So now that parents across the land are into Week 2 of home education, I’ve put together this post which I hope will be helpful! It’s impressive how so many organisations and people have been quick to put really good quality stuff out online. I’ve had some leads through social media but as my girls are all grown up now, I also consulted Rinchen Lucy of Little Cambridge who has her finger on the pulse where children’s activities are concerned.
Image credit: Richard Marsham
The Fitzwilliam Museum Education Department is offering “Look, Think, Do” with activities around different objects from their collection, based on the Primary curriculum but adjustable for a range of abilities and timescales. Check their social media for new releases.
Facebook: Fitzwilliam Museum Education Department @fitzeducation
Twitter: @FitzMuseumEduca
Kettle’s Yard is offering Art To Go with short videos of fun art projects which only call for everyday materials that you probably already have at home. Just click on the Art To Go button on the website home page to connect with the videos on Youtube.
Cambridge artist Gina Ferrari has just started creating and uploading videos demonstrating simple techniques for making pages in a sketchbook. She’s planning to post a couple of times a week, with art ideas for children in the works.
Facebook: Gina Ferrari Art @ginaferrariartist
PE with Joe is a really good workout for the whole family, live streamed on Youtube every morning at 9am.
Draw with Rob. Children’s author and illustrator Rob Biddulph posts a draw-along video every Tuesday and Thursday at 10am on Instagram Live. You can catch up on this link:
Writing this has taken me back to when my girls were children, so here’s a photo of us that we recently unearthed! My thanks to Rinchen of Little Cambridge for her help in compiling this post. You can follow her on Facebook @LittleCambs.
Wishing everybody all the best. Stay safe, stay home and stay well x
These are scary times we’re living through and a lot of us will end up spending a lot of time at home in the coming weeks, either suffering from corona virus, quarantined for it or because we’re minimising social contact and most events have been cancelled anyway. On the plus side, it’s a great chance to catch up on all those tedious domestic tasks we’ve been postponing, dig in to that pile of books we’ve been meaning to read or just to lounge around on the sofa in front of Netflix. On the minus side, you may be stuck at home, feeling hideous, for a while. Read on for some Cambridge based ideas and services …..
Image credit: Deliveroo
Deliveroo has announced that it’s introducing a no contact drop off service so you can request that your order is left on the doorstep. There are quite a few small indie restaurants you can order from through Deliveroo and they will really appreciate your support in these troubled times. A few random suggestions:
Tiffin Truck – Indian food
Polonia Club – Polish food
Nanna Mexico – Mexican street food
Bridges – salads, wraps, sandwiches and cakes
Signorelli’s Deli – Italian food
Cambridge Wine Merchants – wine, beer, cider, gin and mixers
Radmore Farm Shop delivers at least twice a week by van around the city so you can shop online for superb quality meat, baked goods including Vicky’s fabulous home made cakes, fruit, veg and salad, dairy and pantry items, drinks, snacks and more. They will also make small deliveries on foot or by bike for customers most in need at this time. Email them through the website to arrange.
Panther Taxis will collect your “click and collect” online shopping from Tesco Milton and Tesco Newmarket Road and drop it at your door, charging the standard metered rate. With news that the supermarkets’ own delivery services are being swamped, this seems like a good way to replenish the fridge.
It doesn’t take long for cabin fever to strike. If you can’t leave the house, you can take yourself out on a virtual tour. Check out Jim and Helen Ede’s house with its beautiful art works at Kettle’s Yard or take in King’s College, its Chapel and Library, which is not normally open to the public. And then visit these places IRL when this corona virus nightmare is over.
If you’re able to leave the house, spend some time outside in the fresh air. Head to the Botanic Garden which has to be my favourite green space in the city. Or maybe take a punt tour, giving you stunning views of the Colleges from the river. I’ve noticed the punt stations down at Magdalene Bridge are looking very empty in the absence of tourists lately.
Mindful activities like knitting and crochet help to while away the time and quiet a busy mind. Knitting Needle Lane, owned by Camilla Carter, is Cambridge’s independent yarn retailer and has an online shop offering yarns, crochet and knitting patterns plus Make Your Own packs. If you live in Cambridge, choose the ‘Home Delivery’ option and Camilla will deliver your yarn through your letterbox for free. If you live further away in the UK, she is offering 50% off postage.
And finally but perhaps most importantly, we need to look out for each other. Two of my neighbours have set up a simple scheme where you can volunteer to offer shopping support for people who are holed up at home because of illness or the need to self-isolate. This type of community support is easy to replicate and will make a big difference to our neighbourhoods in the coming weeks.
Rolo, my 3 month old puppy!
As I said at the start of this piece, these are weird and scary times. Here’s a picture of my puppy to make you smile. Me, I’m just hoping for the best and now I’m off to tidy that wardrobe I’ve been meaning to tackle for months! Wishing all readers, wherever you are in the world, good health x
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 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 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 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 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
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
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!!
Late afternoon on the River Cam
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.
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
So just like that, December is here … the city is looking even more gorgeous than usual with lights twinkling and decorations everywhere. Read on for details of all types of Christmas music and services, shopping events where you’ll find those perfect handmade presents, seasonal celebrations and activities in our wonderful museums and much more. I’ll update this listing through the month so do check back and please get in touch if you’d like me to include your event.
Christmassy vibes at The Ivy Cambridge Brasserie
1st 12 noon – 4pm Museum Shop Sunday. Stalls from local suppliers including jewellery, glasswork and pottery. Mulled wine and mince pies. Free, drop in. Museum of Cambridge, Castle Street. http://www.museumofcambridge.org.uk
1st 12 noon – 4pm Studio Sunday. Practical art making workshops, no experience necessary. Free, drop in. Kettle’s Yard, Castle Street. http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk
1st 1.15 – 2pm Cambridge University Instrumental Award Holders – a performance by the very best undergraduate chamber musicians. Free. Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk
1st 6.30pm Winter Cabaret. A seasonal mix of jazzy, sassy, jingly and soulful songs and music from The Lucy Cavendish Singers. Storey’s Field Centre, Eddington. http://www.lucycavendishsingers.org.uk
4th 5 – 8pm Rowan’s Winter Warmer. A festive evening where you can buy handmade gifts and cards, commission artwork and get involved in Christmas workshops. Live music, mulled wine and mince pies. Free entry. Rowan, 140 Humberstone Road, CB4 http://www.rowanhumberstone.co.uk
5th 6.30pm Murder under the Mistletoe. Heffers’ Christmas Crime Party. Festive drinks, book buying and readings from crime authors. 10% off purchases on the evening. Heffers, Trinity Street. http://www.heffersbookshop.eventbrite.com
6th 7.30pm A Jazz Suite for Christmas. Tim Boniface and Polly Gibbons. St. Paul’s, Hills Road. http://www.stpaulsartsfest.org
6th 7.30pm Michaelmas Concert: A Musical Selection Box, to include Tchaikovsky and Gershwin. The University of Cambridge Concert Band. St Giles’ Church, CB3. Tickets on the door.
7th 8.50 – 10.30am Mill Road History Walk with Cambridge Green Badge Guides. Meet at the Romsey R on Cavendish Road. http://www.millroadhistory.org.uk
7th 10am – 1pm Family Saturday. Get festive and make all sorts of Christmas decorations using natural materials. Free. Botanic Garden, Brookside. http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk
7th 11.30am Bridging Binaries: LGBTQ+ Tour. Explore the spectrum of identities that exist across time, place and culture in Cambridge collections. Free. Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street. http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk
7th 1 – 1.30pm Come and Sing Carols. An informal, friendly “come and sing” carolling session for shoppers, friends and visitors. Great St Mary’s Church, King’s Parade
7th 2 – 4pm Family First Saturday. Activities and art making on the theme of festive fun. Free, drop in. Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street. http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk
7th 4 – 5pm Blue Christmas. A service of jazz and prayer for everyone who doesn’t find the holidays so happy. Michaelhouse Chapel, Trinity Street
7th 7pm Messiah by Candlelight. Eboracum Baroque. A charity concert in aid of Cancer Research. Great St Mary’s Church, King’s Parade. http://www.eboracumbaroque.co.uk
8th 7.30pm Christmas Orchestral and Choral Concert. Dvorak, Mendelssohn and Czech Christmas music. The Academy of Great St Mary’s. Great St Mary’s Church, King’s Parade. http://www.adcticketing.com
8th 7.30pm Messiah. Choir of Clare College with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Trinity College Chapel. http://www.adcticketing.com
9th 7.45pm Brokenness, compassion and identity in rehabilitation after brain injury. Speaker: Dr Andrew Bateman. Part of the Science meets Faith series. Free admission, retiring collection. Wesley Church, Christ’s Pieces
12th 7.30pm Music for an English Advent: Gabriel’s Message. Carols and estampies from medieval England. Mediva Ensemble. Emmanuel United Reformed Church, Trumpington Street. http://www.CambridgeEarlyMusic.org
12th 8pm A Winter Union. Five leading lights of the British roots scene present an evening of seasonal songs, new and old. Storey’s Field Centre, Eddington. http://www.cambridgelive.org.uk
13th 7.30pm – 2.30am Reach Up Disco Wonderland with DJ Andy Smith and XL Records founder Nick Halkes. 2648 Bar, Trinity Street. https://skdl.co/kFnLqa45X0
13 – 14th 7.30pm A Christmas Carol. Adapted and performed by Martin Prest in a one man show. The Leper Chapel, Newmarket Road. Wrap up warm as the Chapel can be cold! http://www.adcticketing.com
14th 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. http://www.friendsofmiltonroadlibrary.org.uk
14th 3 – 3.30pm amd 4 – 4.30pm Michaelhouse Candlelit Carols. Come and sing traditional Christmas carols in the candlelit chapel. Michaelhouse Chapel, Trinity Street
14th 6 – 11pm Cambridge African Network Christmas Party. Food, Santa Claus, music and dancing. Storey’s Field Centre, Eddington. http://www.cambridgeafricannetwork.org
15th 10am – 4pm Victorian Christmas Celebration. Family friendly Victorian Christmas day with craft activities, music, mince pies and more. Cambridge Museum of Technology, Cheddars Lane. http://www.museumoftechnology.com
15th 6.30 – 8pm Carols by Candlelight, accompanied by Cottenham Brass Band. Hosted by Cambridge Past, Present and Future. The Leper Chapel, Newmarket Road. Free event, donations appreciated. http://www.cambridgeppf.org
15th 8pm Music for Advent and Christmas. Josquin, Howells and carols for audience participation. Fairhaven Singers. Trinity College Chapel. http://www.fairhavensingers.org.uk
18th 1.15 – 2pm The Food of Christmas Past. A talk with Ivan Day, Feast & Fast food historian. Free. Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street. http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk
19th 7 – 9pm Mindfulness around a Campfire – Winter Solstice celebration. Guided meditations, reflections, discussions, poetry, games and toasty pre Christmas treats around a campfire. Milton Country Park, CB24. Tickets from clairethompson@mindfulness-of-nature.com
19th 7.30 – 10pm Light Up EACH Life Cambridge Concert. We Are Sound and Evelyn Glennie perform a selection of uplifting songs in celebration of the children and families cared for at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. Great St Mary’s Church, King’s Parade. http://www.each.org.uk
20th 10.30am – 12.30pm GPS Christmas Treasure Hunt. Track down some special Christmas plants growing in the garden. A family activity. Booking essential. Botanic Garden, Brookside. http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk
20th 7.30pm Celebrate Christmas with John Rutter and Bach Choir Voices. Traditional carols and works by John Rutter. Our Lady and the English Martyrs Catholic Church, Hills Road http://www.cambridgesummermusic.com
22nd 4 – 5.15pm and 6.30 – 7.45pm Carols by Candlelight. A traditional candlelit service of lessons and carols at the University Church. Arrive early to be sure of a seat. Great St Mary’s Church, King’s Parade
24th 4 – 5pm Christmas Eve Crib Service. Carols, bible stories and an impro Nativity. For children and their families. Come as you are or in Nativity fancy dress. Great St Mary’s Church, King’s Parade
25th 11.15am – 12.15pm Christmas Day Choral Mattins. Favourite carols, beautiful music, scripture and story. Great St Mary’s Church, King’s Parade
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 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
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 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
Fantastic harvest of Laxton’s Superb apples from our tree this year
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Castle Hill Open Day is happening on 13 July with free events led by historians, local experts, artists, musicians and dancers. There’s something here for all ages as you explore the art, history and heritage of one of the oldest parts of Cambridge.
A quick history lesson …. Castle Hill was originally an Iron Age hill fort and subsequently the site of the Roman town of Durolipante. The Normans built Cambridge Castle there in 1068 but all that remains of it now is grassy Castle Mound, a rare hill in our flat East Anglian landscape! Climb this and you’ll be rewarded with terrific views of Cambridge.
Image credit: Kettle’s Yard
The packed programme for this year’s Open Day includes
art workshops, talks and music at Kettle’s Yard
a rare chance to explore the former Nuclear Bunker behind Shire Hall
a tour of the New Hall Art Collection which has over 400 works of art by women artists plus you can pick herbs and make tea in Murray Edwards College Garden
a “Museum of Mysteries” trail and a Cabinet of Curiosities family workshop at the Museum of Cambridge
an insight into the area’s history through the biographies of 60 people buried at Histon Road Cemetery
free themed tours of the Castle Hill area
Image credit: Kettle’s Yard
Food-wise, there’ll be plenty of picnic spots. The cafes at Kettle’s Yard, the Museum of Cambridge, St Gile’s Church (cream tea, anyone?!) and the Methodist Church will be open. There’ll be several food trucks, a vegan pop up cafe at Murray Edwards College and an ice cream van.
Image credit: Kettle’s Yard
You’ll find more information and full details of the Open Day schedule on the Kettle’s Yard website.
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 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
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 – 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
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 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
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
New in Cambridge 