1. Watch fireworks
Wrap up warm and head over to Midsummer Common on 5 November for Cambridge’s annual fireworks spectacular. One of the city’s best- loved and longest running events, the city’s bonfire night attracts around 20,000 punters each year and always offers a great, family-friendly evening out. The fun begins at 6pm when the Thurston Fun Fair opens, followed by a fire show at 6.45pm. The main display kicks off at 7.30pm, after which the bonfire will be lit. Donations of £1 per person are encouraged.
2. Christmas at Burwash
Begin your festive season in style this month at Burwash Manor’s Christmas Begins event on 6 November. As well as picking up pressies from Burwash’s many independent retailers, all of which will be open later than usual, there will be festive entertainment and seasonal treats like mulled wine and mince pies to enjoy. The magical Christmas marquee will once again be brimming with lovely decorations and gifts too, and there will be special discounts on the night.
3. Cambridge Music Festival
From 12 ’til 22 November, Cambridge will play host to a unique boutique festival featuring performances from nine world- class musicians. Taking place at a number of venues around the city, this year’s event includes a visit from one of the 20th century’s most influential composers, Philip Glass, who’ll be making a rare visit to Britain with his ensemble. Also on the bill is sensational hang player, Manu Delago (who has been voted into the top 30 music videos on YouTube), as well as a performance of Mozart’s stunning clarinet quintet by the Borodin String Quartet with soloist Michael Collins.
4. Skate on Parker’s Piece
Already counting down the days until 25 December? You’ll be delighted to hear that this festive season, Cambridge will play host to a huge Christmas festival, right in the heart of the city on Parker’s Piece. Running from 21 November to 5 January, The North Pole Cambridge will feature traditional entertainment, fairground rides, a range of interactive side stalls and a spectacular 600m open air ice rink. There will also be tasty edible treats from foodPark – our city’s fantastic street food collective. Sound good? Head over to www.cambsedition.co.uk, where we’re giving away three family tickets (worth £33 each), and stay tuned to the next issue of Cambridge Edition for lots more news on the event.
www.thenorthpolecambridge.co.uk
5. The Big Switch On
Heralding the beginning of the countdown to Christmas, this year’s Big Switch On takes place over the course of the weekend of 15 and 16 November. There’ll be fun at the Grafton Centre with kids TV favourites Ben and Holly on the Saturday, as well as appearances from Santa and his helpers. We’ll also get to hear the winner of the Cambridge Has Talent competition perform plus lots more, with the the Grafton lights getting switched on at 4.30pm. There’s more entertainment planned for the Sunday inlcuding circus performers, a rock choir, the Sin Cru breakdancers, and of course, a mystery celebrity! (But can they top Chico?). City Centre lights are switched on at 5pm.
