Free music and arts festival returns to Midsummer Common
Strawberry Fair, the free, volunteer-run institution that attracts 30,000 people, returns to Midsummer Common on 2 June.
This year’s theme is heroes, which is sure to be reflected in the parade from Christ’s Pieces, around the market and back to the common which kicks things off in colour and style.
Cambridge Band Competition winners Influx of Insanity, a young progressive rock duo, get to perform, while in the arts area a geodome hosts theatre, comedy, a photography exhibition and art workshops, while the Wild Strawberries stage features spoken word and open mic guests before a Strawberry Slam, in association with Hammer & Tongue between 7 and 8pm. Cambridge Art Salon will be running a non-alcoholic cocktail bar for donations only.
Electronic and acoustic acts perform at the GreenMachine stage throughout the day and the Portland Ballroom, the largest indoor area at the fair, will host 15 acts, including ska/two-tone Cambridge covers band Big 10at 2.45pm, Kerry Devine’s dark folk songs at 3.35pm inspired by the Fens near Ely, folk duo Ward and Parker at 5.35pm and six-piece indie/gypsy-swing band Opaque at 8.55pm.
The Cambuskers Showcase stage features loads of performers in 20-minute slots form 12noon to 9pm just before the Fort St George pub, while The Flying Pig stage, now in its second year, is dedicated to creating a great day of live music, with all the acts having once graced the Hills Road pub, which has become a bit of a haven for many music acts in recent years.
For a fun, easy-going space, head to the Gypsy Village for something a bit other, a bit ‘out of space and time’.
Strawberry Fair is free, though donations are welcome at the event, which has been running for 44 years.
