Celebrate local culture at one of the city’s most-loved festivals
This year’s Open Cambridge extravaganza promises to be bigger and better than ever. The theme for 2021 – ‘edible England’ – focuses on the city’s culinary heritage and culture, both past and present. It’s sure to be a real treat, with a series of unmissable events between 10 and 19 September.
The festival is part of the national Heritage Open Days scheme, which provides special access to places that would otherwise be closed to the public (or charge admission). It’s run by the University of Cambridge Public Engagement team, with support from Cambridge BID.
As a consistently popular free annual festival, Open Cambridge is continuing its tradition of upping the game for 2021, maxing out on both in-person and digital events. The festivities – which usually span three days – have more than tripled this year, and will include tours, walks, films, talks and a whole host of online activities, designed to bring local people together and encourage widespread celebration of Cambridge’s unique community spirit.
From this fantastic selection, potential favourites include a behind-the-scenes tour of Cambridge University Farm, a look at the dietary changes Americans brought to Cambridge during World War II, and a talk that reveals what food provisions are necessary when embarking on an Antarctic expedition.
An event for all the family to enjoy, the exclusive tour of Cambridge University Farm will allow you to explore the century-old farm to your heart’s content. See the animals and machinery on a guided tour led by staff, and learn how the farm aims to manage livestock operations in ways that demonstrate animal welfare and keep up its commitment to farming in a sustainable manner – including maintaining and enhancing the conservation value of the farm. It’s also home to a herd of pedigree Holstein Friesian cattle – so if you’ve been enjoying the Cows about Cambridge exhibition this summer, why not head down to feast your eyes on the real deal?
It’s a series of unmissable events
There are several events for history buffs to revel in, with a particular focus on Cambridge’s gastronomic past. ‘What did the Americans bring to the table during World War II?’ tells the tale of how Americans brought their food and culture across the pond during this time of global conflict. Airmen, soldiers and sailors arriving in Britain – unprepared for the sheer drabness of everything – identified a sure-fire way to lighten our spirits. They brought edible delights over as gifts – including tinned hams, ‘jello’ and sugar-loaded candies. Find out more about these stories during a 50-minute walking tour of the hallowed grounds where young men and women of the Friendly Invasion are commemorated – and learn more about the so-called ‘forbidden fruits’ they brought along with them.
You can also enjoy ‘Feasting histories hunt: discover the rich culture of feasting in the city of Cambridge’, which promises plenty of rich, juicy details concerning historical culinary events. From collegial dinners in medieval halls to Queen Victoria’s coronation feast in a park – take it all in on a virtual tour. Short videos will be available to access on demand on any mobile device, revealing a conglomeration of stories full of exciting places, objects, food and people.
If you’re a regular at Cambridge’s bustling market, there’s an event that may pique your interest. ‘Meat from the market, spices from the fair: feeding townspeople, students and visitors in past Cambridge’ reveals the ways food has been distributed in the city over the years. In the early days, there were gardens and orchards right in the centre of town where vegetables and fruit were grown, while more exotic foodstuffs primarily reached Cambridge through annual fairs. There’s plenty to learn, as it seems the city’s food supply was never completely straightforward!
For adventure-loving visitors, the Scott Polar Research Institute’s archivists will be running ‘Crossing Antarctica: How do you cross a continent made of ice?’, at which they will discuss the planning, provisions and progress of a timeless journey across the icy continent, from the 1950s era of exploration. There’s also the chance to hear about Cambridge resident Vivian ‘Bunny’ Fuchs – the first person to traverse the Antarctic’s uncharted territories in the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition.
The full programme – which has 65 free events in total – is available to look through now. For more information, visit the Open Cambridge website.
