The new season starts here! Make the most of summer with this year’s smorgasbord of festivals, live music and alfresco dining opportunities
Image: Nikki Goldup
With June marking the official start of the season, those long-awaited, heady summer days are finally here. A time when we, the city and wider region come alive under wide, blue skies to enjoy the warmer temperatures, longer days and plenty of fun, adventure and lazy days in the great outdoors.
We may be biased, but Cambridge is surely one of the best places in the UK to soak up the season, with its creative energy, picture-perfect picnic spots and packed calendar of events – not to mention the many attractions of the surrounding region. Here’s just a taste of what this summer has in store for us all…
Screen and stage
Outdoor entertainment begins this very month, as the renowned Adventure Cinema opens its new pop-up location – right here at King’s College Cambridge! The five-film programme begins on 19 June with The Greatest Showman Sing-A-Long. Then, in September, the cinema heads to Anglesey Abbey to play Dirty Dancing, Wicked Sing-A-Long, Pride and Prejudice and more. adventurecinema.co.uk
If theatre is more your thing, the stage is also set for this at Anglesey Abbey, with Othello playing 7-8 August, and at Wimpole Estate with its much-loved Sunset Series beginning on 10 July. Shows (including As You Like It, The Jungle Book, Twelfth Night and Abba by Moonlight) run until 29 August. nationaltrust.org.uk
When it comes to live music, there is Music in the Parks, which takes place on selected Sundays between 21 June and 6 September, kicking off at Romsey Rec with Waterbeach Brass Band (camcityevents.co.uk); Sounds Green every Wednesday evening in July, with jazz, swing and more coming to Cambridge University Botanic Garden’s Main Lawn (botanic.cam.ac.uk); Cambridge BID’s Summer in the Square bringing free live music to Cambridge railway station every Thursday evening in July; and Heritage Live at Audley End Estate from 6 to 9 August, featuring big-name acts like Scissor Sisters, The Streets and Faithless (heritagelive.net).
Festivals for all
Festival fever has truly gripped the region, with the Cambridge Folk Festival, taking place 1-2 August at Cherry Hinton Hall, having already sold out! But don’t worry, there’s lots more to enjoy this summer.
Throughout July, the Cambridge Summer Music Festival welcomes world-renowned musicians to beautiful venues in and around Cambridge, with almost 30 events ranging from chamber music, orchestral and choral concerts, through to jazz, song and solo instrumental recitals, workshops and more. This year, highlights will include a masterclass with festival director and acclaimed tenor Ben Johnson on 4 July, A Sea Symphony with Cambridge Philharmonic at Saffron Hall on 5 July, the popular Heath Quartet on 16 July, as well as prize-winning Italian violinist Matteo Cimatti on 24 July. cambridgesummermusic.com
For something a little different, do not miss the Out of the Ordinary Festival, which will see the streets of Cambridge abuzz with live performances by incredible artists. Taking place on 29 and 30 August, this free, quirky event showcases circus skills, physical comedy, expressive dance and immersive walkabout acts.
Alfresco feasts
We are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining (quite literally) out! From the hidden urban garden of Pint Shop to the riverside terraces of Midsummer House, MillWorks, Garden House, Galleria and more, as well as the trendy out-of-town spots such as Provenance, The Gog and much-loved country pub gardens dotted all across the region.
Shining the spotlight on just three: for another city-centre option, the Gonville Hotel garden offers a beautiful setting and vibrant atmosphere for outdoor drinks and dining throughout summer. Here, guests can enjoy seasonal cocktails, relaxed alfresco evenings and homemade pizzas freshly prepared in the outdoor pizza oven. There’s even a seasonal offer to snap up: a pizza with a pint or glass of house wine for £18, available Friday to Sunday. gonvillehotel.co.uk
Heading out into the heart of the Cambridgeshire countryside, The Elm in Abbots Ripton is a perfect village pub for laid-back summer days. Its spacious beer garden and outdoor kitchen serve up smash burgers and loaded fries every weekend, plus there’s plenty of live entertainment to enjoy. Highlights include the Rootin’ Tootin’ Ripton country party on 19 June, outdoor cinema nights, garden gigs, World Cup fan zones and more. Search The Elm Abbots Ripton on socials to stay up to date. theelmabbotsripton.co.uk
Take a seat on the terrace of award-winning luxury retreat Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa in Newmarket to soak up those long summer days in style while enjoying an afternoon tea, a set lunch menu or Fizz Fridays – a delicious fish-and-chip supper with the added luxury of Billecart-Salmon champagne! Don’t miss, too, the hotel’s Jo Malone Afternoon Tea experience on 24 June. bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk
Or why not pack a picnic, grab a blanket and head to one of Cambridge’s beautiful parks like Jesus Green, Parker’s Piece or Midsummer Common to enjoy some good old-fashioned family time. Fitzbillies offers a fabulous afternoon tea hamper if you’d rather buy in. Enjoy!
Dates for your diary
Open Garden (6-7 June)
Dr Carrie Herbert MBE is opening her beautiful garden at 49 New Square (CB1 1EZ) in support of local charity Red Balloon Educational Trust for the final time. Entry is free, with donations to the charity. Children are welcome!
Duxford Summer Air Show (4-5 July)
The Duxford Summer Air Show returns with a special anniversary event to mark 250 years since the signing of the US Declaration of Independence, inspired by IWM Duxford’s wartime connection with the US Air Force.
Cambridge Open Studios (4-26 July)
Taking place over the first four weekends of July, this annual event provides the opportunity to visit working studios, meet the artists and buy their artworks direct.
Cambridge 75th Celebrations (12 July)
Celebrating 75 years since Cambridge gained city status, there’s a party being held on Jesus Green! Free to enter, expect a full day of live music, DJs, food vendors, bars and stalls.
Eddington Carnival (17-18 July)
The Eddington Cricket Pitch will transform into a vibrant space full of family-friendly activities, live entertainment, fitness and wellbeing sessions, delicious food and drink.