open air cinema cambridge – New in Cambridge

What’s on in Cambridge – August 2019

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

Portugal Place Cambridge — Portugal Place, looking lovely in the sunshine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Punting on the River Cam Cambridge — Messing about on the river

What’s on in Cambridge – 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 – May

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s on in August

Here’s the What’s On listing for August! It’s full of all sorts of events that come to my attention and I’ll update it through the month so do check back when you can.

King's College Cambridge — King’s College with its 200 year old horse chestnut tree

1 – 25th Cambridge Shakespeare Festival. Open air Shakespeare plays in College gardens. Macbeth/The Comedy of Errors/Pericles/Twelfth Night. http://www.cambridgeshakespeare.com

1 – 31st Summer at the Museums. Fun family days out for all ages. Making and creating, hands-on history and interactive science. Low cost or free. http://www.museums.cam.ac.uk

2 – 5th Cambridge Folk Festival. Cherry Hinton Hall. http://www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk/folk-festival

3 – 5th 7pm Movies @ Madingley. Breakfast at Tiffany’s/Spectre/La La Land. Madingley Hall Gardens, CB23. Open air cinema with barbecue and bar. http://www.ice.cam.ac.uk/SummerFestival

5th 1 – 4 pm Riverside Tea Garden at The Old Pumping Station. http://www.museumoftechnology.com

5th 2 – 5pm Open Gardens. Christ’s College Fellows’ Garden, St Andrew’s Street. Teas, homemade cake and plants for sale. In aid of British Red Cross.

6th 11am – 3pm Tall Towers! Great St Mary’s Church. A tall tower trail and tower building activities for families. Drop in.

7 – 10th Cookery courses (half day) including Perfect Pasta for Kids, Italian for Teens, Luxury Picnic Food for Teens, Summer Desserts for Children, Parent and Child French Baking. Cambridge Cookery School, Homerton Gardens, Purbeck Road, CB2. http://www.cambridgecookery.com

11 – 28th Phenomena. Art exhibition by Sama Soltani. The Locker Cafe, King Street.

12th 2 – 5pm Open Gardens. Clare College Fellows’ Garden, Queens Road. Teas, homemade cake and plants for sale. In aid of British Red Cross.

13th 11am – 3pm Flying High! Great St Mary’s Church. Discovering flying creatures and craft activities for families. Drop in.

17th 6.30 – 10pm Summer Night Market and outdoor cinema (Paddington 2 and The Greatest Showman). Market Square. http://www.cambridgebid.co.uk/events

19th 3 – 5pm Jazz on Jesus Green. ACE Jazz Trio and Sax. Free entry. http://www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk/city-events/events/jazz-and-brass-parks

20th 11am – 3pm Cambridge Market Square Stories! Great St Mary’s Church. Complete the market square stories trail and craft activities for families. Drop in.

23rd 7pm Chinese Music Concert – Flowing Water. Emmanuel United Reformed Church, CB2. http://www.eventbrite.co.uk

24 – 26th Cambridge Cocktail Weekend 2018. Corn Exchange. http://www.cambridgecocktailweekend.co.uk

24 – 27th 6pm Movies on the Meadows. Open air cinema on Grantchester Meadows. http://www.camfilmfest.com/grantchester

25th 10.45am Cambridgeshire Cycling Challenge. Celebrate 25 years of Anglia Ruskin University by cycling from Peterborough to Cambridge whilst raising money for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. Entry deadline 17th August. http://www.pieevents.co.uk/events/ccc

30 – 31st Oktoberfest Beer Festival. Jesus Green. http://www.cambridge-oktoberfest.co.uk

Linden tree Cambridge — Lime scented blossom on the linden trees along the tow path

Summer in the City

Cambridge takes on an air of fiesta in June. Our beautiful green spaces are full of people enjoying the summer sunshine, chatting, picnicking, playing rounders, playing guitars, even practising their circus skills! Ecstatic students celebrate the end of exams at the famous May Balls, with the sound of revelry floating on the night air and amazing firework displays as darkness falls. It’s a time to enjoy life outdoors so I’ve put together some ideas to help you make the most of summer in the city.

What could be nicer on a summer’s day than messing about on the river? You’ll get a spectacular view of the colleges with their historic buildings and beautiful gardens as you glide along the Backs in a punt. Avoid the touts in the city centre and head down to Quayside at Magdalene Bridge where you’ll find several punt hire operators. Established in 1910, Scudamores are open every day from 9am to dusk. Self-hire punts take six people and cost £30 per hour. If you’d rather just sit back and relax, take a 45 minute shared guided tour at £20 per adult. Concessions and private tours are available. The punt chauffeurs are a fount of historical information and while I’ve never heard them sing “O Sole Mio”, they might if you ask nicely!

www.scudamores.com

casino royale playing — Image credit: Gareth Nunns

The Star & Mouse Picture Show is back for a new season, bringing weekend screenings underneath the stars at fabulous venues in and around Cambridge through the summer. This “trinket cinema” creates magical evenings of fairy lights, food and fire pits with live entertainment themed to the film. From 1-3 June, Star & Mouse lands on the riverside at The Double Tree Hilton in Granta Place, Mill Lane, showing “Inception”, “The Goonies” and “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”. Watch the sun go down then as darkness falls, park yourself in a deckchair, put on your wireless headphones and enjoy the film. Advance booking is recommended. Tickets are £12, bookable through www.starandmouse.com

Jesus Green Lido Cambridge — Image credit: GLL

Jesus Green Lido opened in 1923 and still has a reassuringly old school feel with its wooden changing cubicles and its attended Basket Room for safe storage of your possessions as you swim. One of the longest outdoor pools in the country, it’s surrounded by trees so it’s sheltered and private with shade on sunny days and plenty of grassy space for sunbathing and picnics. There’s a dedicated lane for speedy swimmers, a sauna and a little café for drinks and snacks. The Lido is unheated so the water temperature can be bracing but it’s quite acceptable to wear a wetsuit if you’re not the hardy type! You’ll find the Lido opposite Chesterton Road, between Jesus Lock and Victoria Bridge. An adult non member swim costs £4.70. Membership, season tickets and concessions are available.

www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/Cambridge/jesusgreenlido

King’s College is famous worldwide not only for its academic excellence but also for its stunning Chapel and its choir whose Christmas Eve service, “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols”, is broadcast to millions of listeners across the globe. On Sunday 24 June, join The King’s Men (the choral scholars of King’s College) for “Singing on the River”, their final concert of the season. The King’s Men will be on the Cam in punts singing madrigals, part-songs and close harmony while you’ll be relaxing with your picnic on the College’s back lawn which runs down to the river bank. Tickets are £12.50 or £5 for students (under 12’s get in free) from the King’s College Visitor Centre in King’s Parade or from shop@kings.cam.ac.uk

wp-1527770430694..jpg — Roof Terrace Bar at The Varsity Hotel

For a cool drink on a warm day plus breath taking 360 degree views over the city, head to the Roof Terrace Bar at The Varsity Hotel in Thompson’s Lane. It’s stylish with comfortable outdoor seating, colourful planting and a dedicated table service rooftop bar offering an extensive gin menu, summer cocktails, wine, bottled beers, champagne and prosecco alongside non alcoholic cocktails and soft drinks. There’s a small barbecue and salad menu too. This is one of my favourite places to sip a gin and tonic (Cambridge Distillery gin, naturally!) while watching the sun set on a summer evening.

www.thevarsityhotel.co.uk

This post is The Cambridge Scene column which I write for Eastlife Magazine, a terrific guide to all that’s happening in the east of England. To read more of the June edition, take a look on http://www.eastlife.co.uk

Summer Night Market Cambridge

The Summer Night Market is back on Friday 18 May for a special two day event, with cinema screenings under the stars and an outdoor big screen showing the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle live on Saturday 19 May.

There’s been a market in Cambridge since medieval times and a general market still runs every day in Market Square outside the Guildhall, selling street food, fruit and vegetables, books, jewellery and much more besides. Every Sunday there’s an arts, craft and local produce market showcasing original work from some of the area’s talented artists and craftspeople as well as organic produce grown by the region’s farmers. Around two hundred traders ply their wares in the Market over the course of a week and many of them will have stalls at the Summer Night Market. You’ll also find pop up bars and restaurants alongside street food vendors and local charity stallholders.

Screenings on 18 May will be the animated family film “Sing” at 6.30pm, followed by comedy “Meet the Parents” at 8.30pm. Expect a party atmosphere on 19 May, the Royal wedding day, when the market will be decked out in patriotic bunting. Feel free to bring your own flag! Seating will be provided but these events are popular so the advice is to come early to bag your spot or bring your own portable chair.

Summer Night Market cinema Cambridge — Image credit: Cambridge City Council

Dates for Summer Night Markets and outdoor cinema through the summer are:

Friday 22 June, screening “Moana” then “Dirty Dancing”

Friday 20 July, screening “Paddington” then “Grease”

Friday 17 August, screening “Paddington 2” then “The Greatest Showman”

Dan Ritchie, who manages the Market, tells me, “The Summer Night Markets and outdoor cinema are totally free for visitors and traders. It’s great to see a whole mix of people come together … families, friends, visitors and students, all enjoying a really lovely vibe.”

http://www.cambridgebid.co.uk/events

Market Square, Cambridge CB2 3QJ