Cambridge Edition June 2019

I t wouldn’t be summer in Cambridge without the Big Weekend: a staple of the local calendar that brings the whole city together each and every July. The party begins on Friday evening, when thousands of Cantabrigians clock off work and swarm to Parker’s Piece for a night of live music and a huge fireworks display. From there, the fun continues throughout the weekend with all kinds of free entertainment, attractions and the popular Cambridge Mela. This year’s event runs from 5 to 7 July and, as ever, there’s a vast range of live music on offer, from funk and soul to reggae and rock. Here’s a taster of what’s in store! FR IDAY 6PM-10PM opportunity!), featuring glam rockers Doctor and the Medics, the eccentric band best known for their huge hit Spirit in the Sky . Number one in 23 countries, this 1986 track sold over 24 million copies worldwide, but they might be more famous for their ‘unique’ sartorial choices. Join them at 7.20pm. Taking to the decks for two DJ sets is BBC 6 Music presenter and TV star Craig Charles (6.20pm & 8.20pm), who’ll be delving into his expansive record collection to serve up a selection of stone- cold classics from the eighties and nineties. Rounding off the musical entertainment on Friday are eighties disco legends Kid Creole and the Coconuts (9pm), who celebrate their 38th anniversary this year. This might be one of your last chances to catch the band, as Kid claims this is the farewell tour (even if he has been saying that for a decade…), so don’t pass up the opportunity for a good boogie to this melting pot of sunshiny, calypso-inspired, jazzy-funky- disco ‘mongrel music’. It’s sure to put a smile on the crowd’s face before all eyes turn to the sky Get ready for a nostalgic eighties party on Friday night (we smell a fancy dress

for a huge fireworks display at 10pm, rounding off the evening in an explosion of colour. SATURDAY 12PM-10PM Parker’s Piece will be bustling with activity on Saturday the 6th, with plenty of activities and entertainment to enjoy. The popular French Market is back with all kinds of mouth-watering Gallic treats, plus you can learn more about French language and culture with Alliance FranÇaise. Enjoy storytelling with The Big Read, get creative in the Art Tent, and dive into some sciencey fun in the University of Cambridge Fun Lab. For something a little more active, the Sports Zone is back with games and challenges, or you can try your hand at circus skills with Cambridge Community Circus. The ever- popular BPM Live Silent Disco is returning on Friday and Saturday night – head down, tune in and dance like nobody’s watching!

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