1. LEARN TO PLAY
Cambridge music shop Millers is hosting free music taster sessions this month, aimed at encouraging locals of all ages to pick up an instrument. On 21 and 22 March, mentors will be in store teaching the ukulele, harmonica and a variety of brass, wind and string instruments. Says Millers MD Simon Pollard: “Learning an instrument shouldn’t be daunting or scary. Come and give it a try!”
2. WALK (OR RUN) ON THE WILD SIDE
Make your way to Wimpole Hall on the evening of 7 March when the grounds will come alive with gypsy music, dancing shadows and flickering fires. Wimpole After Dark invites you to experience this magnificent stately house and grounds in a whole new light, through night-time tours, an illuminated sculpture trail and live music from gypsy jazz band Parisian Swing. There may even be marshmallows! Gates open 5.45pm (£8 adult, £5 child). The event coincides with the Wimpole Night Run, a picturesque and atmospheric 2k or 6k route leaving at 6pm.
3. DRESS TO IMPRESS
The daring and delectable cabaret club is back and full of the joys of spring with a new burlesque event, taking place on 28 March at a brand new venue: the Cambridge Union Society. The Gilded Birdcage invites attendees to shake their tail feather and unleash their inner pin-up, showgirl or dapper gent and party til the small hours to retro tunes. Meanwhile Neon Moon’s exquisite performers will keep you spellbound with cheeky routines and circus magic. Dressing up is the norm: think exotic plumes, lavish feathery headdresses and graceful, glitter-dusted wings… Tickets are £28 in advance (£35 door).
4. GET SET FOR CAMBRIDGE LIVE
A day of free entertainment is planned for the city on 1 April for the launch of Cambridge Live. Bollywood music and dance, folk shows and classical piano recitals are in the mix, along with an exclusive set from rising young boy band The Cogo. Cambridge Live is a new charity set to take over the running of artsy goings-on in the city such as the Folk Festival, fireworks and events at the Corn Exchange.
5. SIGN UP FOR THE DRAGONBOAT FESTIVAL
Entries are now open for the 2015 Dragon Boat Festival, taking place in Cambridge this summer. The huge river race, held at Ditton Meadows each year, sees local teams and businesses go head to head in a series of lively races taking place throughout the day. Teams of up to 10 people (plus a drummer) must propel their traditional-style dragon boat along a 200m stretch of the Cam, watched by several hundred cheering spectators. This year’s charity partner is Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT), and the event takes place on 12 September. All are welcome – no experience necessary, and as proud media partners once again for this great event, Cambridge Edition will be keeping you posted with more information ahead of the big day.
