Live music, family activities, country pursuits and village fetes are just some of the fun festivals taking place in Cambridgeshire.
Enchanted Cinema, 16 May – 19 September
Gonville Hotel, Cambridge
The popular pop up cinema returns for another summer of movies under Cambridgeshire skies. Watch well-loved films such as Dirty Dancing, TopGun, Kill Bill and Romeo & Juliet, as well as recent hits like A Star is Born and Bohemian Rhapsody at the pretty inner city hidden garden at The Gonville Hotel. Make it the ultimate movie night and pre-order popcorn and prosecco or a gin & tonic! www.enchantedcinema.co.uk
Cambridge Town & Country Fair, 8-9 June
Parker’s Piece, Cambridge
All day entertainment will include historical re-enactment, birds of prey flying displays, terrier racing, children’s entertainer, the goat show including bottle feeding lambs and kids, children’s petting pens and much more. www.oakleighfairs.co.uk
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The Wildwood Rumpus, 8 June
Horseheath Racecourse
My Little Festival’s magical one-day family festival returns for a second year in a woodland at Horseheath Racecourse. Designed to attract families from the area, the event focuses on creating a beautiful, eco-friendly, woodland event, with enchanting activities and performances around every corner.
Expect art installations, story-tellers, woodland crafts, children’s theatre & authors, plus fantastic food from local street food vendors, bars, and live music from the Brass Funkeys and local bands. Family tickets are now on sale (2 adults and 2 children) from £65. www.thewildwoodrumpus.com
The Wildwood Disco, 22 June
Horseheath Racecourse
The Wildwood Disco brings together world renowned DJs and music producers among many other musical talents for a festival full of energy. Lose yourself under the canopy of the trees as you dance the day away. Lasers, entertainers, fire pits, bars and Cambridge’s best street food will mean this is a perfectly formed mini festival with something for everyone. Don’t miss out, tickets are selling fast! www.thewildwooddisco.com
The Big Weekend, 5-7 July
Parker’s Piece, Cambridge
A fantastic weekend of live music covering all genres. Best of all, it’s completely free! www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk
Peterborough Italian Festival, 6-7 July
City Centre, Peterborough
There’s no need to pack your suitcase for an Italian escape this summer as a little piece of Italy lands in Peterborough’s city centre. Think of everything the Italians do well…pizza, pasta, wine, coffee, gelato…you’ll find it here! www.visitpeterborough.com
Cambridge Open Studios, 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 & 27-28 July
Multiple venues throughout Cambridgeshire
Artists will open their doors to the public over four weekends in July for the annual Cambridge Open Studios art event. 356 participants will be exhibiting at 222 locations in Cambridge, Ely, Saffron Walden and many surrounding villages. Among the huge range of specialisms will be fine art, photography, pottery, photography, sculpture, illustration, textiles, jewellery, furniture making, and more besides.
The weekends are 6/7, 13/14, 20/21 and 27/28 July. Visit www.camopenstudios.co.uk to find out more or download the Cambridge Open Studios app. Free Guide Book available from June. Twitter @CamOpenStudios
Cambridge Rock Festival, 25-28 July
Barton
Celebrating its 15thyear, over 50 bands will be appearing across two fully covered stages set outdoors in the grounds of Haggis Farm Polo Club. The festival includes real-ale, on-site camping with parking by your tent ( a rare treat!) and a variety of food stalls. www.cambridgerockfestival.co.uk
Cambridge Folk Festival, 1-4 August
Cherry Hinton Hall
One of the longest running and most famous folk festivals in the world, the festival attracts thousands of visitors each year. Its renowned for its mix of music and great line-up of artists. This year Nick Mulvey has come on board as the Guest Curator. He will select five of his favourite artists to perform amazing sets as well as joining the line-up himself.
Throughout the four days, visitors can enjoy music from the likes of Lucinda Williams, Fisherman’s Friends and Ralph McTell to name a few.Camping facilities, children’s entertainment, music workshops and other entrainment will also be available. www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk/folk-festival
Peterborough Beer Festival, 20-24 August
The Embankment, Peterborough
This year the festival celebrates it 42th anniversary. An annual knees-up, visitors will enjoy a lively atmosphere and over 400 real ales, ciders, Perries and wines. www.peterborough-camra.org.uk
Fenland Country Fair, 25-26 August
Stow cum Quy Park, Cambridge
A celebration of Britain’s countryside, the jam-packed programme of events includes demonstrations, displays, rural crafts, sporting pursuits, vintage cars and tractors, gundog competition and more. There’s also the chance to browse and shop national retailers of country clothing, equipment and crafts, alongside locally grown produce. This is one outdoor event not to be missed! www.fenlandfairs.com
Cambridge Art Fair, 26-29 September
Quy Mill Hotel, Cambridge
A wonderful selection of galleries and dealers from all around the UK and beyond, have participated in the Cambridge Art Fair over the years and many of them are returning for 2019. The fair aims to be vibrant and fresh for visitors, so there will always be new galleries and dealers exhibiting. www.cambridgeartfair.com
