September means welcoming in a new season and a new academic year! So, dive into this month's issue to learn about what our local schools have in store for the class of 2025/26; fill your calendar with a host of exciting events, from air shows and harvest celebrations to literary and comedy soirees; whet your appetite with a mouthwatering menu of breakfasts that are sure to get you up in the morning; find out how you can fill out your garden for free with top tips for taking cuttings; and start preparing for cosy season by getting those plans for a new fireplace or stove off the back burner! Plus, our cover feature brings a much-needed moment of 'me time' after a hectic summer.
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SEPTEMBER 2025
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WITH THE BUSY DAYS OF SUMMER BEHIND US, IT’S TIME TO PRIORITISE OUR WELLBEING self-care season of
MORNING PEOPLE Rise, shine and dive into a delicious Cambridge breakfast
BACK TO SCHOOL A new academic year filled with promise for local pupils
COSY GOALS Prepare to hunker down in front of a glorious, glowing fire
WELCOME
A NEW SEASON BECKONS...
EDITORIAL Editor Louise Hoffman 01223 492249
louisehoffman@bright.uk.com Editorial director Nicola Foley 01223 499459 nicolafoley@bright.uk.com
Chief sub editor Matthew Winney Sub editor Zanna Buckland ADVERTISING Sales director
It’s September, when summer days draw to a close and thoughts start to turn towards that most cosy of seasons: autumn. In fact, while we tend to still associate September with the summer – with school holidays continuing into the month and little evidence of autumnal weather or colours around us – autumn officially begins on 1 September, according to the meteorological calendar. And the autumn equinox – the point where day and night are of roughly equal length, before nights start to become increasingly longer – occurs on 22 (or sometimes 23) September. I celebrated the final weeks of summer with a tour of the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, where the Autumn Garden was champing at the bit to come into its own, and with a much-anticipated meal at new modern British bistro Margaret’s – sibling to Restaurant Twenty-Two. Having dashed down Chesterton Road through a particularly unpleasant rain shower, I burst through the door to be greeted by a warm welcome, calming soft peach interior and the glorious scent of a lavender, rose geranium, bergamot, ylang ylang and patchouli aromatherapy blend. The moment struck me as the perfect encapsulation of cosiness
Sam Scott-Smith +44 (0)787 5711967 samscott-smith@bright.uk.com Ad manager Maria Francis 01223 492240 mariafrancis@bright.uk.com CONTRIBUTORS Mark Box, Charlotte Griffiths, Phoebe Harper, Sally Petitt, Charlotte Phillips & Elisha Young DESIGN & PRODUCTION Design director Andy Jennings Magazine design manager Lucy Woolcomb Junior designer Hedzlynn Kamaruzzaman
Junior designer & ad production Holly May
MANAGING DIRECTORS Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck TYPEFACE Nyght Serif / Maksym Kobuzan from Tunera Type Foundry Find us @cambsedition
The moment struck me as being the perfect encapsulation of that cosiness – or as the Danish would put it, hygge – that we seek in the autumn months. Of course, this was only enhanced by the comfort food that followed! The freshly baked rosemary and sea salt focaccia with spreads and dips – including an utterly heavenly broad bean, dill, lovage, basil and parsley pesto – was a particularly wholesome highlight. Inside the pages of this issue, you’ll find a spectrum of delights to welcome you, just as warmly, into a new season. From autumn wellness (page 8) to inspiration for hearth and home (beginning on page 63) and a host of festivals, performances, exhibitions, events, workshops and literary soirées, as the city’s calendar continues to flourish.
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,
ON THE COVER Illustration by Holly May, inspired
by a photo from @jasoningram on Instagram
Louise Hoffman, editor
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ON THE COVER 8 / SEASON OF SELF-CARE After a busy summer spent juggling plans, trips, childcare and work, now is the perfect time for a bit of pampering 31 / GIVEAWAY Enter this month’s competition and you could win tickets to the Thursford Christmas Spectacular! 42 / RISE AND DINE From pancakes to a full English and beyond, Elisha Young reveals local breakfast recommendations to get your morning off to a delicious start
48 / STARTING AFRESH As a new school year begins, we canvass local educational leaders for their thoughts, plans and hopes for the 2025/26 academic year 64 / HEART OF THE HOME All the advice and inspiration you need to get those new fireplace or stove plans off the back burner CULTURE EDITION 18 / CULTURE NEWS The latest updates from across Cambridge’s cultural scene 26 / BOOK CLUB Top fiction and non-fiction picks for young adult readers
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36 / A CUP OF TEA WITH… Sarah Decent of Modish talks footwear 41 / FOOD NEWS Fresh accolades are bestowed on a local producer and a new exhibition at one of Cambridge’s most-loved eateries 58 / LOCAL NEWS Fundraising for charity, celebrity grand openings and newcomers to the city 82 / I ♥ CAMBRIDGE For Sara Carenini, a temporary stay here has turned into a permanent relocation!
29 / SCREEN TIME This month’s most-anticipated film releases and where to see them 32 / HUMANS OF CAMBRIDGE London Fashion Week takes place this month… but we’re celebrating
76 / PLANTS FOR FREE Cambridge University Botanic Garden’s head of horticulture Sally Petitt champions collecting cuttings as a no-cost option for filling out your garden REGULARS 7 / INSTACAMB Our favourite social media snaps of the month 14 / THE AGENDA A host of events taking place across the city in September, from music and literature to model railways
style icons in our own city! HOME EDITION
72 / EDITION LOVES Accessorise your mantelpiece, chimney breast and hearth with these homely autumnal touches
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LOCAL LIFE
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Our favourite Cambridge Instagram pics of the month
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Season of self-care Autumn is just around the corner, and after a busy summer spent juggling plans, trips, childcare and work, it’s the perfect time to refocus on your wellbeing
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WELLNESS
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WELLNESS
W hile the summer months draw us all outdoors to make the most of the warmer weather, long hours of daylight, school holidays, far- flung destinations or staycations, festivals and myriad other events, the autumn, by contrast, invites us to retreat back inside. This applies both literally and figuratively – during September, as the nights noticeably lengthen and we feel that freshness in the morning air, our thoughts begin to turn to enjoying cosy evenings in. This is also a great time for looking inward, reflecting on our own needs and prioritising self-care. And that can be in whichever way is appropriate for you – there’s no one-size- fits-all when it comes to self-care. It could be a beauty treatment, a wholesome meal, a yoga, Pilates or gym session, crystal or reiki therapy, time spent in nature, a full-on spa weekend or simply an hour to yourself with a favourite book and an aromatic tea or a long, hot bath. The commonalities, however, are undoubtedly peace, pampering and the time and space to recharge those batteries. Here are a few suggestions to get your season of self-care off to a strong start… Meditation Meditation has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. A practice that involves focusing the mind and using the breath to enter a state of calm and clarity, it’s recommended by the NHS and other health organisations for improving wellbeing. Indeed, it offers huge benefits for mental health, helping reduce stress, manage emotions, release
It’s a great time for wild swimming as the water’s had all summer to warm up
tension and sleep better. It needn’t have a spiritual element if you’re not so inclined (though this is a key aspect for many) and you can try it at home, in the garden or at a favourite beauty spot, such as the Cambridge University Botanic Garden. For a guide, head to the wellbeing tips section at this link: nhs.uk/every-mind-matters Wild swimming Early autumn is a great time for wild swimming as the water’s had all summer
to warm up, so you can avoid having an ice bath experience while still reaping the benefits of an energising dip. Meanwhile, the freshness of the air and changing colours of nature around you will clear the mind and restore the soul. Cambridge has several outdoor swimming spots, including Grantchester Meadows and Waresley Park, as well as Jesus Green Lido for those who prefer a slightly more controlled environment. Do take care when swimming in open water though, especially if you’re new to it. The RNLI has some great advice here: rnli.org/safety/choose- your-activity/open-water-swimming Beauty treatments How we feel on the inside has a lot to do with how we feel on the outside, and beauty treatments can be a great way to not only take some time out for ourselves, but also boost our self-confidence. At Bush Beauty, a boutique home- based salon in Bottisham, founder Libby’s goal is to help you relax, recharge and reclaim a sense of calm through bespoke one-on-one treatments, with evening and weekend appointments available to ensure you can fit some much-needed me time into a busy schedule. Specialising in precision female and male waxing using premium Lycon products, Bush Beauty also offers medical- grade Elim pedicures that combine results- driven foot care with spa-like indulgence,
The grand opening of Townhouse Nail Salon in Grand Arcade is taking place on 11 September. HEADS UP!
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WELLNESS
At Sandpiper Pool and Spa in Somersham, you can even enjoy private use of the facilities! Bookable for parties of two to eight people, it provides a plethora of opportunities for relaxation, including an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, rainfall shower, menthol steam, ice, snow and treatment rooms, a chill-out lounge and spa garden. Launching this month over in north- west Norfolk is a new spa destination with a modern twist. Ffolkespa is a sensory- led thermal experience complete with salt and herbal saunas, heated cabanas, a plunge pool, mist showers and more. Here, communal experiences are favoured over silent solitude, as evidenced by the Ibiza zone, which features a 14-person hot tub with disco ball and access to the spa’s own cocktail bar! Visit ffolkes.org.uk and sandpiperpoolandspa.co.uk Embrace the dark Many of us dread the drawing in of the nights, but nowadays we’re rarely in true darkness, which can play havoc with our sleep-wake cycles and have a negative impact on our health. So, as we enter the darker half of the year, why not take this opportunity to reduce your exposure to artificial lighting in the evenings, ramp up the cosy factor with candles or lamplight, wrap up warm and venture outside to appreciate the awe- inspiring majesty of the night sky. Naturally dark environments have also been proven to boost creativity, enabling new ideas and ways of thinking, so who knows where your new autumn routine could lead!
as well as tension-melting hot stone massages with Neal’s Yard Remedies oils. Elim pedicures, comprising a luxury foot soak, exfoliation, massage, plus a nail shape and polish, are also available at House of Beauty on Victoria Road in Cambridge. In addition, this salon offers self-tanning, hydrating anti-ageing facials, reflexology and a full range of massage treatments including aromatherapy and Indian head massages. Gresham House Wellness, set within the peaceful gardens of The Gonville Hotel in Cambridge city centre, is perfectly
placed for an after-work or post-school- run treat or a regular routine. Using luxury Germaine de Capuccini products, the menu here covers everything from deep-tissue massages to results-driven facials, neatly polished manicures and pedicures and indulgent full-body rituals that exfoliate, nourish and hydrate, leaving your skin feeling soft and revitalised. Visit bushbeauty.co.uk , cambridgebeauty.co.uk and gonvillehotel.co.uk/wellness Comfort food Visit a farm shop for organic and locally grown veg and meat from high-welfare farms to create healthy, hearty stews and casseroles that will make you feel good inside and out. Pick apples for pies and crumbles and make the most of the array of richly coloured winter squashes that become available at markets, shops and pumpkin patches around this time of year. Try visiting Bury Lane Farm Shop in Melbourn, The Milton Maze Pumpkin Patch in Milton or Pumpkin Jim’s in Ickleton for the latter, while The Gog Farm Shop is on hand for essential slow cooker and casserole ingredients. thegog.com Spa escape The ultimate me-time indulgence, a spa day or weekend is one of the most popular ways to invest in oneself and fully unwind.
Ramp up the cosy factor with candles or lamplight and venture outside to appreciate the majesty of the night sky
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THE AGENDA
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12 Make it with Marmalade, Marmalade Print Studio, Soham, Ely Make your own art at printmaking workshops in the lovely Marmalade garden print studio, continuing on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings. Suitable for beginners. WORKSHOP
SHOW
Battle of Britain Air Show, IWM Duxford Commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain with aircraft displays, music, dance, living history groups and family activities. Until 7 September.
FESTIVAL
Vibe Fest, The Missing Sock, Stow cum Quy Bringing together educators, practitioners and traders, with talks covering topics such as astral projection, auras and homeopathy. Until 7 September.
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Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival, Fen Ditton In aid of Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, around 40 teams will compete over a 200m racecourse on the River Cam, with bankside entertainment and food stalls.
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MUSIC
Music in the Parks, Trumpington Rec The final concert in this free series supported by Cambridge BID takes place 3-5pm and features funk and blues band Special Groove.
COMEDY
Nick Helm, Cambridge Junction Critically acclaimed comedian Nick Helm returns with brand-new show No One Gets Out Alive , promising to ‘give you the best damn night of your miserable lives’!
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EXHIBITION
The Lark Ascending, Trinity College Chapel The beautiful sounds of the English Chamber Orchestra with violinist Harriet Mackenzie, performing classics by Vaughan Williams, Vivaldi and more in two one-hour concerts.
RailEx East, Cambridge
Regional College This one-day event from the Cambridge Model Railway Club will feature 25+ model railway layouts, plus a range of trade stands.
Natalie Haynes, Cambridge Junction Promoting her new book, No Friend to This House , Natalie Haynes introduces one of the greatest Greek myths: the voyage of the Argo.
An Evening with Helen Goh, Waterstones Join recipe developer, baking columnist and psychologist Helen Goh as she discusses her new book, Baking and the Meaning of Life .
An array of events to enjoy in Cambridgeshire this month
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Katherine Rundell, Ely Cathedral Katherine Rundell
The Sleepers, Murray Edwards College This exhibition explores how women artists have articulated complex and differing experiences of sleep and rest. Until 22 February 2026.
celebrates publication of the second book in her Impossible Creatures fantasy series, titled The Poisoned King .
20 Sep
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THE AGENDA
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Fascinating Aïda, Saffron Hall
The cabaret trio of Dillie Keane, Adele Anderson and Liza Pulman have entertained audiences for more than 40 years with razor-sharp satire and musical ingenuity.
3 OCT EXHIBITION
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24 OCT Tavener and Richter, Trinity College Chapel Britten Sinfonia will be opening Cambridge Music Festival’s 2025/26 season with two contemporary and minimalistic classics that reach across musical boundaries. MUSIC 10 NOV Sing-A-Long-A- Gareth 4: Fifty Years of Song, Cambridge Corn Exchange Backed by a live band and singers, as well as local choirs, Gareth Malone will present a setlist full of iconic songs spanning from the 60s up to today, starting at 7.30pm. MUSIC Made in Ancient Egypt, The Fitzwilliam Museum Bringing together jewellery, ceramics, sculpture and more, including objects never before seen in the UK, this is the first exhibition to explore ancient Egypt through the lives of its many craftspeople.
A Mirror, The Atrium Theatre, Chesterton Described as ‘darkly funny and extremely relevant’, Corkscrew Theatre’s autumn production is a play by Sam Holcroft, running until 27 September.
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Jack Dee: Small World, Cambridge Corn Exchange Jack will guide you through his varied life and career with his customary charm and gift for talking absolute rubbish on any subject.
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FESTIVAL
Cambridge Biodiversity & Regenerative Food Festival, Parker’s Piece Enjoy free entry to discover a range of vendors, demos and workshops celebrating the region’s regenerative food system.
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Cally Beaton, Cambridge Junction Comedian, podcaster and writer Cally Beaton combines comedic and storytelling prowess with extracts from her provocative, stereotype- busting new book.
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ON THE PULSE Comedy, concerts and a wealth of literary inspiration
OUT OF CURIOSITY Fictional worlds and fascinating facts to captivate young minds
STRIKE A POSE Fashion icons of Cambridge strut their stuff on the city streets
Turn to page 18 to find out what Waterbeach’s beloved arts festival, Summer at the Beach, has got in store for visitors to its 11th edition, which will be held over three weekends in late August and early September amid the historic surroundings of Waterbeach Barracks. summeratthebeach.art Straight to the art
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CULTURE EDITION
LITERARY WINTER WARMERS AHEAD Tickets for Cambridge Literary Festival’s Winter Weekend go on general sale on 8 September. Welcoming an array of talent – novelists, poets, journalists, celebrities, academics – big names already announced include Zadie Smith, discussing her thrilling collection of essays Dead and Alive ; John Suchet, who shares his passion for Beethoven’s music in his deeply personal book In Search of Beethoven ; former first minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon in conversation with fellow Scot and festival honorary patron Ali Smith; and Cambridge Footlights alumnus John Cleese, celebrating 50 years of Fawlty Towers . Taking place 22-23 November, stay tuned for more updates here and at cambridgeliteraryfestival.com
Summer at the Beach continues through September Beginning last month and
continuing across the first two weekends of September is the 11th edition of Waterbeach’s beloved arts festival, held at the historic Waterbeach Barracks. A vibrant event that showcases local artistic talent and celebrates the place that inspires them, Summer at the Beach boasts a programme of live music, cultural experiences and a wealth of art, including animation, ceramics, textiles, painting, photography, film, music, sound, performance, sculpture, installations, poetry and printmaking. A variety of free, drop-in creative workshops are also available for all ages and interests, while delicious food and refreshments will be provided by the Pop-Up Cafe. Summer at the Beach takes place from 10am to 5pm on 6, 7, 13 and 14 September. Learn more at summeratthebeach.art
Comedian Cally Beaton heads to Cambridge Combining comedic and storytelling prowess with extracts from her provocative book of the same name, Cally Beaton ( QI , Live at the Apollo ) will bring her new show, Namaste Motherf*ckers , to Cambridge Junction on 28 September. A story of radical reinvention – from boardroom meetings to treading the boards thanks to a conversation with the late, great Joan Rivers – Namaste Motherf*ckers is a funny show about a serious subject: Cally’s manifesto for keeping cool when you’re a hot mess and how life isn’t over once you hit 50 – however powerful the stereotypes that tell you otherwise. “It’s all about presenting our authentic, imperfect selves and being the narrators of our own messy stories. I can’t wait to do just that across the UK this autumn,” says Cally.
Find out more and book tickets at junction.co.uk
The latest from the cultural scene in Cambridge
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CULTURE EDITION
CLASSICAL MUSIC BY CANDLELIGHT The English Chamber Orchestra and violin soloist Harriet Mackenzie will be taking the stage at Trinity College Chapel this month for Music in Action’s second concert series. Following a sellout first series in March, this second instalment promises to be just as popular, bringing the most recorded chamber orchestra in the world together with top international talent to perform Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending , Mozart’s Divertimento in D , The Mad Lover’s Suite: Ground Aire V by Eccles and Vivaldi’s La Stravanganza in E minor for violin and orchestra. Taking place on 11 September, there will be a couple of opportunities to catch the performance – the first hour from 6 to 7pm and the second from 8 to 9pm – amid the magical candlelit chapel surroundings. All proceeds will go to the Music in Action charity, which delivers world-class workshops, musical education, bursaries and concerts to disadvantaged children. Concessionary discounts are available (use the promo code STUDENT or OAP). Find out more at musicinaction.org.uk and book tickets at vivaldieco.eventbrite.co.uk
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CULTURE EDITION
MAKE IT WITH MARMALADE A brand-new arts and creative space has been launched in Soham, Ely, by Oyster Community Press CIC, a not-for-profit community arts organisation run by printmaker Al Smyth and partner Alison. The couple aim to preserve the With previous experience of using proceeds from public workshops to fund community printmaking projects and exhibitions, the couple plan to begin delivering free local activities too, once Marmalade is fully up and running.
A city of stories The Story Sanctuary has revealed its next event, A Bookish Weekend in Cambridge – The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy . It’s the perfect opportunity to take a walk in the footsteps of author Douglas Adams, who was born and spent his student days in Cambridge. Taking place on 13 and 14 September, the event will explore the world of Douglas Adams with a behind-the-scenes tour of the ADC Theatre, where he was part of the famous Footlights comedy troupe. This will be followed by a pen-and- ink drawing workshop inspired by the new Hitchhiker novel illustrations by Chris Riddell, and a meal at The Waterman pub with space to relax and delve into the book, with light-hearted conversation starters and prompts. Hosted by friends Robyn and Shashi, The Story Sanctuary offers events and retreats that give attendees the time and space to explore writing, stories, art and ideas in inspiring places. Take advantage of a special introductory offer at thestorysanctuary.co.uk or email storysanctuaryinfo@gmail.com
traditional art form of printmaking and spread the word about how enjoyable it is by sharing their passion and passing on their skills at workshops in their Grade II listed garden studio. New courses for autumn/winter start on 12 September, with a seasonal flavour inspired by the garden setting. These include Saturday morning taster sessions and a four-week Reduction Linocutting course for people who want to develop their own project. “Relaxed, sociable and suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike, the workshops help everyone to connect with their creativity,” adds Al.
Visit marmaladeprintstudio.co.uk or email oysterpress.cic@gmail.com
LOCAL LITERATURE Wild Fire DEB ELLEN
Evie’s promising life as a ballerina is shattered when her parents are killed by monsters. Discovering she can wield fire, she’s
thrust into a perilous world where she must protect her estranged brother and navigate her growing attraction to Kit, the powerful ex-assassin aiding her. As dangerous secrets about her heritage come to light, Evie finds herself at the heart of a deadly political conflict: as both a saviour and a target. From Cambridgeshire-based Deb Ellen.
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CULTURE EDITION
Observe the history of Cambridge in a new light with Heritage Open Days
Bookings are open for the University of Cambridge Museums’ next series of free Touch Tours for blind and partially sighted adults. Explore the now-extinct dodo at the Museum of Zoology (5 September) or get hands-on with minerals at the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences (11 September). Visit museums. cam.ac.uk/touch-tours NEWS IN BRIEF Museum Touch Tours Sick of playing by the rules of giant streaming platforms, The British IBM has gone fully DIY, launching their own music streaming service – Sugar Water. It’s a one-stop shop to stream every official release by the band, with ‘no middlemen or algorithms dictating what to listen to next’. It promises zero ads or sign-up hassle. Listen to the tunes at sugarwater.co.uk Local band creates streaming platform
150 years to discover the people and events that have passed through the venue (17 September); consider the past, present and future of the Biomedical Campus from the perspective of the people who live around it (17 and 20 September)… and much more! Visit heritageopendays.org.uk, nationaltrust. org.uk and opencambridge.cam.ac.uk
England’s largest festival of history and culture, Heritage Open Days has become a much-anticipated fixture of the calendar for September – and this year is no different! Throughout Cambridgeshire, there will be a wealth of opportunities to discover and celebrate local history from 12 to 21 September – all with free admission. The National Trust’s Anglesey Abbey, for instance, has free tickets available to book to see inside the house, view the new fashion exhibition and wander the gardens (pictured below), while the Open Cambridge festival has a packed programme of around 70 unique events to highlight fascinating aspects of local history and community. Learn about the experiences of more than 2,000 Cambridgeshire soldiers who were sent by Churchill last-minute to the failed defence of Singapore during World War II. This special talk will be given by Lewis Herbert, former leader of Cambridge City Council, on 12 September. Join the Cambridge Corn Exchange Heritage Project and travel through
QUICK MARCH A photo of the Cambridgeshire Regiment on parade at Freedom of Cambridge, 29 September 1946 (above)
© NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES/ROBERT MORRIS
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CULTURE EDITION
IWM Duxford marks 85 years since the Battle of Britain Vintage warbirds will once again grace the skies at IWM Duxford’s annual Battle of Britain Air Show – which this year will commemorate 85 years since the pivotal WWII aerial battle and pay tribute to Group Captain John Allman ‘Paddy’ Hemingway, DFC, AE, the last surviving Battle of Britain pilot, who died earlier this year. Held on 6 and 7 September, this year’s event will include the signature Duxford Flying Finale, featuring more than 20 Spitfires and Hurricanes. Other iconic aircraft set to make an appearance include the Junkers Ju 52, which was last displayed at a UK air show a decade ago. Visitors can also immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of a 1940s summer, as living history groups, music and dancing fill the showground, plus a traditional steam fair, Airfix model making and more.
More info and tickets at iwm.org.uk
LOCAL ACTOR PREMIERES FILM Award-winning Cambridge actor and filmmaker Mark Hampton, of Netflix action-comedy Lift and Amazon Prime hit Heads of State fame, is revealing his debut feature film as a writer-director this month. Unlicensed is a drama about a disgraced former city trader, with an estranged wife and young son, returning from a prison sentence and attempting to rebuild his life. Harbouring a secret gambling addiction, he ends up in an unlicensed boxing match for a cash prize. Eagle-eyed viewers will spot familiar backdrops, including Cambridge Fight Centre on Cherry Hinton Road, The Missing Sock pub and Vanderlyle restaurant on Mill Road. Mark was also keen to involve people from his network of local filmmakers and producers in the film. For instance, it was co-produced by Mark Tunstall and Michelle Plevin of ROOMS101 studios, based in Cottenham. “Over the years, I’ve met and worked with many talented actors and highly skilled crew members from the area, and I wanted to bring them in for Unlicensed . In addition, we gave a lot of young people their first- ever role on a film set. It’s exciting to be able to help them explore their passions,” Mark enthused. Tickets for the exclusive red-carpet screening of Unlicensed, taking place at Arts Picturehouse Cambridge on 12 September, are available at picturehouses.com
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LITERATURE
September Book Club This month, Charlotte Griffiths enters the vivid worlds of young adult fiction
TRACY DEONN Legendborn Sixteen-year-old Bree is getting a taste of life at the University of North Carolina on an early-access programme for gifted students: it has only been three months since her mother’s death but – encouraged by her heartbroken father – she’s pushing on towards the future she deserves. On the first night at college, she and her friend Alice are caught sneaking out to a party, which is very out of character for these studious teenagers. She’s assigned an older student called Nick to oversee the rest of her experience and keep her on track, but when he inexplicably draws out a sword and slays a demon, she begins to get the sense that it’s not just her time at college that’s going to be different – her entire life will never be the same again. Bree is thrown into a secret world ruled by Arthurian legend, where magic and monsters are all too real and her fellow students carry the burden of ancestral legacy on their young shoulders. But despite the Welsh history that controls this society, it’s still the American Deep South; as a young black woman navigating a predominantly white community, Bree finds herself confronting racist prejudice at all corners – and she can’t stop thinking that this hidden world is associated with her mother’s untimely death. This is the first instalment of a superb fantasy series where young wizards and knights wrestle with centuries- old expectations on top of the many challenges of modern adolescence. The worldbuilding is exceptional, effortlessly weaving ancient British legend with black culture, and you’ll be rooting for Bree as she discovers the truth about her past – and decides whether she wants the future that lies before her.
Tart BECKI JAYNE CROSSLEY
return, and Neha’s feelings for her new friend become something more than friendship, it’s clear that life will only get more complicated before it gets better – whether or not Dan wakes up. The book is packed with beautifully visual moments of detail: rustling bags of sugar-dusted hot doughnuts on Bonfire Night, Libby’s brilliant red curls and light brown freckles, damp school jumpers after Libby and Neha get caught in a downpour. It’s evocative writing that transports you straight into the kitchen, sitting beside Neha as she bakes her way through an emotional crisis.
This excellent debut is a sweet-and-sour, friends- to-lovers queer romance that’s gentle, yet also gripping from the very first page. Libby’s boyfriend Dan is universally loved – but he now lies in a coma, following a motorcycle accident which happened on the same night that a grainy video of Libby kissing another boy went viral among the young people of Chipping Hollow. Now, the only person who’ll even acknowledge Libby is the new girl Neha, who’s just moved to the sleepy village to live with her aunt. But as Libby’s memories of that night slowly begin to
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LITERATURE
HOLLY BOURNE Am I Normal Yet? This special ten-year anniversary edition of Am I Normal Yet? celebrates a whole decade since Holly Bourne’s first outing with her beloved creations: the three girls who form The Spinster Club. This novel is where we first meet teenager Evie, slowly rebuilding after a breakdown: her debilitating, cleanliness-focused OCD and anxiety wrestled under control thanks to medication and therapy sessions. She’s just started at a new sixth form, which gives her a real chance to reinvent herself. Her desperation to ‘be normal’ leads Evie to come off her meds – all she has to do now is keep her family happy, stay on top of her coursework, navigate teen life and keep her condition hidden from her new, brilliantly feminist girlfriends Amber and Lottie. After all, they couldn’t possibly be friends with someone as ‘crazy’ as Evie, right? Relationships of all kinds are what Bourne writes best. Lifelong friendships, sibling rivalries, parental guilt, burgeoning romances: it’s all expertly captured on the page. The intense, relatable writing will send you right back to awkward adolescence: bewilderingly unpredictable and frustrating boys, uncomfortable dinner halls and the joyful ferocity of young female friendship. But the heartbreaking passages depicting Evie’s battles with her OCD are most deeply affecting. Now printed with fresh covers, and a foreword from undisputed queen of YA Jacqueline Wilson, this special edition is one to gift to lovers of Holly Bourne’s work, or a neat way to introduce a new generation of teens to this funny, informative and reassuring writer.
FACT OVER FICTION Top picks for young adults who prefer a non-fiction read
Talk To Me MUNROE BERGDORF
A Greater Goal
Another brilliant, exploded encyclopaedia, with facts and figures compellingly displayed. This edition celebrates nature’s part in our lives; great for young environmentalists. Rewild: Can Nature Heal Our World? BEN MARTYNOGA ILLUSTRATED BY MOOSE ALLAIN
An eye-opening read for anyone still celebrating the Lionesses’ legendary win, this documents the US women’s national soccer team’s struggle for fair treatment and equal pay. The injustice and sexism will make you throw the book at the wall in outrage. ELIZABETH RUSCH
How do you make a real difference in the world? Activist, model and author Munroe Bergdorf returns with a guide for young people looking to find the cause that ‘lights them up’. It’s packed with tools and insights for making lasting, impactful change.
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The Conjuring: Last Rites
5 September Patrick Wilson and
Vera Farmiga reunite as paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren for one last terrifying case: inspecting the Pennsylvania home of Jack and Janet Smurl, said to be haunted by demonic entities.
12 September In the dramatic final chapter of this beloved franchise, the Crawley family and their staff enter the 30s – and must embrace change as they lead Downton Abbey into the future. Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
The Long Walk
12 September Based on a novel by master storyteller Stephen King, this intense and emotional dystopian thriller directed by Francis Lawrence (of The Hunger Games films) challenges audiences to confront an uncomfortable question: how far could you go?
LOCAL CINEMAS Arts Picturehouse picturehouses.com Everyman everymancinema.com The Light cambridge.thelight.co.uk
Him
19 September A promising young football player joins an isolated compound to train under a dynasty team’s ageing quarterback in this psychological horror from Oscar winner Jordan Peele and Monkeypaw Productions.
Movie magic not to miss this month
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COMPETITION
Win tickets to the Thursford Christmas Spectacular! What better way to see in the festive season than a VIP visit to this showstopping Christmas experience?
Worth £350!
G et ready for the ultimate Christmas experience with the return of the award- winning Thursford Christmas Spectacular for 2025! A spellbinding three- hour extravaganza of singing, dancing, music, comedy, speciality acts and more – it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season. Thursford is also a fully accessible site, offering free parking, plus a selection of catering options and retail shops on-site where you can stock up on Christmas gifts, toys, sweets and treats ahead of the big day. Sample the magic and festivities for yourself at thursford.com
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
Ready to get in the festive spirit? With a prize worth in the region of £350, the winner of this month’s spectacular competition will be transported straight into Thursford’s winter wonderland, with seats in the Royal Box, arrival and interval treats and access to Norfolk’s premium lantern light walkthrough, the Enchanted Journey of Light. The prize includes: • 4x tickets to the Thursford Christmas Spectacular, for seats in the Royal Box on Sunday 30 November at 7pm. • Glass of prosecco on arrival.
• Mulled wine and mince pie during the interval (alternative hot drink available). • 4x tickets to the Enchanted Journey of Light and Fantasy Land before the show. • Brochure of the 2025 show. To be in with a chance of winning this magical prize, just scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit cambsedition. co.uk/competition to enter now.
Terms and conditions 1 Tickets to the show can be collected from the Thursford Box Office upon arrival on 30 November. 2 Tickets are non-transferable. 3 The Thursford Christmas Spectacular is recommended for ages 8+; the show lasts three hours, with a 25-minute interval. 4 During the performance, it can be difficult at times to exit the auditorium. Latecomers may be asked to wait for a suitable moment to be seated. 5 Enchanted Journey of Light can only be visited prior to the show; it’s advised to arrive at 5pm to ensure you have the best experience possible. 6 This competition closes on 26 September 2025. 7 This competition is open to readers of Cambridge Edition magazine aged 18+. 8 Relatives of the competition sponsor and Bright Publishing employees are not eligible to enter. 9 One entry per person. 10 There is no cash alternative to the prize. 11 By entering this competition, you consent to having your name and email address shared with the prize sponsor for the administration of your prize. Your GDPR rights are not affected.
STREET STYLE Humans of Cambridge London might be having its Fashion Week… but here, we’re celebrating Cambridge’s style icons!
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STREET STYLE
Strike a pose Each September, the world’s most influential fashion designers are out on the catwalks of London Fashion Week, setting trends for the spring/summer season ahead. Whether drawing on these designer fashions, being led by colour, pattern, texture and era or letting outfits curate themselves, Mark Box is captivated by those who are confident in their own style. “I look for people who wear their personality – whose clothes feel like an extension of who they are,” he explains. “What fascinates me is how identity is expressed through style, like pairing charity shop finds with designer trainers. Cambridge fashion has an authenticity; nothing feels forced.” Humans of Cambridge is a street photography photoblog founded by Mark Box in 2020.
Follow him on Instagram @humanofcambridge
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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Bringing home the harvest Celebrate the bounty of the new season at Wimpole Estate’s Harv’Fest weekends
Harv’Fest on the farm 13 and 14 September
Wimpole Estate is located in Arrington, Royston, Cambridgeshire SG8 0BW. For more information, visit nationaltrust.org. uk/visit/cambridgeshire/wimpole-estate We round out Wimpole’s annual Harv’Fest celebrations with a traditional craft market held in the estate’s historic stable block. You’ll find local traders selling handmade wares, live folk music filling the air and a warm, rustic atmosphere to enjoy. It’s the perfect place to browse for unique gifts and soak up the spirit of the harvest season. glasshouses, which are home to some of the world’s hottest chillies! Harv’Fest craft market 27 and 28 September
oin us this month for a series of family-friendly talks, tours, music and demonstrations across the
Harv’Fest heads to Home Farm for the first weekend. Celebrating all the great work that takes place on our farm, join us for a series of talks and demonstrations from our expert team. See our magnificent Shire horses, learn about our sustainable farming practices and have a go at corn dolly making in this jam-packed fun-on- the-farm event. Harv’Fest in the gardens 20 and 21 September We shine a spotlight on the seasonal produce of Wimpole’s walled garden. Join us for a series of tours and talks within our plentiful orchards and lavish greenhouses, set amid our stunning walled garden. Discover the origins of Wimpole’s famous apple juice and take a tour of the
National Trust’s Wimpole Estate.
On selected weekends, you’ll have the opportunity to explore different parts of the estate while discovering and celebrating the produce cultivated at Wimpole. Learn about the many different varieties of apples in its orchard, for instance, or meet the farm team and hear about the rare breeds at the estate’s Home Farm – the only in- hand farm of its kind in the National Trust. With Shire horse demonstrations, fruit and veg stalls, traditional crafting activities and a community scarecrow display, Harv’Fest is the perfect place to welcome in the autumn season!
PICKINGS APLENTY Explore the wonders of Wimpole Estate’s harvest season in September
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A cup of tea with… From the childhood origins of her passion for shoes to the designer she’d love to put the kettle on for, Sarah Decent of Modish talks all things footwear
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LOVE LOCAL
CE: What do you love most about the street you trade on? SD: Green Street is right in the city centre but tucked away, escaping the mad crush you get in town, especially at weekends. The street is full of fabulous independent businesses – home to more People’s Choice winners than any other in Cambridge! If you’ve not been down for a while, you need to check out the Sky Garden – it’s gorgeous. CE: If you could have a cup of tea with any fashion designer, who would it be? SD: That’s easy – Jimmy Choo. Partly for obvious reasons (he designs the most fabulous footwear), but also because he makes his shoes a pleasure to wear, not just to look at. I was lucky enough to meet him a few years ago, and he’s utterly charming too. One of my most-prized possessions is a photo, with him, of me wearing my favourite shoes, which I call a ‘Choo-fie’! Before Modish I had about 130 pairs of shoes , but I’ve since whittled it down to about 60… more or less (probably more!)
MADE FOR WALKING Comfy lace-ups from The Art Company (above) are some of Sarah’s faves
because, at the time, internet shopping was just taking off and I thought footwear would be relatively immune. In hindsight that was perhaps a tad optimistic! The deal was sealed when I found out my feet were sample size, so I could try everything on before I bought it for the shop. As you can imagine, that’s been a real godsend. CE: What does your own personal shoe collection look like? SD: Before Modish I had about 130 pairs, but I’ve since whittled it down to about 60… more or less (probably more!). My favourite shoes have to be my wedding ones, by Högl – silver, art deco-inspired pointy heels. More recently, I’ve started to stock shoes from The Art Company – its chunky Birmingham lace-ups are rarely off my feet. These days, if they’re cool and comfy they’re for me! CE: What are your top picks for this autumn/winter? SD: I’ll be stocking some barefoot shoes and boots for the first time this autumn. To be honest, I thought at first that they might be a bit of a gimmick, but when I tried on a pair I just loved the fit and feel of them! I’m also looking forward to my Legero collection. Their unique selling point is that they’re waterproof but look like normal, stylish footwear!
Cambridge Edition: Where did your passion for shoes begin? Sarah Decent: Shoes have always been my thing! I remember when I was about seven, I had a Sindy doll, and while friends who also had one were constantly brushing her hair and changing her outfits – I was obsessed with her red high heels! CE: What led you to turn your passion into a business? SD: I’d been working in HR for almost 20 years and realised it was time for a change. I decided to open a shoe shop mainly because I love shoes, but also
modishonline.co.uk
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CULINARY CATCH-UP The latest updates from the Cambridge foodie scene
BREAKFAST CLUB Where to go for the most important meal of your day
As you’ll have seen in this month’s welcome, Cambridge Edition editor Louise Hoffman sampled the menu at recent newcomer to the city scene, Margaret’s. The freshly baked rosemary and sea salt focaccia with spreads and dips was a standout favourite from the tasting menu, which changes, sometimes even weekly, to take advantage of the freshest, most exciting ingredients. margaretscambridge.co.uk Tasting the difference
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FOOD EDITION
Cambridgeshire family business Glebe Farm Foods has been awarded coveted one-star ratings for two 100% British gluten-free oat products at the Great Taste Awards 2025. PureOaty Tea-rrific Oat Drink and PureOaty Porridge Oats were chosen by a blind tasting panel comprising more than 500 experts, including top chefs, food writers, retailers and buyers. These add to a growing list of Great Taste star accolades for the PureOaty range, including for the Barista Oat Drink, Creamy & Enriched Oat Drink and Choco Chip Oat Granola. “Every step of production happens on our family-run farm in Cambridgeshire, giving us full control over product quality,” said Philip Rayner, managing director and co-founder of Glebe Farm Foods. “These awards are a testament to the passion and care our team puts into our products, from nurturing the oats in our fields to carefully crafting and perfecting each recipe.” Glebe Farm earns Great Taste stars
QUINTESSENTIALLY FITZBILLIES
This autumn, Fitzbillies cafe will play host to Quintessentially Cambridge , a solo exhibition of new oil paintings by acclaimed artist Naomi Tomkys OBE. Running from 12 September to 8 December, the show is free to attend and promises an evocative, painterly stroll through the textures, landmarks and small joys of everyday Cambridge life – including the delectable delights of Fitzbillies! “These paintings are a love letter to the city,” said Tomkys. “From Chelsea buns to curried lamb, punt poles to silver screens, this exhibition celebrates the overlooked pleasures and rhythms that make Cambridge rich and alive.”
Born in London and trained at Central Saint Martins, Tomkys now lives and works in Cambridgeshire. With her distinctive style and vivid storytelling – capturing scenes both intimate and iconic – her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally. Through this exhibition, she invites both lifelong residents and first-time visitors to see Cambridge through fresh eyes, full of warmth, wit and painterly wonder. The exhibition is free, from 8am-6pm weekdays and 8.30am-6pm weekends, at Fitzbillies, 15 King’s Parade
Culinary updates to whet your appetite
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ELISHA EATS
Rise and dine
Are you a cereal savourer or serial breakfast skipper? Either way, Elisha Young’s top local recommendations will get your morning off to a delicious start B reakfast is the most important meal of the day’ – we’ve all heard the saying before, and, whether or not it’s true, people often feel strongly about their morning (or early afternoon) meal. Some can’t imagine a daily routine that doesn’t start with hearty food to get them going, while others get by on a black coffee for morning motivation. I fall somewhere between the two.
Although I rarely eat breakfast during the week, I’m also passionate about all breakfast-related foods. Pancakes, waffles, granola, yoghurt, French toast and eggs of all variations are welcome on my plate at any time of the day. At university, I never bothered to make myself breakfast, but would regularly get up early at the weekend so I could beat the queue and score a slice of banana bread French toast from my favourite cafe. While you won’t catch me making a full fry-up, I also hold very deep-seated and particular views about how I like my poached eggs. Trying something new Our lens for breakfast food in the UK can be peculiarly narrow, but for the more adventurous among you, one of the most popular street food breakfasts in China is jian bing: thin, crepe-like wrappers with a variety of fillings, including egg, deep-fried crackers, chilli sauce, meat and pickles. In Cambridge, you can visit Jian Bing House on Market Square to try this delicious – and extremely portable – dish. Choose the spiciness level of the sauce and your preferred meat, or tofu if you’re a vegetarian, then watch as the staff skilfully manoeuvre the jian bing dough onto the
THE FULL ENGLISH If you prefer a traditional take on breakfast, the Black Cat Cafe has you covered with its perfectly prepared eggs, bacon, sausages & mushrooms (right)
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