held in the stunning Chapel of Trinity College, with a pre-concert talk at Heffers, proceeds from ticket sales and a retiring collection will go to Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre which offers support to women and girls who have experienced rape, childhood sexual abuse or any other form of sexual violence. Last year, the Festival raised just over £1600 for this amazing organisation, which is dependent on such donations to keep their essential services running.

Image credit: The Minerva Festival

The Minerva Festival runs from 25 January to 9 March. Details of the full programme are on their website, all events (except the International Women’s Day Concert) are free to attend and everybody is welcome.

http://www.minervafestival.org

FB: @theminervafestival

http://www.cambridgerapecrisis.org.uk

What’s on in Cambridge – January 2020

As I compile this listing, we are in that beautiful lull between Christmas and New Year when you don’t quite know what day it is and meals are a smorgasbord of leftovers from the fridge. It’ll be time to get fully functional again soon enough and to help us out of hibernation, there’s lots going on in the city as we welcome in a new decade. I’ll update this listing through the month so do check back sometimes and let me know if you’d like your event to be included. Happy New Year to all!!

4th 10am – 1pm Family Saturday: Crazy Cone Creations. Use twigs, paint and wire to make a crazy cone work of art. Drop in event, no need to book. Botanic Garden, Brookside. http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

4th 2 – 4pm Family First Saturday: Marvellous Mythology. Fun activities and art making. Free. Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street. http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

6th 7.30pm An Orthodox Christmas Wassail with Chela and Buska, the Cambridge Georgian choirs. Jesus College Chapel. Free entry with retiring collection for Georgian charities.

7 – 11th Merrily We Roll Along. Festival Players. Robinson Theatre, Hills Road. http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/festivalplayers

11th 5 – 8pm True Tales for Change. The Cambridge Commons raises awareness of and tackles inequality in Cambridge. In collaboration with Pivotal, they have commissioned five local artists and a songwriter to create works inspired by conversations with Cambridge people who have experienced inequality. Public exhibition continues 12 and 13 January. The Escape Community Space, The Grafton Centre. FB True Tales For Change

12th 12 – 4pm Studio Sunday. Practical art making workshops, no experience necessary. Free, drop in. Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street. http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk

12th 4.30 – 6pm Free Singing Workshop with Cambridge Jazz Festival Choir, a community vocal group singing jazz, soul, gospel and more. No auditions, no need to read music as songs are learned by ear. St Matthew’s Primary School, Norfolk Street, CB2 FB: Free Singing Workshop with the Cambridge Jazz Festival Choir

14th 2 – 4pm Tour for blind and partially sighted adults: Fantastic Fans. Go behind the scenes with a conservator for a rare opportunity to touch a variety of fans from the collection. Guide dogs and companions welcome. Free but booking essential by email to education@fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street. http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

14th 7.30 – 8.45pm Going It Alone: the new breed of writer/independent publisher. Author Sue Grossey tells us what it’s really like to be your own researcher, writer, designer, editor, publisher and marketing department. Milton Road Library, Ascham Road. http://www.friendsofmiltonroadlibrary.org.uk

14th 7.30 – 9pm Mackays – the history of a local store. Talk from Duncan Mackay describing exciting projects and turbulent times for one of Cambridge’s favourite family businesses. Ross Street Community Centre, Ross Street. http://www.millroadhistorysociety.org.uk

15th 1.15 – 2pm “To eat or not to eat”: Vegetarianism and veganism in Europe, 1500 – 1800. A talk with Dr Melissa Calaresu, “Feast & Fast” exhibition co-curator. Free. Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street. http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

16th 7.30pm (doors and bar from 6.30pm) January Jazz: Sirkis/Bialas International Qt. Cambridge University Centre Wine Bar, Granta Place. http://www.cambridgejazz.org

18th 12 – 4pm The Eddington ‘Feel Good’ Festival. Free activities to help you relax and unwind including yoga, meditation, barre ballet, dance sessions, health talks plus a chill out area with free refreshments from Eddie’s Cafe. Free event, booking essential. Storey’s Field Centre, Eddington http://www.eddington-cambridge.co.uk

18th 1 – 2pm British Sign Language exhibition and library tour. Join one of the exhibition curators for a guided tour of The Rising Tide: Women at Cambridge exhibition, followed by an introductory tour of the wider University Library. BSL interpretation provided by the Cambridge Deaf Association. Free, suitable for all ages, under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult. Booking required by email to hap40@cam.ac.uk Cambridge University Library, West Road

18th 2 – 5.30pm Literature Cambridge Study Day on Toni Morrison’s great novel “Beloved” (1987), a powerful account of the traumatic effects of slavery. Two lectures and a round-table seminar. Stapleford Granary, CB22 http://www.literaturecambridge.co.uk

18th 2pm and 4pm My Musical Magical Hat. Family concert for age 5+. How do you choose which musical instrument to play? Do you choose it or does it choose you? Find out as Tim, Ruth and the Cambridge Phil reach into the world of the magical musical hat. Cambridge Philharmonic Orchestra. West Road Concert Hall. http://www.cambridgephilharmonic.com

19th 1 – 4pm Reflections on Homelands/Alternative Symposium. Reflect on the themes and ideas of Homelands: Art from Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. An informal afternoon with introductions to the exhibition and displays, a practical art workshop which will explore the nature of home and displacement plus a conversation to share personal stories and experiences. Free, all ages. Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street. http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk

21st 2 – 4pm Tour for blind and partially sighted adults: Fantastic Fans. Go behind the scenes with a conservator for a rare opportunity to touch a variety of fans from the collection. Guide dogs and companions welcome. Free but booking essential by email to education@fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street. http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

25th 10.30am – 4pm Kettle’s Yard Welcome Day. Discover your local gallery with a day of mini programme highlights: tours, talks and workshops for those new to Kettle’s Yard. Also with British Sign Language and audio described introductions. Free, all ages, drop in. Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street. http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk

25th 11am Chinese New Year Celebration. Arts and craft workshops, zodiac fortune telling, food tasting, lion dance at 12pm and more. Lion Yard Shopping Centre with Cambridge Chinese Cultural School.

25th 11am – 5pm Worth the Weight Vintage Kilo Sale. Men’s and women’s vintage clothing from the 60’s to the 90’s. £15 per kilo. St. Paul’s, Hills Road, CB2 FB: Worth The Weight Vintage Kilo Sale Cambridge

25th 2 – 6pm Board Games Afternoon. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Cambridge Central Library. £2 per ticket.

25th 8pm Im Abendrot. Strauss and Mahler. The Empyrean Ensemble. Trinity College Chapel. http://www.adcticketing.com

26th 10.30am – 4pm Cambridge Vegan Market. Over 40 stalls selling vegan food, clothes, drinks, cosmetics and more. Guildhall, Market Square. http://www.veganmarkets.co.uk/cambridge

26th 12 – 4pm Studio Sunday. Practical art making workshops, no experience necessary. Free, drop in. Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street. http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk

26th 7.30pm Sinfonia of Cambridge with St John’s College School Chamber Choirs. Respighi, Vaughan Williams, Tchaikovsky. West Road Concert Hall. http://www.adcticketing.com

29th 7.15pm True Stories Told Live. Local storytellers and a musical turn. NCI Club, Holland Street, CB4 FB: True Stories Told Live Cambridge

30th 5 – 9pm LATE: Food, Faith and Wellbeing. Panel discussion on the role of fasting in religion, talk from Wintercomfort on food and homelessness, poetry reading, 30 minute meditation session and a cacao ceremony. The Cafe Health and Wellbeing menu includes non-alcoholic drinks and vegan food. Free, booking required. Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street. http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

30th 5.30 – 7pm As is your due: 50th anniversary of women’s admission to the University. Talk and film recording the 50th anniversary celebration of women’s admission to the University of Cambridge, when in 1998 more than 800 women who matriculated before 1948 returned to Senate House to collect their degrees retrospectively. Documentary followed by a Q&A with director, Lucy Thane. Booking essential. Cambridge University Library, West Road http://www.lib.cam.ac.uk

30th 7.30pm (doors and bar from 6.30pm). January Jazz: Clovis Nicolas/Steve Fishwick Qt. Cambridge University Centre Wine Bar, Granta Place. http://www.cambridgejazz.org

31st 7.30 – 9pm Zoology Late: Acoustic Spaces/Threatened Places. A programme of music with University of Cambridge New Music Group. Booked required. Museum of Zoology, Downing Street. http://www.zoo.cam.ac.uk

What’s on in Cambridge – November 2019

So November is here, with bright frosty mornings and leaves crunching under our feet. As ever, there’s loads going on in the city this month. Do get in touch if you know of an event that I could add in to this listing and don’t forget to check back every now and again as I will update it through the month.

1st 7pm Cinema under the Whale. A special screening of the Spielberg classic JAWS, in the dark under the skeleton of a 21 metre whale. Plus a short pre-screening talk on threats to sharks and work to protect them. Museum of Zoology, Downing Street. http://www.museum.zoo.cam.ac.uk

2nd 10am – 1pm Family Saturday – Feed the Birds. Help the birds in your garden survive the frosty winter nights by making bird feeders to put out in your garden. Free event. Botanic Garden, Brookside. http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

2nd 10.30 – 11.15am Sharing Stories. Stories from around the world, told, read and sung. Free, drop in. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Milton Road Library. http://www.friendsofmiltonroadlibrary.org.uk

2nd 2 – 4pm Magic and Mystery Family drop in. Magic crafts, family tours and story telling. Free. Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street. http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

2nd 3.30pm Autumn Concert. Cambridge Wind Band. The Ashburton Hall, St Faith’s School, Trumpington Road. http://www.camwindband.com

2nd 6.30pm Even You Song. Director of Music Owain Park with Cambridge Chorale and school choirs against a backdrop of digital projections and new writing. An immersive work based on Choral Evensong inspired by space travel. Trinity College Chapel. Tickets from http://bit.ly/2YvwxAb

5th 7pm Firework Display and Bonfire. Food stalls and fairground open 6 – 10pm. Midsummer Common. Free event. http://www.cambridgelive.org.uk/city-events/bonfire-night

6 – 14th Cambridge Music Festival. A programme of classical music with world-class artists, both well known figures and rising stars. http://www.cambridgemusicfestival.co.uk

6th 7.30pm Handel Coronation Anthems, Concerto Grosso in B flat major, Op 3 No 2 and Organ Concerto in F Major, Op 4 No 4. Academy of Ancient Music and Choir of King’s College Cambridge. King’s College Chapel. http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/concerts

8 – 9th Cambridge Oktoberfest. German beer, food and music in a tent on Jesus Green. http://www.cambridge-oktoberfest.co.uk

8th 7.30pm Mike de Souza Trio. A vibrant young trio performing new, original music drawing on the sounds of contemporary jazz, Radiohead and Deerhoof. Unitarian Church, Emmanuel Road. http://www.wegottickets.com/listencambridge

9th 6.30 – 10.30pm Ceilidh. Raising funds for Cambridge Street Aid and The Cyriacs, St Paul’s Church, Hills Road. http://www.eventbrite.co.uk

9th 7.30pm Brahms: German Requiem and Cello Sonata in E minor. New Cambridge Singers. Little St Mary’s Church, Trumpington Street. http://www.newcambridgesingers.org.uk

12th 7.30 – 9pm Changing Landscapes in Romsey Town. Talk by John McGill for Mill Road History Society. Ross Street Community Centre. http://www.millroadhistory.org.uk

13 – 24th Cambridge International Jazz Festival. Main events, Fringe events (many of which are free), family events, workshops, talks and films at venues around the city. http://www.cambridgejazzfestival.info

13th 7.15pm True Stories Told Live. Local storytellers and a song. NCI Club, Holland Street. FB @cambridgetruestories

16th 10.30 – 11.15am Sharing Stories. Stories from around the world, told, read and sung. Free, drop in. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Milton Road Library. http://www.friendsofmiltonroadlibrary.org.uk

16th 2 – 5.30pm Literature Cambridge Study Day: Understanding “Hamlet”, with Cambridge scholars Adrian Poole and Fred Parker. Stapleford Granary, CB22. http://www.literaturecambridge.co.uk/hamlet

16th North Pole Cambridge Ice Rink opens. Skate under a transparent roof. Funfair, Alpine Cabin themed bar and stalls. Closes 5.1.20. Parker’s Piece. http://www.thenorthpolecambridge.co.uk

16 – 17th 11 am – 5pm Ink, Paper and Print Illustration Fair. Screenprints, letterpress, hand-made books, lithographs, linocuts and more. Free admission. The Guildhall, Market Square. http://www.inkpaperandprint.co.uk

16 – 17th 10am – 5pm A handmade Christmas pottery exhibition and sale. 15+ potters, a wide range of ceramics from rustic to refined, free kids’ craft. Kiln Cambridge, 61 Ditton Walk, CB5. FB@kilncambridge

22nd – 8 Dec 11am – 4pm Fri – Sun, 5 – 8pm Weds. Here and How? An exhibition of artists from the North West, curated by STOCK Gallery. Motion Sickness Project Space, Petty Cury. http://www.motion-sick.wixsite.com

23rd 11am – 5pm Worth the Weight Vintage Kilo Sale. Vintage clothing from the 60s – 90s. £15 per kilo. St. Paul’s, Hills Road. FB @worththeweightvintage

23rd 7.30pm Mozart Requiem. Trinity Singers. Trinity College Chapel. Tickets on the door.

23rd 7.30pm Dance the Night Away. Brahms, Khachaturian, Offenbach and more. A concert in aid of Cambridgeshire Lupus Group. Cambridge Concert Orchestra. The Church of St John the Evangelist, Hills Road. Tickets from http://cco.org.uk or http://www.eventbrite.com or on the door

26th Feast & Fast: The Art of Food in Europe, 1500 – 1800 exhibition opens (running until 26.4.20). Presents novel approaches to understanding the history and culture of food and eating. Free entry. Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street. http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

28 – 30th 12 noon – 7.30pm Thursday/10am – 6.30pm Friday and Saturday. Cambridge Made Christmas Fair. Loads of fabulous hand made goodies from local makers. Free entry. St. Andrew’s Baptist Church, St. Andrew’s Street. FB @CambridgeMade

28th 5 – 9pm LATE: A Feast for your Senses. See the new Feast & Fast exhibition, join pop up talks, learn more about Christmas food traditions and book for a special screening of Bright Star, a romantic drama about John Keats. Christmas shopping, live jazz and seasonal treats in the Cafe. http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

30th 10.30 – 11.15am Sharing Stories. Stories from around the world, told, read and sung. Free, drop in. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Milton Road Library. http://www.friendsofmiltonroadlibrary.org.uk

30th 2pm and 3pm “Mouse’s Night Before Christmas”. Award winning author Tracey Corderoy reads from her new book. Festive craft activity. Tickets £3 in advance, redeemable against a copy of the book when bought on the day. Heffers, Trinity Street. http://www.heffers.co.uk/events

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

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

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

Coming up in Cambridge …..

Cambridge International Jazz Festival runs from 13 – 27 November, bringing together the many strands of the city’s strong jazz scene and welcoming national and international jazz acts too. With a crammed schedule of vibrant live music at locations across Cambridge and celebrating a wide variety of jazz styles, the programme includes workshops (if you want to learn how to Lindy Hop, now’s your chance!), talks, films, family events and free entry fringe events. For full programme details and tickets, check out the Festival website www.cambridgejazzfestival.info

“Buy less, choose well, make it last” is designer Dame Vivienne Westwood’s message. With this mantra ringing in their ears, Cambridge Carbon Footprint brings us the Sustainable Fashion Festival on 17 November at St Barnabas Church on Mill Road, for all Cambridge fashionistas and for anyone who cares about the huge negative impact that fast fashion has on the environment. You’ll find a clothes swap party, a sewing themed textiles repair cafe, an interactive fashion show, sewing skillshares, a styling zone, workshops, talks and pop up sustainable fashion stalls offering new and vintage clothing. Take a look at www.cambridgecarbonfootprint.org for more.

Sustainable Fashion Festival Cambridge — Image: Sustainable Fashion Festival

So it’s that time of year ….. I’m making a list and checking it twice before heading off to Cambridge Made Christmas Fair which is my go to for original Christmas presents. The Fair is running from 29 November to 1 December at St. Andrew’s Street Baptist Church and will showcase the work of forty four designer-makers, artists and craftspeople. You’ll find a huge variety of handmade goodies including ceramics, jewellery, textiles, quilts, botanical toiletries, cards, decorations, toys and homewares. More details on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/events/927219054144713/

Image credit: Purplespoon Design

This post is part of my “New in Cambridge” column in the November issue of Velvet Magazine. Read more on http://www.velvetmag.co.uk

What’s on in September

Well, now we’re in to those last days of the summer holidays, there’s a distinctly autumnal nip in the air most mornings and a sort of back-to-school feeling, even for those of us who left school many moons ago. Maybe it’s better thought of as a time for new beginnings! Here’s the what’s on listing for September. There’s plenty happening in the city and I’ll update through the month so do check back when you can.

All Saints Garden Cambridge — All Saints Garden

1st 12 – 4.30pm Medieval Fair. Leper Chapel, Newmarket Road CB5. Free event. http://www.cambridgeppf.org

1 – 30th Cambridge Festival of Cycling. Celebrating the city’s cycling culture. http://www.cambridgefestivalofcycling.org Read more here

1 – 2nd Oktoberfest Beer Festival, Jesus Green CB5. http://www.cambridge-oktoberfest.co.uk

1 – 2nd Taste of Anatolia. Films from Turkey. Facebook: tasteofanatolia

8th 9.30am – 2pm Queen Edith’s Share Fair and Skip Day. Wulfstan Way shops, Wulfstan Way CB1. Pop up moneyless market to swap and share clothes, games, books, stories, skills, home grown fruit, veg, flowers and more. http://www.queen-ediths.info/event/8sept2018

8th 10am – 5pm Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival. River Cam, Ditton Meadows, Fen Ditton CB5. http://www.cambridgebid.co.uk/events/dragon-boat-festival Read more here

9th From 8.30am Bridge the Gap. Depart from Parker’s Piece CB1. A circular walk through the gardens of six Cambridge colleges, raising money for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity and Romsey Mill. http://www.arhc.org.uk/bridge-the-gap.asp Read more here

9th 3 – 5pm Jazz on Jesus Green CB5. The Alley Cats with saxophonist Alan Barnes. Free entry. http://www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk/city-events/events/jazz-and-brass-parks

11 – 29th fig-futures. A month of free performances, installations, film screenings and talks. Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street CB3. http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk

14 – 15th Open Cambridge. http://www.opencambridge.cam.ac.uk

15th 9.30am – 4pm Madingley Hall Local Food Fair, Madingley Hall CB23. Pop up Farmers’ Market showcasing local artisan food and produce. Free entry. http://www.madingleyhall.co.uk/events/local-food-fair

15th 10am – 4pm Cambridge Buddhist Centre Open Day. Tours, talks, meditation sessions and “Human Touch” photography exhibition. 38 Newmarket Road CB5. http://www.cambridgebuddhistcentre.com

15th 10am – 5pm All Saints’ Church, Jesus Lane CB5. Tours, history zone, quiz, textiles talk, organ recital, refreshments. Free admission.

15th 11am – 5pm Reading Virginia Woolf’s “A Room of One’s Own”. Literature Cambridge study day. Stapleford Granary, Cambridge CB22. http://www.literaturecambridge.co.uk/room-2018 Read more here

15th 1pm Phoenix Vocal Ensemble. Mozart, Faure and Bruckner. Great St Mary’s Church CB2. Free admission.

15th 7.30pm O Quam Gloriosum. Music for the saints by Tomas Luis de Victoria. De Profundis, Cambridge’s all male early music vocal ensemble. Jesus College Chapel CB5. Tickets on the door or from bit.ly/DPSaints

15 – 16th 10am – 5pm Cambridge Food, Garden and Produce Festival. Parker’s Piece CB1. Free entry. http://www.oakleighfairs.co.uk

21 – 29th 10.30am – 5pm Cambridge Original Printmakers Biennale. Pitt Building, Trumpington Street CB2. Free entry. http://www.cambridgeoriginalprintmakers.com Read more here

22nd 1 – 4pm Cambridge Repair Cafe Plus. St Andrew’s, Chesterton CB4 http://www.cambridgecarbonfootprint.org Read more here

22nd 7.30pm The Academy of Great St Mary’s Orchestra. Wagner, Brahms and Dvorak. Great St Mary’s Church CB2. http://www.adcticketing.com

23rd 10.30am – noon Baby and Children’s Market. Nearly new sales of kids’ stuff. Cambridge Regional College CB4. http://www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk

23rd 10.30am – 5pm Milton Country Park Autumn Festival. Milton, Cambridge CB24. http://www.miltoncountrypark.org/autumnfestival PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT HAS NOW BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR 7 OCTOBER DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS

25 – 27th Sorted! Festival. To celebrate the opening of Rising Path. Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Brookside CB2 http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

27 – 30th Inspire Cambridge. Home interest show. Quy Mill Hotel, Cambridge CB25. http://www.inspireshows.co.uk/cambridge.html

28 – 29th LifeLab Celebrate science and join LifeLab investigators in events and activities exploring the latest breakthroughs and discoveries www.camlifelab.co.uk

28 – 30th Cambridge Art Fair. Quy Mill Hotel, Cambridge CB25. http://www.cambridgeartfair.com

30th Open Eco Homes. Ten eco homes in and around Cambridge open for householder led tours. There’s a repeat of this event on 6th October. Free but advance booking is essential. www.openecohomes.org

30th 7.30pm East Anglian Chamber Orchestra. Mozart, Strauss and Sibelius. West Road Concert Hall CB3. http://www.adcticketing.com

Acorns on Jesus Green Cambridge — Acorns on Jesus Green

Hidden gems in Cambridge

Somehow Cambridge feels a little bit different in August … the rhythm of the place changes while the hazy summer days and nights give us the chance to explore all the city has to offer. If you venture slightly off the beaten track, there are hidden gems to discover. I’d like to share some of my favourites with you here.

Hidden Rooms Cambridge — Hidden Rooms Cocktail Lounge

There’s a rather beautiful neo-classical building on Jesus Lane which was originally built as a Victorian Turkish baths. Behind a plain black door, down in the basement, you’ll find Hidden Rooms Cocktail Lounge where the lights are dim and the vibe is classy but chilled. There’s an extensive menu of classic cocktails alongside wine and beer with nuts and crisps to snack on. The Events Room hosts jazz gigs on Thursday nights, speed dating sessions on Wednesdays and Bachata dance classes on Tuesday evenings. I’d recommend making an advance reservation for your booth area in the table service Cocktail Lounge. And the Hidden Rooms team of expert bartenders will be sharing some of their secrets and tips in free cocktail making lessons during Cambridge Cocktail Weekend at the Corn Exchange from 24 – 26 August.

www.hiddenrooms.co.uk

Restaurant Twenty-Two Cambridge Magic is happening in the kitchen at Restaurant Twenty Two on Chesterton Road, just north of Midsummer Common. Chef Sam Carter and Alexandra Olivier, his partner in life and business, have refurbished this intimate space and offer creative modern British food with a twist, using seasonal ingredients from local suppliers. You’ll find seven and five course tasting menus alongside a la carte and a lunch menu which is exceptional value at £20 for three courses. Sam creates delectable flavours and textures in each dish and every plate of his food is a feast for the eyes too. It’s fine dining but Restaurant Twenty Two is not stuffy or starchy … it has a relaxed atmosphere and has quickly garnered an enthusiastic East Anglian fan base while also receiving rave reviews in the national press, so do book a table in advance. Your taste buds will thank you for it!

www.restaurant22.co.uk

Over at the award winning Cambridge Cookery School in Homerton Gardens, you’ll find a light, bright café serving fresh seasonal dishes with ingredients sourced mainly from a small group of local, sustainable, high welfare producers. The décor, food and wine reflect owner Tine Roche’s Scandinavian heritage and her deep love of Italy. Try the homemade bread and pastries for breakfast, brunch or at lunchtime, when the counter offers colourful grain based salads, filled focaccia and open sandwiches on rye bread. On Friday and Saturday evenings, relax on the peaceful, sunny terrace with wine, cocktails and tapas or make sure to book ahead for the popular Saturday night Bistro set menu.

www.cambridgecookery.com

Don’t miss …..

Savino’s coffee shop, tucked away in Emmanuel Street. A small yet perfectly formed family run Italian café serving Illy coffee, homemade cakes, soups, panini and salads.

www.savinos.co.uk

Stem + Glory restaurant at Mitcham’s Corner. Award winning vegan food with a weekday fast service lunch to eat in or take away plus table service a la carte menu for lunch and dinner.

www.stemandglory.uk

The University Centre Wine Bar in Granta Place. Open to the public and housed in one of Cambridge’s finest examples of brutalist architecture, with views over the River Cam, it serves wine, beer and spirits as well as simple charcuterie and cheese boards.

www.cucwinebar.org

This post is an edited version of “The Cambridge Scene”, my column in the August edition of Eastlife Magazine. See more on http://www.eastlife.co.uk