Inspired by September’s Heritage Open Days festival, this month we’re sharing personal and historical stories from behind the scenes at some of our region’s most treasured buildings. As the summer holidays come to an end, Charlotte Phillips finds out what’s firing up our local educators for the new academic year and pastry chef Esther Sánchez shares the perfect cake recipe to ease the transition back into weekly routines. Also inside this issue are top tips for dialling up the cosy factor at home, ready for a new season; a bumper crop of new film releases for the month; and the latest news from Cambridge’s cultural and foodie scenes, as well as the wider community.
FREE
SEPTEMBER 2026
LOCAL LIVING DONE WELL
A NORTH STAR GIFT CARD WORTH £250 SEE PAGE 49 WIN!
EVOCATIVE STORIES OF CAMBRIDGE’S HISTORIC AND CULTURAL GEMS, TOLD BY THOSE CLOSEST TO THEM voices of the past
WARM WISHES Style notes and practical tips for that new fireplace or stove
GARDEN OF THE SENSES A celebration of ornamental grasses in all their graceful forms
BACK TO THE BOOKS Educators reveal what’s exciting them for the academic year ahead
WELCOME
SEPTEMBER REFLECTIONS One of the most treasured qualities of Cambridge is undoubtedly its rich
EDITORIAL Editor Louise Hoffman 01223 492249
louisehoffman@bright.uk.com Editorial director Nicola Foley 01223 499459 nicolafoley@bright.uk.com
history. It’s what fills the viewfinder of our cameras every time we turn a corner to an awe-inspiring aspect, it’s what our culture, economy and communities are built on and it’s what draws thousands of visitors to the city each year. The streets positively thrum with echoes of the past, and each resident and visitor is bound to have a spot where they feel most in touch with that history – or just simply love to be. This month, we are granted rare access to a host of historic and cultural sites – not only in the city but across Cambridgeshire – thanks to Heritage Open Days, a national festival offering free entry to events for ten days each September. Bookable slots are snapped up quickly, but there are lots of drop-in sessions (visit heritageopendays. org.uk and opencambridge.cam.ac.uk to see what’s still available). I’d recommend taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity to go behind the scenes and learn more about our local heritage – or put a reminder in your calendar for next year! Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to learn more about our local heritage
Chief sub editor Matthew Winney Sub editor Chris Young Junior sub editor
Tabitha John ADVERTISING Sales director Sam Scott-Smith 07875 711967 samscott-smith@bright.uk.com Ad manager Maria Francis 01223 492240 mariafrancis@bright.uk.com CONTRIBUTORS Ben Gawne, Charlotte Griffiths, Phoebe Harper, Sally Petitt, Charlotte Phillips & Esther Sánchez DESIGN & PRODUCTION Design director Andy Jennings Magazine design manager Lucy Jeffery Junior designer & ad production Holly May MANAGING DIRECTOR Andy Brogden TYPEFACE Nyght Serif / Maksym Kobuzan from Tunera Type Foundry
In the meantime, you can dive straight into the past with our cover feature (page 8), in which we are guided around three of Cambridge’s historic buildings and hear the stories that resonate with those who are closest to them. Of course, there is lots more going on during September too, so if history isn’t your thing, how about music, theatre, art, cinema, festivals and fairs, as well as Cambridge’s latest foodie offerings? You’ll find news of all this and more in the pages that follow. Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who responded to our reader survey over the summer. Your feedback is already proving so helpful as we continue evolving and improving the magazine – and your love for Cambridge Edition means the world to me and the whole team.
Find us @cambsedition
Cambridge Edition Magazine Bright Publishing Ltd, Bright House, 82 High Street, Sawston, Cambridgeshire CB22 3HJ, 01223 499450, cambsedition.co.uk • All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of the publishers. • Views expressed in the magazine aren’t necessarily those of Cambridge Edition or Bright Publishing Ltd, which do not accept any liability for loss or damage. • Every effort has been made to ensure all information is correct. Prices quoted were correct at time the magazine went to print. • Cambridge Edition is a free publication that is distributed in Cambridge and the surrounding area.
With all best wishes,
Illustration by Holly May, inspired by a photo from @polly.florence
Louise Hoffman, editor
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ON THE COVER 08 / PAST MEETS PRESENT With Heritage Open Days taking place this month, local history lovers tell us all about the historic and cultural landmarks that have a place in their hearts 49 / GIVEAWAY North Star steak and seafood restaurant has a most palatable prize to offer one lucky Cambridge Edition reader! 60 / ALL FIRED UP September is a great time to plan ahead for a cosy winter, with expert advice on the latest stove styles and smart technologies
68 / SWISH AND SWAY Adding movement, texture, colour and sound to our gardens, Sally Petitt writes an ode to ornamental grasses 78 / THE STAGE IS SET Charlotte Phillips finds out what our local educators are most excited for in the upcoming 2026/27 school year – and why CULTURE EDITION 20 / CULTURE NEWS Key updates from Cambridge’s cultural scene, including news of upcoming exhibitions, shows and festivals
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60 28 / BOOK CLUB A selection of iconic stories, plus new titles from local authors 30 / SCREEN TIME Prepare for a bumper crop of exciting cinema releases 35 / A DAY IN THE LIFE OF… Sneh Zaveri opens up for the day (and evening) at Sol Creative Foundry in Dry Drayton FOOD EDITION 40 / FOOD NEWS The latest gastro goings-on around Cambridgeshire
45 / RESTAURANT REVIEW Ben Gawne enjoys a thoroughly civilised afternoon at Gonville Kitchen 50 / HOME COMFORTS Feeling glum as the summer holidays draw to a close? Pastry chef Esther Sánchez has got the perfect pick-me-up REGULARS 06 / INSTACAMB As summer draws to a close, we showcase our favourite social media snaps from recent weeks
16 / THE AGENDA A round-up of events taking place across the region this month 53 / LOCAL NEWS Opportunities, successes, updates and charity appeals within our community 66 / EDITION LOVES Practical and decorative accessories for hearth, chimney breast and mantelpiece 90 / I ♥ CAMBRIDGE Abby Pollock prepares to celebrate ten years as a Cambridge resident
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LOCAL LIFE
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Our favourite Cambridge Instagram pics of the month
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LOCAL LIFE
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PAST meets As the region prepares to take part in this month’s Heritage Open Days festival, we find out what some of Cambridgeshire’s historic and cultural sites mean to the community PRESENT
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HERITAGE
BUILT TO LAST The architect John Soane brought a neo-classical aesthetic to Wimpole Hall after meeting the future 3rd Earl of Hardwicke on a tour of Europe
F or ten days each September, their fascinating secrets and stories through free entry, tours, talks and other initiatives. It’s all thanks to the Heritage Open Days festival, which has been celebrating the country’s rich culture and history through free, community-led programmes since 1994. Taking place from 11 to 20 September this year, there’s a wealth of heritage to discover in our region: visit Chatteris Museum after hours, discover the history of the unique Cold War-era military bunker at Alconbury Weald, explore the evocative Flag Fen Archaeology historic sites and buildings, museums and cultural venues across England – many of which are rarely, if ever, open to the public – welcome us in to discover Park (which some of you may remember archaeologist Francis Pryor MBE discussing in the January issue of Cambridge Edition ), take advantage of a rare opportunity to see inside the medieval gatehouse at the old Benedictine abbey of Ramsey, and much more. Open Cambridge 2026 (part of the wider national festival) revealed its full programme of events in August, with exclusive-access tours, exhibitions and talks ready to reveal the extraordinary stories that are woven through our city streets and surrounding areas. From archaeological dig discoveries at Wandlebury Hillfort to wartime connections honoured at the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial – plus a rare glimpse behind the scenes at the Grade I listed Senate House – there’s something to satisfy all cultural curiosities. One thing that is always palpable during this festival is the passion that people have for our local heritage sites and the stories behind them. So, turning this year’s Heritage Open Days theme of ‘everyday histories’ (with a focus on exploring the daily lives of our ancestors) on its head, we wondered: what does our heritage mean to today’s Cambridgeshire residents, for whom these places are a precious part of their daily lives? Here, three local history lovers share their stories…
Learn about Heritage Open Days and view this year’s programme of events at heritageopendays.org.uk and opencambridge.cam.ac.uk FIND OUT MORE
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THE OLD LIBRARY, ST JOHN’S COLLEGE
By Tanya Kirk
natural light in a Cambridge November, and it was wisely decided that putting in visible light fittings would ruin it) and, most crucially, there’s no seating to speak of – former students and fellows stood at lecterns to consult the books. But what books they are. The Old Library houses incredible treasures: a tenth-century Irish psalter; a beautifully illuminated prayer book that belonged to the college’s foundress, Lady Margaret Beaufort; the first manual on swimming to be published in Europe (1587); letters written by Audrey Hepburn, Spike Milligan and EM Forster to the designer and photographer Cecil Beaton – as well as artefacts including Wordsworth’s breakfast cup. The OId Library has stood for 400 years, but I am only the tenth person to hold the title of librarian. There is a real weight of responsibility that comes with the custodianship of this magical space and its wonderful collections, and with navigating the challenges of preserving them. The Old Library feels timeless and I hope that it will endure for centuries to come.
I’ve been the librarian at St John’s since 2024, but fell in love with its Old Library years earlier on a visit to the college. It’s a room with tremendous presence, relatively unchanged since it was built in the 1620s. The layout reminds me a little of a historic church, which is not at all surprising as it was funded by the Bishop of Lincoln, a former student. The beautiful dark- oak bookcases, decorated with botanical carvings, run perpendicularly up the room either side of the central aisle, and the far end is a vast oriel window facing west. For 200 years, the room would have been flooded with light from the setting sun. In the 1830s, the college built New Court across the river and some of the light was blocked, but there is a trade- off: an unexpected perspective on the Bridge of Sighs through Of course, this is no longer the college’s student library, and that’s a good thing – the heating is Victorian, the lighting in winter is poor (huge gothic windows can only admit so much the beautifully irregular handmade glass panes.
The Old Library at St John’s College will be hosting a special exhibition on 19 September as part of Open Cambridge 2026. Find out more about the library at joh.cam.ac.uk/research/library/old-library See for yourself
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HERITAGE PHOTOGRAPHS © SARA RAWLINSON
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To mark the Festival Theatre’s centenary, on 28 November the In Situ: theatre company will be performing a piece entitled 1926 , which will bring out some of the history of this very special building. DON’T MISS!
FESTIVAL THEATRE By Kuladipa
When I go into the theatre, I can feel echoes of all these periods. In the first half of the 19th century, the locals from Barnwell up in the ‘gods’, laughing, cheering and jeering and the smell of oil lamps. Charles Dickens giving readings and many of the finest actors of that era performing. The hymns and preachers resounding in the packed mission hall. The experimental plays of the 1920s, with actors who went on to become Hollywood stars, and Shakespeare performed on roller skates. And in the 21st century, the chanting of Buddhists and this old theatre witnessing people stepping out into a new life.
auctioned off to become an evangelist Mission Hall, and in 1920 it was used as a club for local underprivileged boys run by King’s College. It was in 1926, though, that it was transformed into the Festival Theatre: a home for experimental, avant-garde drama, running parallel to the cutting-edge, challenging theatre happening across Europe. During World War II, troops that were evacuated from Dunkirk were then entertained there. After the war, it was acquired by the Arts Theatre Cambridge as a workshop and wardrobe space. The Cambridge Buddhist Centre has been based there since 1998.
This year is the centenary of the opening of the Festival Theatre, which forms part of the Cambridge Buddhist Centre on Newmarket Road. Its roots, however, go back to medieval times when minstrels, players and performers entertained merchants and visitors at the annual fair on Stourbridge Common. From enclosures at the fair, bigger and more elaborate buildings were erected until the Theatre Barnwell was built on its current site in 1814. Since then, with the main structure today much as it was over two centuries ago, it has gone through several manifestations. In 1878, the theatre was
The Cambridge Buddhist Centre Open Day is on 12 September, offering historic tours of the Festival Theatre and taster sessions for some of the activities it offers. Find out more a t cambridgebuddhistcentre.com/openday26 See for yourself
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Architect Sir John Soane’s work and imagination can be seen across the Hall and even on the Farm
WIMPOLE HALL By Hilary Wilson
glamour even to service staircases; and created a delightfully ornate extension to the Gibbs Book Room. And this is all before we start on how he transformed Home Farm. When you next find yourself visiting Wimpole Estate, I hope this gives you a small introduction to an important part of its story.
now studying in Rome, accompanied us thither and measured the buildings.” It doesn’t require a huge leap of the imagination to see that, when Philip came into his inheritance, the two quickly colluded on bringing elements of what they had seen on their Grand Tours to Wimpole. Most striking is the Yellow Drawing Room, which required Soane to effectively insert a huge room into the house, knocking together ground and first-floor rooms and taking out attic bedrooms to accommodate the domed barrel vault in the roof. Much of the decoration seems to echo what was being unearthed in Rome when Soane and Yorke were there. Beyond this gorgeous room, Soane also introduced the Bath House, an indoor plunge pool reminiscent of Roman baths; reorganised rooms that ran through the centre of the house; brought light and
Throughout my four years at Wimpole as visitor experience manager – and particularly since taking on responsibility for the house – I have come to appreciate the many hands that have left their design imprint on Wimpole Hall. One set of hands that come to mind in particular are those of architect Sir John Soane, whose work and imagination can be seen across the Hall and even on the Farm. I am always interested in the human behind the history, and I love that John Soane first met the future 3rd Earl of Hardwicke when they were young men enjoying the Grand Tour of Europe. Soane clearly made quite the impression on the then Philip Yorke, who included this in a message to his uncle, the 2nd Earl, regarding the ‘perfection’ of Doric temples: “An English architect by the name of Soane, who is an ingenious young man
Find out more about visiting Wimpole Estate – including the special Harv’Fest event that takes place there from 12 to 13 September – at nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole See for yourself
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THE AGENDA
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11 FILM Adventure Cinema, Anglesey Abbey From 11 to 13 September, catch such movie classics as Dirty Dancing , Wicked Sing-a-long and Pride and Prejudice at this open-air cinema, with the historic Anglesey Abbey as your backdrop. Booking required. 12 EVENT Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show, IWM Duxford This event marks 90 years since the first flight of the Spitfire prototype and is set weekend of Spitfires, Hurricanes and more soaring overhead. Until 13 September. within the airfield where they first flew! Enjoy a
Scott Hamilton, Girton College
Girton Jazz welcomes American saxophone legend Scott Hamilton, whose discography runs to nearly 150 albums, including collaborations with Gerry Mulligan, Zoot Sims, Gene Harris, Buddy Tate, Rosemary Clooney and Al Cohn. 5 MUSIC Birdvox and Iona Fyfe, Cambridge Junction J2 Catch emerging Scottish electro-folk quartet Birdvox ahead of their debut LP Shamming the Drama, alongside Aberdeenshire folk singer Iona Fyfe, who form a double bill on this Showcase Scotland Introducing Tour.
An array of events to enjoy in Cambridgeshire this month
10 WELLBEING The Floating
EVENT Ancient Oak Fayre, Quy Country Park This Viking and medieval festival brings reenactors, display teams, music, stage shows, crafts, stalls, walkabout acts, falconry demonstrations, a team of wolves and even a tank of mermaids to Cambridgeshire! Until 6 September.
Grove Sound Bath, Jesus Green Lido Experience a relaxing floating sound bath featuring crystal singing bowls and therapeutic instruments, designed to help you unwind. Pre-booking required.
12 September
FESTIVAL Tewinbury Festival, Tewinbury Farm Bringing people, the best of the countryside and music together, this one-night-only festival in Hertfordshire is headlined by the House and Garage Orchestra, with a stage celebrating local talent, as well as food and drink.
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THE AGENDA
13 FESTIVAL 2026 Festival of Preaching, various venues This popular event aims to inspire, nurture and celebrate clergy, lay ministers and all who preach through a stimulating and varied programme of worship, lectures and workshops. Until 15 September. 19 EVENT Cambridge Autumn Shopping Fair , Parker’s Piece A range of exhibitors will showcase the best of arts and crafts, fashion and beauty, gifts and household accessories, outdoor and garden goodies, as well as a focus on food and drink. Until 20 September.
22 September
1 MUSIC
Oct
Joe Jackson, Cambridge Corn Exchange Joe Jackson and his band will perform work from throughout his remarkable career, as well as celebrating the release of his new album Hope and Fury .
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20 EVENT The Cambridge Wedding Fair 2026, University Arms University Arms, Grand Arcade and Elle-Events Management welcome you to the hotel’s ballroom, where you will be able to meet a host of local and specialised suppliers who can help bring your dream wedding to life. 22 In his first UK tour since 2010, Still at Large will see Lenny return to the experiences that shaped him while also exploring the creative sparks driving him today. Part stand-up, storytelling and conversation. COMEDY Lenny Henry, Cambridge Corn Exchange
23 THEATRE
28 TALK The History of Greek Mythology, Cambridge Junction J2 Dr Shelby Judge explores the great mythic ages of ancient Greece, bringing to life the defining stories and figures of each era and revealing why Greek mythology continues to fascinate, challenge and enchant us today. 29 TALK An Audience with Lucy Worsley, Cambridge Corn Exchange This beloved historian and bestselling author lifts the lid on royal life over the centuries, taking her audience behind the scenes of the palaces she knows so well, from Kensington to Hampton Court.
Cambridge Music Festival Autumn 2026 Series, various venues
Spanning six concerts in some of the city’s most historic chapels and concert halls, expect Renaissance polyphony, North Indian classical raag, major piano recitals, choral grandeur and string chamber music. Until 1 December. 30 COMEDY Christopher Hall, Cambridge Junction Viral sensation bursting with dancing, glamour, storytelling and big laughs. Expect a soiree delivered with charm, impeccable timing and plenty of pizazz. Christopher Hall is back on a live stage with a show Oct
Rowan Showcase, Fitzpatrick Hall, Queens’ College Tickets are available for this performance by students of Rowan, Cambridge’s arts centre and forest school for adults with learning disabilities. ‘Pay what you can’ options are available. 24 WALK Seasonal Stroll: Trees, Cambourne Nature Reserve Join Wildlife BCN communities and education officer Rebecca Neal for a gentle stroll of one to two miles looking for wildlife, with a focus on trees, learning tips for identification along the way. Booking essential.
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IN THE LOOP The latest updates from Cambridgeshire’s cultural scene
ICONIC READS Dive into compelling stories of memoir and mythology
SCREEN SENSATIONS Get ready for witches, wartime drama and moral reflections
Blending contemporary dance with Tang Soo Do and capoeira, Vanhulle Dance Theatre bring their exhilarating fusion of dance, acrobatics and martial arts to Cambridge Junction J2 on 23 September. Set to an atmospheric score by Domenico Angarano, their show Orbital is designed to draw audiences into a world of momentum and resistance, with performers shifting from explosive, high-risk lifts to moments of quiet precision, testing balance, trust and instinct in real time. junction.co.uk Balancing acts
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BBC GARDENERS’ WORLD RETURNS TO THE REGION
The BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair is back at Audley End House and Gardens in Saffron Walden from 11 to 13 September. This annual celebration attracts thousands, offering inspiration through showcase gardens and borders, plants and displays, tours and talks, plus new features including a houseplant area, as well as craft workshops such as dried flower wreath making with Cambridge flower grower and florist Kim O’Brien. At the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine stage, presenters Frances Tophill (Friday), Adam Frost (Saturday), Sue Kent and Ashley Edwards (both Sunday) share top tips for the cooler months. Topical talking points will include plants for seasonal colour, pruning and soil care,
bold borders, how to create a resilient garden and gardening for mental and physical health. Beth Chatto’s Plants and Gardens will host drop-in seedling planting sessions and a display of planting that’s climate-tolerant and sustainable. Meanwhile, daily tasting sessions at The Autumn Table feature Cambridge- based Hops & Tails, who will be serving a selection of foraging-inspired drinks, canapes and preserves, and English sparkling wine for fizz fans courtesy of Bishop’s Stortford’s Bailey Hills Estates. All this plus food, drink, live music and more. Tickets, which include entry to Audley End House and its grounds, gardens and parkland, are available at bbcgardenersworldfair.com
Get creative in Waterbeach Beginning at the end of August and continuing over the weekends of 5-6 and 12-13 September, Waterbeach’s beloved arts festival returns this year for its 12th edition. Summer at the Beach showcases a vibrant programme of visual arts, music and workshops, alongside a book swap and pop-up cafe. This year’s exhibition will feature ceramicists, milliners, textile artists, painters, printmakers, photographers, filmmakers, sculptors, musicians and performers. Sound Lab 103 returns with experimental electronic artists creating live sound installations, and free workshops for all ages include poetry, drawing, printmaking and graffiti. Accessible and family friendly, the event takes place at the historic Waterbeach Barracks. For more information about the event and workshops, visit summeratthebeach.art
The latest from the cultural scene in Cambridge
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Disney love songs by candlelight Fitzwilliam College will provide the backdrop for a magical experience this month, as Candlelight: Disney Love Songs arrives in Cambridge. Bringing some of the most iconic soundtracks to life in a classical a unique opportunity to rediscover some of Disney’s heartfelt melodies. Performed by a local string quartet, the programme includes Can You Feel the Love Tonight ( The Lion King ), A Whole New World
many other favourites from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios films, transporting audiences through generations of storytelling. Book tickets for one of the performances on 5 September at feverup.com/m/683126
( Aladdin ), I See the Light ( Tangled ), When She Loved Me ( Toy Story 2 ) and
format and an atmospheric candlelit setting, this series of concerts offers
© FEVER
SPELL SONGS LAUNCHES NEW ALBUM ALONGSIDE SPECIAL GUESTS Folk supergroup Spell Songs, who were first commissioned by Hertfordshire’s Folk by the Oak Festival in 2018, are embarking on a tour to coincide with the release of their third album In Thin Air . As with their first two albums ( The Lost Words Spell Songs , 2019 and Spell Songs II , Let The Light In , 2021), In Thin Air is an homage to a collaboration by artist Jackie Morris and conservation author Robert Macfarlane, whose most recent book The Book of Birds is a love letter to the splendours and mysteries of birdlife, and a clarion call to halt the loss of birds from land, sea and sky. Intrigued by this concept, Spell Songs musicians Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis, Seckou Keita, Kris Drever, Rachel Newton, Beth Porter and Jim Molyneux have developed a new album that captures the remarkable world of birds from nest to migration. Their Cambridge performance is a special one, featuring a pre-show talk by Jackie Morris and Robert Macfarlane, plus the Spell Songs Scratch Choir. Catch the show on 4 September at Cambridge Corn Exchange
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Classical music… for a great cause
On 10 September, the world-renowned English Chamber Orchestra directed by internationally acclaimed violinist Harriet Mackenzie will perform an evening of classical music by candlelight in the historic setting of Trinity College Chapel. Presented by the charity Music in Action, the concert series will showcase some of classical music’s most-loved works, including Vivaldi’s Winter (from The Four Seasons ), The Lark Ascending by Vaughan Williams, and the ravishingly beautiful Mad Lover’s Aire by Eccles. Two concerts will take place on the day (6-7pm and 8-9pm); the programme for the first also features Amy Beach’s Romance , and the second features Cecilia McDowall’s Love Through the Seasons . Proceeds from the evening will support Music in Action’s ongoing outreach initiatives in Cambridgeshire primary schools, expanding access to music education for children. Tickets are available via ecovivaldiwinter.eventbrite.co.uk
NEW EXHIBITION SHOWS THE POWER OF PHOTOGRAPHY
between Delhi, New York, Montreal and his longstanding home in London, celebrating his love for his family, friends and partners, as well as his belief that everyone has the right to lead full and joyful lives, in which identity and sexuality can be celebrated. Open from 19 September until the end of January next year, find out more about the exhibition at kettlesyard.cam.ac.uk
Opening at Kettle’s Yard is Sunil Gupta: Life with a Camera, 1970 – Now , an exhibition chronicling five decades of Sunil Gupta’s contribution to photography and activism. Gupta’s photography has been instrumental in raising awareness around
the fight for queer rights internationally, particularly in India and the UK, laying bare the tensions between tradition and modernity, and public and private spheres. Featuring more than 140 works, this exhibition will reflect Gupta’s migrations
SONAL #1 (2015) FROM DISSENT AND DESIRE (2015). IMAGE COURTESY THE ARTISTS AND HALES GALLERY, MATERIÀ GALLERY, SEPIAEYE, STEPHEN BULGER GALLERY AND VADEHRA ART GALLERY. © SUNIL GUPTA AND CHARAN SINGH. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, DACS 2025
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RENOWNED FEEL-GOOD FESTIVAL BRANCHES OUT INTO CAMBRIDGESHIRE For the first time ever, The Big Retreat will take place at Abbots Ripton Estate, bringing its unique blend of wellbeing, live music, inspiring speakers, great food and feel-good experiences to Cambridgeshire from 11 to 13 September. Founded in Pembrokeshire in 2020, it’s a weekend that’s all about helping people switch off, try something new and simply enjoy themselves. During the day, guests can enjoy yoga, Pilates, fitness, meditation, breathwork, gong baths, wild swimming, arts and crafts, singing, dancing and creative workshops, as well as live cookery demonstrations and talks covering everything from mental wellbeing and resilience to relationships, nutrition and living well (speakers include Ruby Wax and Gail Porter!). Performances will include Youngr, ABBA Revival, DJ Mother Pukka, Hang Massive, Modern Biology, Blaine and Namiri. For more information on the full programme and tickets, visit www.bigretreatcambridgeshire.com
Violin-making students take a bow Earlier this summer, the Rowan Armour-Brown (RAB) Memorial Delaney – the RAB Trust Bow Course had been two years in the making and aims to plug a gap in education and
Trust Fund launched a new initiative to train violin-making students in the fine skill of bow re-hairing. Eight students were chosen to attend the course hosted by Chris Beament at Cambridge Violin Makers, with their places fully funded and bow hair supplied by Sowdens. The brainchild of RAB Trust chair Libby Summers, supported by the other trustees – Mark Robinson, Judith Blackwell, Adam Winskill, Sheena Laurie, Lauri Tanner, Thomas Padday-Muir and Luke Lindforth-
skills. It forms part of RAB Trust’s wider work to support students of violin making in the UK with financial grants, specialised additional training and work experience placements. With training from two of the country’s best bow re-hairers, Jutta Walcher and Gilbert Cox, the eight students who attended have graduated with skills in re-hairing and revitalising worn out bows. Find out more about the charity at rabtrust.org
GRAMMY-WINNING SOPRANO COMES TO CAMBRIDGE Academy of Ancient Music (AAM) and Laurence Cummings welcome award- winning American soprano Amanda Forsythe to West Road Concert Hall on 30 September, for the grand opening of the 2026/27 season. Forsythe is a regular soloist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and New York Philharmonic, among others, and returns for her first performance with AAM since Handel’s Messiah in the 2022/23 season. Forsythe won the 2026 Grammy Award for best classical solo vocal album for her recording Telemann: Ino – Opera Arias for Soprano (CPO), which audiences in Cambridge will be able to hear as part of the programme. Tickets and further information can be found at aam.co.uk
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
THEATRE Our Man in Havana
Adapted by Clive Francis from Graham Greene’s novel, this play follows the hilarious exploits of James Wormold, a British vacuum cleaner salesman in pre-revolutionary Havana, Cuba. Playing from 1 to 5 September. artstheatre.co.uk WORKSHOP Spectacular stained glass Try your hand at stained glass making with this taster session on 12 September at Sol Creative Foundry. With expert guidance from Lisa Fretwell, you will learn all the techniques involved in making a mini piece. solcreativefoundry.com EXHIBITION Connections Taking place at All Saints’ Church, Jesus Lane, on the weekends of 12-13 and 19-20 September from 1pm to 5pm, this exhibition showcases the collaborative efforts of arts centre and charity Rowan, The Painted Church and the Museum of Cambridge. rowanhumberstone.org.uk
Next month, local singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mr Griff and his incredible eight-piece band are headlining a benefit for Mind Cambridge, with the Cambridge-based singer-songwriter Angie Collins opening with Bête Noire . Organised by The Fine Line Project, a creative arts initiative supporting mental health awareness and fundraising, the evening will benefit Mind’s Burleigh Street shop, and therefore local mental health services. The event will take place at The Portland Arms on World Mental Health Day, 10 October. Visit thefinelineproject.com to find out more MIND CAMBRIDGE ANNOUNCES OCTOBER BENEFIT EVENING
FESTIVAL Cambridge Festival of Drama From 23 to 26 September,
the Cambridge Festival of Drama provides an opportunity to see new writing and established pieces from local amateur drama. Each session features two or three short plays, followed by evaluation from a professional drama adjudicator! adctheatre.com
Welcoming in an autumn of the arts Cambridge Junction has just announced its new seasonal arts programme, packed with theatre and dance from acclaimed national and international companies. Kicking things off on 14 September choreography and magician’s patter, which reveals more than it conceals, she unveils the invisible labour that shapes how we navigate the world (pictured). In November, the production Matt
explores depression, anxiety, addiction, shame, survival and hope, based on the real-life experiences of writer, director and lead actor Peter Dewar. All this plus the return of local drag talent night Comfort Zone, opportunities to see works-in-progress by members of the arts centre’s artist development scheme, Troop, and more! For more information, visit junction.co.uk
is writer and performer Alex Reynolds, whose show In the Land of Eagles explores Reynolds’ relationship with her Albanian grandfather, and takes audiences on a journey of unexpected discoveries through Albania’s little-known history. In October, Jo Bannon presents The Dirty Work , a new solo performance that blends magic tricks with lived experience of visual impairment. Through delicate
COURSE Art History: Rococo to Impressionism
Sol Creative Foundry is hosting a ten-week morning course from 23 September, exploring two dazzling periods in western art. solcreativefoundry.com
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LITERATURE
September Book Club Charlotte Griffiths selects some iconic reads to see out the summer The Odyssey EMILY WILSON
You’ve seen the blockbuster… now read the book! This is the most recent translation of Homer’s epic tale, the first English translation by a woman, and it makes a perfect introduction to the near-3,000-year-old poem. For those not familiar with the source text, The Odyssey tells the story of King Odysseus’ return home after playing his part in the fall of Troy, as well as the parallel tales of his wife Penelope and son Telemachus, who have been waiting for him at home in Ithaca for 20 years. On his journey back to them he encounters gods and mortals, violent monsters and helpful allies, losing men along the way but gaining more understanding of the fragile bonds between humans that are so easily and so devastatingly broken. Translator Emily Wilson is a classicist and academic (and big sister of Cambridge-resident food writer Bee) and embarked on this work with the aim of using modern English in the familiar Shakespearean rhythm of iambic pentameter – that’s five ‘de-dum’ beats per line – as well as keeping to the same line-count as Homer’s original to retell the iconic story. Translation is always fraught with consequences, but in this new version Wilson has swept away any discomfort felt by previous translators – for instance, where other versions might use ‘maid’, she chooses ‘slave’. The result of Wilson’s brilliance is refreshing and stripped back, leaving you with an unequivocally clear-eyed look at Homer’s complicated hero and the web of human relationships that make this ancient work relatable, even in 2026.
Wilson’s brilliance is refreshing and stripped back , leaving you with a clear-eyed look at Homer’s hero
Open ANDRE AGASSI What a book. This is the autobiography of 90s tennis legend Andre Agassi, written by the player in partnership with famous ghostwriter JR Moehringer, more recently known for creating Prince Harry’s memoir Spare . It tells the story of Agassi’s childhood with an overbearing and ambitious father, his early entry to punishing tennis academies and rise to meteoric fame, as well as his key relationships including marriages with actor Brooke Shields and fellow tennis superstar Steffi Graf. Open is a fantastic page-turner of a book, with a real sense of urgency when Agassi is describing key matches against legendary figures such as Boris Becker or Pete Sampras.
It almost feels like being on the court alongside him as he battles his opponents. Even those not into tennis will find themselves open-mouthed at the physical pain endured by the young athlete during the fitness regimes designed by his coaches and trainers, and the demands of the competitive tennis circuit. It’s a fascinating insight into the experience of life at the top of a gruelling sport, showing in brutal detail what happens when you achieve your goals at such a young age. When you’re number one in the world, what do you do next? A heady dose of 90s and 2000s nostalgia that’s funny, inspirational and definitely not just for tennis fans.
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LITERATURE
Kitchen Confidential ANTHONY BOURDAIN
The book that launched a thousand chefs. Not too long ago, every young cook cited this memoir as inspiration for their own culinary career; dog-eared copies folded into back pockets as they stood nervously outside kitchens, hoping for a chance at life in the world of hospitality so irresistibly portrayed by much-missed cook, writer and broadcaster Anthony Bourdain. Kitchen Confidential vividly and viscerally tells his story, describing his intimate relationship with food and his entry into the world of professional cooking. Rude, rebellious and big-hearted throughout, young Bourdain’s adventures and thoughts on cooking are absolute catnip to those interested in food and the people who make hospitality happen. Once you’ve read the original, you might enjoy the annotated edition with Bourdain’s own handwritten notes, made about a decade after the book was originally published, in which he calls out and corrects (some of) his own behaviour and beliefs. It also makes a great pairing for the film Tony , which came out in early August and is based on 19-year-old Bourdain’s first encounter with a professional kitchen. Though attitudes described in the book might still be found in some kitchens, the majority of hospitality has moved on – making this a fascinating record of a long-gone lifestyle and subculture obsessed with sex, drugs, bad behaviour and haute cuisine.
Three brand-new titles from local authors, from sunsoaked mystery to fantastical history HOME GROWN
Please Help Me GYTHA LODGE
ALISON STOCKHAM Listen to Me
A feminist, fantasy retelling of the six wives of Henry VIII? This to-read pile is getting larger by the day! Political and packed with worldbuilding, this is the second book in a planned trilogy that started with Six Wild Crowns : here, King Henry of Elben’s six queens must work together to save the realm and themselves. Six Savage Thrones HOLLY RACE
A thriller part-inspired by an Alanis Morissette track? Sign us up! Singer Lola Green has gone missing, and Alexa Danesford should have seen it coming, having wondered if Lola needed help based on her own past experiences in the music industry – but now she’s gone, and Alexa will do anything she can to save her.
Another delicious thriller from Lodge. Police officer Amanda is on a much- needed holiday with her young son when she finds herself caught up in a mystery. A young girl at the same resort as Amanda is sending messages claiming to have been kidnapped, but how can they work out which girl needs help?
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SCREEN TIME
How to Rob a Bank 4 September A crew of brazen bank robbers use social media to document the heists they’ve pulled off, while the police are in hot pursuit. Stars Nicholas Hoult, Zoë Kravitz, Christian Slater and John C Reilly.
The Death of Robin Hood 4 September Grappling with his past after a life of crime and murder, Robin Hood (Hugh Jackman) finds himself gravely injured after a battle he thought would be his last. In the hands of a mysterious woman, he is offered a chance at salvation.
LOCAL CINEMAS Arts Picturehouse picturehouses.com Everyman everymancinema.com The Light cambridge.thelight.co.uk
Pressure 9 September
In the tense 72 hours before D-Day, General Dwight D Eisenhower (Brendan Fraser) and meteorologist Group Captain James Stagg (Andrew Scott) plan the largest amphibious invasion in history: the Normandy Landings.
Movie magic not to miss this month
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SCREEN TIME
Practical Magic 2 18 September
Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest return for this sequel to a much-loved classic. Now joined by Joey King and Maisie Williams, this multi- generational family of witches attempts to break once and for all the curse that has haunted their lineage for centuries.
JAAP BUITENDIJK © 2026 WARNER BROS ENT. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Sense and Sensibility 25 September
An irresistible new take on this iconic Jane Austen novel, telling the charming, witty and deeply relatable story of love and sisterhood. Starring Daisy Edgar-Jones as Elinor Dashwood and Esmé Creed-Miles as Marianne Dashwood.
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SCREEN TIME
PICTUREHOUSE PICKS Morality is called into question in three more of this month’s eagerly anticipated releases, as Cambridge Arts Picturehouse duty manager and events coordinator Chloe Kelly explains
© SEAFARING LLC
T he programme this autumn looks to be taking a darker turn, as our releases delve into small-town religious cycles, troublesome classrooms and the underbelly of turbulent institutions. Kickstarting the September line-up is debut feature film from writer and director Adrian Chiarella, Leviticus, which opens 4 September. Leviticus has been described as ‘an urgent queer horror’ as it explores the suppression of identity that is inflicted upon teenagers when they nervously fall in love for the first time. Naim (Joe Bird) and his deceptive mother (Mia Wasikowska) move to a small town where the locals turn to religion for a glimmer of light in their dull lives. Naim finds his own ray of hope when he falls for Ryan (Stacy Clausen), but when their young romance is revealed to the town,
they are forcibly subjected to conversion therapy through a religious ritual that welcomes in an unwanted supernatural force – one that takes the form of their deepest desires: each other. Questions surrounding morality also beat through Lance Hammer’s Queen at Sea . Opening on 18 September, it stars the acclaimed Juliette Binoche as Amanda, with Tom Courtenay as her stepfather Martin and Anna Calder-Marshall as her mother Leslie. This is our reminder that cinema is always a catalyst for change
Visit picturehouses.com/arts for the full programme, special screenings and events at Sea and Bad Apples is suppression – of people’s ability to connect, prosper and survive – and the potential that societal institutions have to inflict it. This is our reminder that cinema is always a catalyst for change; from these three titles alone, I can tell September is offering morally reflective cinema experiences for all. Amanda and Martin struggle to find a middle ground on an issue that divides them: has Leslie, who is suffering from dementia, lost the ability to make consensual decisions, and if so, who is responsible for making them for her? The striking quality about Queen at Sea is Hammer’s nuanced take on a heartbreakingly real situation many people face in their lives. This film bravely reframes the conversations surrounding consent in end-of-life care systems. Also releasing on 18 September is Bad Apples starring Saoirse Ronan. Directed by Jonatan Etzler, the screenplay was adapted from a Danish novel to reflect a contemporary British primary school classroom. This dark comedy follows a schoolteacher who takes drastic measures after a student has a violent outburst, quickly uncovering the neglectful nature of her community that turns a blind eye in order to preserve a false sense of safety. The thread connecting Leviticus , Queen
POINTS TO PONDER This month’s picks Leviticus (above left), Bad Apples (above right) and Queen at Sea (top) highlight themes of identity, connection and suppression
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LOVE LOCAL
Sneh Zaveri swapped her corporate career for a creative hub in Dry Drayton. She takes us through a day at Sol Creative Foundry A day in the life of…
7 .30am: Tea, and then the day decides for itself My day starts with a cup of tea that my partner makes for me every morning. It’s a small ritual, and on most days it’s the only fixed point I can rely on. After that it’s the school drop-off, and then things begin. I spent years working to structure in a corporate role, and there are mornings I miss knowing exactly what’s coming. But what I have now is variety. No two days at the Foundry are ever the same, and having built the place from scratch, I would not go back. 9 am: Opening up Unlocking, putting the heating on (or these days the air con), sweeping the workshop floor and checking the gallery walls before anyone arrives. Running your own space means doing the cleaning, setting up workshop tables, checking stock and everything else nobody sees. People talk about founders wearing many hats. In practice it feels more like changing hats every 20 minutes. 10 .30am: Meeting the makers This is my favourite part of the job. Most of my mornings are spent talking to artists and practitioners about what they want to teach and how we can make it work. There is always someone new at the door with ideas for workshops. 12 pm: The building fills up By the middle of the day there are people working at the desks, tenants in the studios and usually someone making coffee. We have guitar repairers, an aesthetics studio and artists working alongside each other. The Foundry was always meant to be a place where you could work on your own thing, but not be on your own. From September we are starting courses, plus we host corporate away days and business networking sessions, so the place is always busy. 1 .30pm: The unglamorous half In the afternoon I have to sit down and do the things nobody starts a creative business for. Website maintenance, marketing, social media, the newsletter, invoicing, chasing invoices,
together a children’s exhibition and finishing the plans for Wild World on 13 September, a family day about wildlife and conservation with Dr Peter Fretwell of the British Antarctic Survey and his wife, the illustrator Lisa Fretwell. It means giving children a Sunday where they meet a real scientist and learn about life in Antarctica. We have kids’ workshops that weekend, all based around the theme of animals and conservation. 5 pm: Evening workshops Evenings are when the Foundry converts into an event space. Our autumn evening courses start in September, including lettercarving with Tim Brookes. We are also setting up a ceramics studio for hand building and painting, with memberships for those who want somewhere to work regularly, as well as introducing evening creative gatherings. 7 pm: Still building We opened on 27 March this year with a launch weekend that brought over 200 people, and it confirmed what I suspected: people out here want this, they just did not have anywhere to go. The next focus here is the Hands & Heritage festival from 9 to 11 October, which has travelled the world and is now coming to a farm in Dry Drayton. The work does not stop when the doors close, and I do not think I would want it to.
bookkeeping, grant applications, insurance, business rates. It’s genuinely never-ending, but it’s what decides whether any of the good things happen. I thought I’d be the kind of person who was organised and protected a block of the day for it rather than letting it eat into the evenings. Unfortunately, it always does. 3 pm: The gallery and workshops Curating and planning workshops takes more time than people expect. Selecting work, hanging it, writing labels, lighting it properly. Right now, I am pulling CREATIVE SPACE The Foundry is a cultural haven, allowing you to do your own thing while being surrounded by like-minded people
solcreativefoundry.com
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