The May issue of Cambridge Edition has two key themes: flowers and fun! Get inspired by floral interior decor ideas and bee-friendly garden advice, and prepare yourself for a spectacular summer with our top 'things to do' with friends or family over the coming months. We've also got an exclusive interview with new Britten Sinfonia principal trumpet Imogen Whitehead, a spring/summer fashion lookbook and deep dives into education and family law topics, as well as all the usual cultural and foodie updates. Plus, don't miss our brand-new Q&A series, featuring Cambridge residents!
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LOCAL LIVING DONE WELL
MAY 2025
WIN A LUXURY GETAWAY WORTH £370!
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sun fun GET READY TO BASK IN THE GLORIOUS SUMMER DAYS STRETCHING OUT BEFORE US, WITH OUR TOP 21 THINGS TO DO in the CITY STYLE Head-turning fashions fit for the cafe terraces of Cambridge BOLD AS BRASS Meet new Britten Sinfonia principal trumpet Imogen Whitehead
FLOWER POWER Celebrate the season with floral interior design inspiration
WELCOME
A NEW CHAPTER A very warm welcome to this May issue of Cambridge Edition ! Allow me to introduce myself as the new editor of this cherished magazine. Taking over the reins from the wonderful Liz Potter, I’m so excited to continue building on her hard work and bringing you lots of local living, inspiration and entertainment on these hallowed pages. What better time to embrace new opportunities than in the spring, as leaves unfurl, blossom blooms and gardens burst back to life around us. It’s certainly a time for creativity and energy, especially as we move towards the summer solstice. Now that the warmer weather feels more certain, we have been inspired to look ahead to the summer months and provide you with ideas for things to do through the coming season. From family favourites to festival fever, there’s something for everyone! Turn to pages 8 and 34 to start planning some fun in the sun in and around the city. As leaves unfurl , blossom blooms and gardens burst back to life all around us
EDITORIAL Editor Louise Hoffman 01223 492249
louisehoffman@bright.uk.com Editor in chief Nicola Foley 01223 499459 nicolafoley@bright.uk.com Editorial director Roger Payne Chief sub editor Matthew Winney Sub editors Zanna Buckland & Minhaj Zia ADVERTISING Sales director Sam Scott- Smith 01223 499457 samscott-smith@bright.uk.com Ad manager Maria Francis 01223 492240 mariafrancis@bright.uk.com Senior sales executive Claire Cornish 01223 499453 clairecornish@bright.uk.com CONTRIBUTORS Mark Box, Charlotte Griffiths, Phoebe Harper, Catherine Hufton, Sally Petitt, Charlotte Phillips & Elisha Young DESIGN & PRODUCTION Design director Andy Jennings Magazine design manager Lucy Woolcomb Senior designer Carl Golsby Junior designer Hedzlynn Kamaruzzaman
Junior designer & ad production Holly May
There’s also a distinctly floral theme in the pages that follow, with interior design ideas to help you bring the outside inside! Not to mention, Cambridge University Botanic Garden’s Sally Petitt helps us choose bee-friendly blooms for our gardens. Turn to pages 84 and 92 to get inspired. Mark Box also returns, having curated a special flower-themed photo gallery to celebrate the season (p30). One more thing before I sign off and let you enjoy this month’s magazine: be sure to check out the first instalment in our brand-new interview series (p98), where Cambridge residents can extol the virtues of our beloved city. Please get in touch if you’d like to be featured as a future interviewee!
MANAGING DIRECTORS Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck TYPEFACE Nyght Serif / Maksym Kobuzan from Tunera Type Foundry 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,
ON THE COVER Illustration by Holly May, inspired by a photo from @capturedcambridge on Instagram
Louise Hoffman, editor
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ON THE COVER 8 / FUN IN THE SUN Make the most of the summer with our top 21 things to do 18 / HERALDING THE FUTURE New Britten Sinfonia principal trumpet Imogen Whitehead shares her story 33 / WIN A LUXURY GETAWAY This month’s coveted competition prize comes courtesy of Gonville Hotel! 40 / CITY CHIC Get ready to stun with this lookbook of stylish day-wear outfits 84 / BLOOMIN’ MARVELLOUS A veritable bouquet of floral prints and textiles
CULTURE EDITION 16 / THE AGENDA Our pick of what’s on throughout the city during May 22 / CULTURE NEWS The latest from Cambridge’s cultural scene 26 / MAY BOOK CLUB Charlotte Griffiths showcases the work of three critically acclaimed women writers 29 / SCREEN TIME This month’s film releases and where to see them 30 / HUMANS OF CAMBRIDGE Mark Box draws inspiration from spring blooms for this month’s photoblog
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EDUCATION EDITION 62 / CLOSING THE GENDER GAP Is there a growing divide between boys and girls in STEM subjects? Charlotte Phillips asks local schools 74 / THE CO-PARENTING CONUNDRUM Catherine Hufton gathers expert advice on navigating the summer holidays as a co-parent HOME EDITION 90 / EDITION LOVES Bring your home into bloom with these floral and foliate interior flourishes
34 / FAMILY DAYS OUT This three-part series starts with a focus on upcoming outdoor entertainment for the whole family FOOD EDITION 48 / FOOD NEWS Whet your appetite with these culinary updates 51 / THE SWEET SPOT Elisha Young directs us to the best desserts the city has to offer 54 / RESTAURANT REVIEW Louise Hoffman pays a visit to gastropub and beer house, Pint Shop
92 / PLANTING FOR BEES Cambridge University Botanic Garden’s Sally Petitt shares top tips for attracting bees to your garden REGULARS 7 / INSTACAMB Photographic inspiration from the city’s most hashtagged viewpoints 57 / A CUP OF TEA WITH… Kate Wain of The Pitt Building 98 / I ♥ CAMBRIDGE Local resident Toby Hoten kicks off this brand-new interview series
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LOCAL LIFE
Use #instacamb for a chance to feature!
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Our favourite Cambridge Instagram pics of the month
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SCENT FROM ABOVE The Rose Garden in July at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire. nationaltrust.org.uk
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OUT AND ABOUT
Fun in
From gorgeous gardens to festival fever, make the most of the season with our top 21 things to do in Cambridge this summer the sun
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Watch the solstice sunrise Mark the longest day of the year by getting up early on 21 June to catch the summer solstice sunrise – from your garden, window, balcony or even a local vantage point like Castle Mound, Grantchester Meadows or a remote Fenland footpath, where you’ll be fully encircled in the spectacle.
2 Picnic in the park We’re spoilt for choice here in Cambridge when it comes to perfect picnicking locations. Alongside the popular spots of Midsummer Common, Lammas Land, Jesus Green, Laundress Green and the Backs, there are lots more options just a short drive away – including Ferry Meadows near Peterborough, plus Milton and Wandlebury Country Parks. Hampers at the ready! 3 Head to the races Top of the line-up for summer racing is surely the Debenhams July Festival at Newmarket Racecourse, a three-day extravaganza that combines the finest horse racing and hospitality with an electric atmosphere. Ladies Day launches the proceedings on 10 July, so there’s plenty of time to get that knock-out outfit assembled! Festival Friday and July Cup Day then follow with their thrilling racecards, on 11 and 12 July respectively. 4 Sip cocktails on the terrace What’s better than a seat in the sun with a suitably refreshing and fruity tipple in hand, in the company of good friends? Novi has a verdant summer space where you can escape the bustle of the city and indulge in fruit, spice, herb and dessert cocktails. Alternatively, head to The Varsity Hotel’s iconic rooftop terrace to enjoy a free side order of panoramic views alongside your cocktail or mocktail! 5 Eat alfresco Whether it’s a casual brunch, a leisurely lunch or fine evening dining, make the most of the glorious weather by choosing an outdoor table at one of Cambridge’s top eateries. Some offer more intimate courtyard settings – such as The Oak Bistro or The Fellows Garden at The Folio Bar & Kitchen – while others provide picturesque waterside spots, such as the terraces at modern brasserie Millworks or the contemporary international fusion restaurant Galleria.
PAINT THE TOWN (Clockwise from top) Cambridge Open Studios welcomes visitors; wine tasting at Saffron Grange; jaw- dropping rooftop views at The Varsity Hotel; a sunny spot to soak up the weather and enjoy a picnic
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6 Go to the (outdoor) movies Few things say summer more than seeing a movie in the open air. This year, Cambridge BID’s outdoor cinema is set to return to Station Road and Market Square; Enchanted Cinema is showing The Swimmer and Finding Nemo at Jesus Green Lido; and Anglesey Abbey is screening a selection of films during July, including The Greatest Showman (singalong version), Mamma Mia! and Pretty Woman .
Indulge in a wine tasting There’s no need to travel to France or Spain this summer – Cambridge has its own local wines! Gutter & Stars is a winery housed in the quirky surroundings of a Grade II listed windmill, less than a mile from Cambridge city centre. Regular tasting sessions are held here, giving you the opportunity to sample the award-winning wines made from grapes grown locally. Slightly further afield are Chilford Hall Vineyard in Linton and Saffron Grange, just outside the market town of Saffron Walden, whose summer 2025 tours are now available to book. 8 Discover local creatives The annual Cambridge Open Studios event sees up to 500 artists, craftspeople and designer-makers throw open their doors to the public over the first four weekends of July. From textiles, glass, printmaking and photography to watercolour, ceramics, jewellery and sculpture, get ready to be inspired by the work of these talented local creatives, learn about their methods, explore their studio spaces – and maybe even invest in a favourite piece or two!
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16 Potter in the gardens Fill your senses with the riotous colours and heady fragrances of flowers, the tactile textures of plants and the soothing sounds of grasses swishing in a summer breeze. Top public gardens in the area include such favourites as Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Anglesey Abbey, Chippenham Park, Wimpole Estate and Peckover House. There’s also a plethora of open garden events taking place in villages across Cambridgeshire this summer, including Steeple Morden, Duxford, Ickleton and Castle Camps.
9 Pet Dog Show 29 June, Ben’s Yard Bring your pooch along for a day of competitive dog classes, open to all dogs, with exciting top prizes to be won. 10 Sounds Green 2025 July, Cambridge University Botanic Garden A celebration of summer and music, Sounds Green takes place every Wednesday evening in July on the Garden’s Main Lawn. 11 Cambridge Dance Festival 5 July, Cambridge Rugby Club From Tall Paul and General Levy to DJ Spoony, enjoy 11 hours of house, disco, jungle, garage and 70s/80s classics, as well as comedy and acoustic sets. 12 The Shelford Festival and Feast 5-12 July, Shelford A week of music, comedy, food and drink in Great Shelford – just outside Cambridge – with Scott Mills in the Saturday DJ slot! 13 Ely Folk Festival 11-13 July, Stuntney Estate Enjoy a real ale bar, as well as morris dancing displays, ceilidhs, workshops, music sessions and plenty more at this three-day event near Ely. 14 Heritage Live 31 July - 3 August, Audley End Estate The Jacksons, Roger Daltrey, Manic Street Preachers and Underworld are the headline acts set to perform in the scenic Audley End grounds. 15 Cambridge Country Show 9-10 August, Stow Cum Quy Park Watch a wide range of impressive displays, including cookery demos, chainsaw carving, falconry, dog agility and heavy horses.
MAKE WAVES Bedford Summer Sessions (right) will feature artists like
McFly, while the Dragon Boat Festival (below) is back on 13 September
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Bring those festival vibes Summer equals festival time! Tantalise the taste buds at the Foodies Festival (aka Gastro-Glastonbury), where you can see celebrity and award-winning chefs, plus chart-topping music stars, from 4 to 6 July. Or sample world-class Thai cuisine at the Magic of Thailand Festival from 2 to 3 August, both taking place at Parker’s Piece. For music, check out the programmes for Cambridge Rock Festival and Cambridge Summer Music Festival, plus Newmarket Nights at Newmarket Racecourse and Bedford Summer Sessions at Bedford Park. 18 Get away from it all A night or two away – even just five minutes down the road – can do wonders for body and mind. Relaxation is, of course, top of the agenda, so look out for accommodation that offers a hot tub or luxurious freestanding bathtub. For added pampering, choose a boutique or spa hotel. Gonville Hotel has its own wellness sanctuary offering luxury treatments including facials and massages. More quirky options in the area include Happenoak Treehouse in Balsham, The Carriage Ely in Wayhead and Wildflower Wagon just outside Cambridge. 19 Hire a bike Soak up the sun and sights by taking to two wheels. With its forgiving terrain and extensive network of cycle paths, Cambridgeshire is kind to the least seasoned of cyclists. If you’ve never done it before, or not for a while, why not hire a bike and explore your county? Maps are available on the Cambridgeshire County Council website that cover the city and its surroundings. 20 Take to the water Punting isn’t the only way to enjoy Cambridgeshire’s waterways. Hire a day boat, cruiser or canal boat and take to the county’s beautiful rivers, visiting Fenland towns and villages and stopping at pubs or picnic sites for refreshments along the way. More adventurous alternatives are also available – SUP Cambridge offers stand-up paddle boarding, for instance. 21 at Fen Ditton this year is the hugely popular Dragon Cheer on the dragons Returning to the River Cam Boat Festival, which will be raising funds for Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital. Taking place on 13 September, the event will see teams of ten to 15 paddling 30ft boats up the river, with a drummer at the front beating time and a helm at the tail, as well as bankside entertainment, trophy presentations and plenty of fancy dress!
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ON THE PULSE Heritage funding, creative courses, spring exhibitions and more HERALD OF CHANGE Meet new Britten Sinfonia principal trumpet, Imogen Whitehead CULTURE EDITION CULTURAL CALENDAR From concerts to comedy, here are May’s unmissable events
Embark on a galactic adventure through light and sound in the atmospheric Ely Cathedral on 17 May, courtesy of Limelight Orchestra, whose 40-piece ensemble will be filling the heavens with space-themed hits such as David Bowie’s Starman , Elton John’s Rocket Man and Coldplay’s A Sky Full of Stars . Combined with immersive visuals and light displays, Interstellar – Sounds of Space promises to be a multi- sensory experience. elycathedral.org Sounds of space
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THE AGENDA
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COMEDY
Henning Wehn, Cambridge Corn Exchange Known for his guest appearances on shows such as Have I Got News for You , German comedian Henning Wehn takes to the stage.
MUSIC
The Magpies, Stapleford Granary Transatlantic folk band The Magpies draw inspiration from traditional Celtic folk, bluegrass and the winding paths of the Appalachian trails. 4 VE Day celebrations, Nene Valley Railway Mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a train ride back to the 40s and enjoy live entertainment, music and vehicle displays. Also open on 3 May. HERITAGE
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Wild Garden Walk, Cambridge University Botanic Garden Discover seasonal species of wildflowers during this special early- morning walk at the Botanic Garden before it opens to the public.
The Science of Autism & Women: Unseen and Unheard, Cambridge Junction The often-overlooked experiences of autistic women, drawing on the latest autism research and lived experience.
Doctor Faustus, ADC Theatre Running until 10
May is this boundary- pushing production of Christopher Marlowe’s gem by the Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club.
Dates for the diary to get your Cambridgeshire culture fix
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Lunchtime Lecture: Equiano and his Cambridgeshire Family, The Fitzwilliam Museum The latest findings on abolitionist and writer Olaudah Equiano and the women in his life.
22 May
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26 MUSIC
Britten Sinfonia , Saffron Hall Britten Sinfonia’s principal trumpet Imogen Whitehead takes centre stage in Hummel’s much-loved concerto – showing off the trumpet’s brilliance.
20 JUN Ministry of Sound Classical, Newmarket Racecourse At the first of this summer’s Newmarket Nights, 90s dance hits will be re-imagined by a 30-piece orchestra, DJs and vocalists. MUSIC
31 May
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MUSIC
Met Opera Live: Salome (2025), Cambridge Arts Picturehouse Canadian music director Yannick Nézet- Séguin conducts his first Met performances of Strauss’ scandalous one-act tragedy. Watch it via this live cinema transmission.
Heaven 17, Cambridge Junction With more than 30 years under their belt, 80s synth pioneers Heaven 17 will be performing classic hits and revealing new material.
Dara Ó Briain , Cambridge Corn Exchange
After the success of his last tour, which sold out 173 venues across 20 countries, Dara is back with a new live show: Re:Creation .
14 JUL THEATRE Cambridge Shakespeare
29 FESTIVAL
24 COMEDY
Festival, Various venues in the city Catch Shakespeare classics, from Twelfth Night to Macbeth , during this open-air festival held at colleges across Cambridge.
MUSIC
Interstellar – Sounds of Space, Ely Cathedral The Limelight Orchestra explores the expansive cosmos with a 40-piece orchestra performing space-themed anthems from legendary artists such as David Bowie, Elton John, Coldplay and more.
Cambridge Fringe Festival, Cambridge Taking place from 24 to 25 May, this year’s Cambridge Fringe Festival has something
Red Rooster Festival , Euston Hall Suffolk festival of rock ’n’ roll, blues, soul, roots, Cajun and country. Featuring JD McPherson, Samantha Fish and many more. Runs until 31 May.
for everyone, with events across four city venues.
1 AUG Tom Jones, Newmarket Racecourses Heads up – the legend himself, Tom Jones, is coming to Newmarket this MUSIC
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The Cambridge Drawing Society Spring Exhibition, Pitt Building EXHIBITION
Songs for a Day in May, St Clement’s Church Starting at midday, this is an hour-long concert of short readings and unaccompanied songs – from love songs to traditional Scottish melodies and more.
Hawkwind, Cambridge Corn Exchange Space rock pioneers Hawkwind, known for their impressive laser shows, will perform their classic tracks, alongside new material.
Enjoy free admission to see more than 350 new works from 100+ CDS artists. Will be shown until 7 June.
summer to perform a full headline set!
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HERALDING the FUTURE In her recent appointment to Britten Sinfonia, Imogen Whitehead became the first woman in more than a decade to hold a principal trumpet role in a major UK orchestra. Louise Hoffman catches up with her
Portrait MATTHEW JOHNSON
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I t’s perhaps unsurprising that who encouraged her in the art, and was fortunate enough to attend a state primary school that valued music – and was well resourced for it. The defining moment came early, at age five. “My parents took me to a concert on the South Bank, where I had a chance to ‘meet the instruments’. I gravitated towards the trumpet and could immediately make a good sound,” Imogen recalls. Despite asking Father Christmas for ‘a real trumpet’ that same year, lessons were to begin two years later. She had an early grounding in piano too, but it quickly became evident which instrument would win her heart. “I’m an identical twin, and my sister was keen to learn many different instruments growing up. I, on the music would take a pivotal role in Imogen Whitehead’s life. She had talented amateur-musician parents other hand, was only ever interested in playing the trumpet,” Imogen explains. “I particularly love its vocal quality – I imagine that I’m singing through my instrument when I play – and I feel it’s my particular sound that sets me apart. “The trumpet is also wonderfully versatile, both in terms of the genres that it covers, and the many types of trumpet that one plays as a professional – I now own 12 different instruments!” Growing up, Imogen became a member of various ensembles through the Kingston Music Service before joining the Thames Youth Orchestra, which she remembers fondly as being a real highlight of her musical upbringing. Lessons with a local jazz trumpeter, Andy Bush, at age 11 also laid groundwork for the future. “He greatly expanded my musical horizons and always encouraged me to be the most well- rounded musician I could be,” she smiles. Going pro And so that future arrived, and Imogen’s childhood talent turned into a prestigious professional career. It has seen her perform with the London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and English National Opera, as well as touring East Asia, Europe and, last year, Colombia
with leading brass ensemble Septura. She’s performed in the West End and was in Netflix’s 2023 biopic Maestro, about Leonard Bernstein. “As a soloist, I’ve also premiered numerous pieces by composers such as Stephen Dodgson and Sally Beamish, commissioned for me by the Park Lane Group,” she adds. “I’ve always tried to maintain an equal balance of orchestral and solo playing.” This year, however, has surely ushered in some of her biggest achievements yet, being conferred with Associateship of the Royal Academy of Music (ARAM) and now welcomed as principal trumpet into the ranks of renowned Cambridge chamber orchestra, Britten Sinfonia. It’s a highly esteemed position, with added resonance for Imogen as a woman musician. “It feels so very special to have been appointed principal trumpet of Britten Sinfonia, particularly as it’s been many years since a woman has been offered a trumpet job in any orchestra in the UK,” she recognises. “With such a large pool of brilliant female freelancers, it felt as though we were on the edge of change and, since this tipping point, there have been numerous female appointments to other trumpet sections across the UK. I hope seeing me in this prominent position will encourage younger players, and I hope to be a positive role model for them.” One of the family Having long admired Britten Sinfonia’s ethos, this internationally renowned orchestra is the perfect new home for Imogen. “It’s continually pushing the boundaries of what a chamber orchestra can do, with imaginative programming and brilliant collaborations that make for an exciting schedule. Recent highlights for me include working with Suzie and Jacob Collier and performing in King’s College Chapel, Cambridge,” she says. “Britten Sinfonia also has an exceptional outreach department, which brings music to under-resourced areas in the east of England,” she continues. “I particularly enjoy playing for patients
I hope seeing me in this prominent position will encourage younger players, and I hope to be a positive role model
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conducted adds an extra element of danger, but even more so a feeling of exhilarating freedom. I’m looking forward to working closely with our guest leader, Clio Gould, to steer the ship together. The two venues we’re performing at have very different acoustics, each with their own unique qualities. Norwich Cathedral will feel more boomy and expansive, while Saffron Hall will bring clarity and brightness.” Personal connections Imogen’s 2025 achievements don’t end there – and we’re not even halfway through the year! Her debut solo album Connection has just been released via YouTube and major streaming platforms – to rapturous applause. “It features eight works; I have a connection to each one,” says Imogen. “Listeners can expect to hear pieces for both the trumpet and flugelhorn, accompanied by Britten Sinfonia and pianist Jennifer Walsh. The album encompasses many different facets of the trumpet, ranging from the quirky, spiky character of Sonatina for Solo Trumpet by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies to the flowing lines of Modlitwa by Roxanna Panufnik.” Before we part, I’m intrigued to know which venues, of all the many around the
OPENING NUMBERS Imogen (below) has just released Connection , her debut solo album (left)
world she has performed in so far, hold a special place in Imogen’s heart and soul. “My favourite venue, and one at which I perform regularly, is St Martin- in-the-Fields in Central London. It’s a magical place, and I’m thrilled to have been appointed Artist in Residence with St Martin’s Voices for 2025. Abroad, Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg is an incredible, state-of-the-art hall with 360° audience seating and unparalleled facilities. “I think it’s important to remember that connection with the audience is what makes a concert special,” she points out. “In 2020, during Covid-19, I performed at the BBC Proms to an empty Royal Albert Hall. Without the energy and anticipation of a live audience, the atmosphere was strange and absent. During lockdowns, my husband and I gave concerts in the street for our neighbours. These are some of my favourite musical memories and demonstrate that what makes live music so special is the bringing together of people to share a unique experience.”
at Addenbrooke’s Hospital alongside my husband Rupert, who is a trombonist in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. “There’s a real family feeling at Britten Sinfonia – the members are genuinely good friends and I was given a warm welcome from my very first day.” Imogen’s first two solo spotlights with the orchestra are taking place this very month, and she can’t wait to take the stage. “It will be such a treat to perform alongside my colleagues and friends, who will be, quite literally, surrounding me with their support!” she enthuses. “Performing un-
imogenwhiteheadtrumpet.com
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TOP BRASS The trumpet has always been Imogen’s instrument of choice, and years of practice have earned her some prestigious positions
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CULTURE EDITION
Access boost at Wimpole Hall Many more visitors can now be welcomed onto the ground floor of the National Trust’s Wimpole Hall, thanks to the installation of a Stair Climber. Enabling wheelchair users and those with limited mobility to ascend the stone steps with ease, this state-of-the-art equipment is already making a huge difference to visitors. During a successful trial in 2024, 788 people were able to experience Wimpole Hall who might otherwise have missed out. Plus, the innovative design requires no structural changes to the historic building itself. Many other National Trust properties across the country are now benefitting from Stair Climbers, including Peckover House and Garden in Wisbech – just in time for summer!
The Cambridge Drawing Society’s Spring Exhibition opens at the end of this month, with more than 350 new works from over 100 artists on display. Among them are Monica Alikoviene, a Cambridge- based artist who created a new work, Easy Like Sunday Morning , specifically for the exhibition (see page 17). There’s also Diane Firth, who specialises in oil paintings and drawings of people, pets and animals, capturing their unique personalities. Pictured is a painting of border collie Gem, entitled The Look of Love . “She was a rare dog, as she would just gaze into your eyes like this and you, of course, would gaze back. She was great at connecting,” says Diane. The Spring Exhibition takes place from 10am to 4pm, every day from 31 May to 7 June at The Pitt Building on Trumpington Street. Admission is free for all visitors A SEASONAL ART CELEBRATION
Inspiration for young readers
More than 300 students from across Cambridgeshire have enjoyed a visit from best-selling author AF Steadman. Hosted by Stephen Perse Cambridge, the author event builds on a long-running partnership with North Cambridge Academy, which was formed in 2019 to help tackle inequality in the region and create more educational pathways for students within the local community. During her visit, AF Steadman, who read languages and law at Selwyn College and wrote the best-selling Skandar series, spoke to students about her experience as an author before hosting an exclusive meet- and-greet where she signed their books and posed for photographs. “It was amazing to meet the author of a book I’ve read and loved,” said Stephen Perse Cambridge year 7 student Whitney. “It helped me understand how she found ideas for stories and how to write a book.”
The latest from the cultural scene in Cambridge
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St Andrew’s Church in Soham has been awarded initial support totalling £315,000 to move forward with a much- needed restoration project and involve young people in learning heritage skills. The funding, comprising £270,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and £45,000 from Historic England, will be used to help plan the project through specialist surveys and piloting activities with local community groups. It will also enable the church to build on its existing partnership with Soham Village College to inspire careers in heritage skills such as stonemasonry, carpentry, leadwork and blacksmithing. The 12th-century, Grade I listed building has been on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register since 2018 due to the roof’s poor condition, extensive damp and the danger of falling masonry. Major repairs are therefore needed to prevent further deterioration and make the church an inviting community hub. Following this initial work, the church plans to apply for a full grant of £2.8 million from the Heritage Fund in the hope that it might be able to begin the repairs as of 2027. FUNDING FOR SOHAM HERITAGE PROJECT
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EVENING INSPO
Whipple Scribble sessions launch this month at the Whipple Museum of the History of Science, giving first-time, hobbyist, student and professional creatives alike the chance to sketch among its collection of telescopes, globes and scientific instruments. Taking place every eight weeks, each relaxed evening sketching session will draw on a fresh theme, inspired by the museum’s artefacts. The first one takes place on 8 May from 5.30 to 7.30pm, with an astronomy theme. All abilities are welcome, and it’s free to take part (donations welcome).
Visit whipplemuseum.cam.ac.uk to find out more and book
Cambridge Community Arts is hosting a new season of creative courses for adults across Cambridgeshire. A highlight of the new season is Kick-Start Your Novel, a six-week community class for more experienced creative writers, led by published author, editor and writing mentor Lynn Fraser. Designed to help participants take their novel ideas from concept to concrete plan, the course runs on Saturdays from 31 May to 5 July at Mill Road Community Centre in Cambridge. Income from the course directly supports Cambridge Community Arts’ charitable work – including making creativity accessible to adults who face barriers due to health conditions, low income or social exclusion. Community arts charity launches range of new creative courses
More than 100 comedy acts are lined up to perform during the second May bank holiday weekend at this year’s Cambridge Fringe Festival. Four venues in the city centre will play host to TV regulars, festival favourites, exciting newcomers and local talent on 24 and 25 May, with acts that range from stand-up and sketch to clowning, musical comedy, improv and kids shows. Highlights from the line-up include Jordan Brookes (Edinburgh Comedy Award best show winner), Ria Lina ( QI , Have I Got News for You , Live at the Apollo ), Nick Helm (BBC’s Uncle , Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee), Helen Bauer (Edinburgh Comedy Award best newcomer nominee, co-host of Trusty Hogs ), Spencer Jones ( Ted Lasso, Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee) and Ania Magliano (Edinburgh Comedy Award best show nominee). CAMBRIDGE FRINGE RETURNS FOR 2025
More info at camcommarts.org.uk
Discover all the acts and secure tickets at cambridgefringe.co.uk
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CULTURE EDITION May Book Club Charlotte Griffiths showcases the work of three critically acclaimed women writers
A Flat Place
NOREEN MASUD
This meditative, absorbing non-fiction work follows author Noreen Masud as she moves through some of the UK’s flattest landscapes, while also processing memories of her challenging childhood in Pakistan and dealing with the ripples that continue to echo through her life as a young adult. Only when she’s surrounded by nothingness does she feel most herself, and able to handle the complex inner landscape left by her upbringing. She seeks out the most iconic unbroken horizons around our country to help handle her turbulent mental health: including some beautiful sections set in the local landscapes of East Anglia. Her book segues seamlessly between finely drawn nature writing, haunting childhood memoir, meditations on academic research into PTSD and modern methods of healing trauma. At times, you might not even notice the change of genre happening – it’s like gazing out of a window while riding a King’s Lynn train, as it slices through the flat Fenland fields, slipping from hedge to open farmland and back again in mere moments. Reminiscent of Educated by Tara Westover, Noreen’s confident, candid approach to sharing her story is completely engrossing and charming, and A Flat Place has been deservedly laden with awards of all kinds – including being shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction last year. This is a calm, collected book that reads like slipping into cool, still water on the hottest summer’s day: you’ll emerge deeply refreshed and carrying with you a newfound respect for the vast, horizontal landscapes around our city.
SPIRITUAL PLAINS In her memoir, Noreen Masud writes about her childhood traumas and their ongoing resonance in her day-to-day life, sharing how she draws on the vastness of flat landscapes for healing
So Thrilled For You
HOLLY BOURNE
child-free Steffi is forging ahead with her career, but feels judged by her supposedly dearest pals and doesn’t know if she still has anything in common with them. Events soon take a dramatic turn for the worse, and the finger of suspicion is pointed at each of the four women – but which of them is to blame, or are they all at fault in some way? This is an eye-openingly extreme look at what it is to be a woman and a friend in the modern age, told from four corners of the female experience. Brutal descriptions of savagely plausible experiences mean this might not be one for imminently expectant mothers, but it’s a great summer whodunnit novel for other readers.
Buckle up for this rollercoaster of a dark-comedy thriller, in which four thirtysomething friends all reunite at a baby shower in the countryside during an absolutely sweltering heatwave; but it’s not just the climate that’s making them all hot under their collars. Mum-to-be Nikki is heavily pregnant, yet uncertain it’s what she actually wants for herself. Charlotte – who’s throwing the shower for Nikki – can’t become pregnant, but is absolutely desperate to be a mother, and is funnelling all that emotion into making sure the event is perfect (with a capital P). Lauren has a young baby, but is finding motherhood harder than she ever could have imagined, while happily
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CULTURE EDITION
Reading this brief novel is a startlingly visceral, yet totally unforgettable experience. It follows erotic fiction writer Shaka, who is profoundly disabled. She is living in a care home full-time and is completely dependent on an electric wheelchair and ventilator. It has now been almost 30 years since she last walked outside. Her parents’ early deaths have left her wealthy beyond her needs, although she continues to earn by writing SEO-friendly articles for websites, as well as extremely popular explicit stories, donating the additional income to food banks or other female-focused charities. She launches her darkest wishes into cyberspace via an anonymous Twitter account, confident that no one will ever read them – yet it’s impossible to be entirely invisible on the internet. It turns out that a male carer has been following her online utterances and has an indecent proposal for her – but is she really ready to make these most disturbing of dreams a reality? Among the most startling features of this short narrative are its matter-of-fact physicality, the meticulous planning and relentless compromises that ensure Shaka’s continued existence. When she does manage to walk, the sway of her body means that she often bangs her head, while when she reads, the weight of the tomes crush her lungs and bend her already-curved spine. Provocative, political and deeply physical, this wildly arresting novel hugely deserves its many accolades – as well as pride of place atop your pile of stunning titles to read for the summer. Hunchback SAOU ICHIKAWA, TRANSLATED BY POLLY BARTON
Canine companions in fiction Four-legged friends steal the show in these compelling stories that run the gamut of genres
Heroic Measures JILL CIMENT
Six-Thirty is an abandoned explosives-detection dog adopted by the hero of this fiercely feminist historical comedy, Elizabeth Zott, as she wrestles the patriarchy pinning her in place. (The book version of this dog is better than the TV show’s!) Lessons in Chemistry BONNIE GARMUS
Nettle & Bone T KINGFISHER
Twelve-year-old sausage dog Dorothy is ill, and her elderly owners must get her to the vet. But they are also showing their beloved NYC apartment to prospective buyers – and navigating a possible terrorist threat that has brought the city to a standstill.
Marra needs to protect her beloved sister from an evil prince, and a grave witch offers her help – provided she completes three ‘impossible’ tasks, one of which is creating a ‘dog of bones’. A brilliant, Pratchett-esque, feel-good fairytale for grown-ups.
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CULTURE EDITION
Arts Picturehouse picturehouses.com Everyman everymancinema.com Vue myvue.com The Light cambridge.thelight.co.uk LOCAL CINEMAS
Thunderbolts*
1 May From Marvel Studios comes this unconventional bunch of antiheroes sent on a dangerous mission that brings them face-to-face with the darkest corners of their past. With Florence Pugh and David Harbour.
Hallow Road
16 May Rosamund Pike and Matthew Rhys star as two parents who receive a distressing late-night phone call from their daughter, who has just caused a tragic car accident. While they rush to her aid, disturbing revelations begin to tear the family apart.
21 May A stellar cast – including Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg – will be gracing the big screen this month as the Mission: Impossible franchise returns. Prepare for some adrenaline-fuelled action! Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning
Lilo & Stitch
23 May A live-action reimagining of Disney’s 2002 animated classic, Lilo & Stitch tells the heartfelt story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien she forms a bond with. Directed by Oscar- nominated filmmaker Dean Fleischer Camp.
The Salt Path
30 May Directed by Marianne Elliott, The Salt Path follows Raynor and her husband Moth as they struggle with homelessness and a life-changing health diagnosis. Starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs.
Movie magic not to miss this month
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STREET STYLE
Bringing a ray of sunshine to this month’s photo gallery are these ‘flowers of Cambridge’ Humans of Cambridge
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STREET STYLE
Spring blooms As the sun returns to the city streets, Humans of Cambridge photoblog creator Mark Box selects and reflects upon his favourite floral compositions. “People who wear flowers – tucked in their hair, pinned to a coat, just held for the sake of it – always seem to carry joy with them... like they know life’s too short not to celebrate the little things,” he observes. “Now, with blossoms in the trees and petals catching on the wind, it just feels like the whole city is joining in. Spring’s here. Finally.” Humans of Cambridge is a street photography photoblog founded by Mark Box in 2020. Follow him on Instagram @humanofcambridge
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COMPETITION Win a luxurious getaway at Gonville Hotel Fancy an indulgent overnight stay, complete with delicious dinner and hearty breakfast? Enter now and it could be yours…
R elaxation and recuperation await the lucky winner of this month’s Cambridge Edition competition, courtesy of Gonville Hotel. Offering the perfect blend of elegance, comfort and sustainability, this renowned Cambridge boutique hotel is known for its hospitality, dedicated wellness sanctuary and distinctive fusion of modern charm with historic surroundings. Get ready to sink into a sumptuous bed in one of the perfectly appointed and uniquely designed rooms – you can even choose your pillows from a special menu for optimum comfort! Plus, treat your taste buds at Gonville Kitchen, with dishes that celebrate the best of seasonal British and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. See what delights the hotel has in store for you at gonvillehotel.co.uk The prize includes: • An overnight stay for two in one of Gonville Hotel’s stylish and comfort- filled rooms. • A delicious cooked breakfast the following morning. • A three-course dinner in the award- winning restaurant, Gonville Kitchen. To be in with a chance of winning this luxurious prize, simply scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit cambsedition.co.uk/competition to enter now. Good luck!
Worth £370!
STAY THE COURSE Enter now and you could win a restful sleep, tasty breakfast and dinner in the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
Terms and conditions 1 This competition closes 28 May. 2 Prize validity: the prize must be redeemed in August 2025. 3 Dinner: dinner for two includes a small plate, a signature dish and a dessert each, with a shared bottle of house red or white only. 4 Exclusion dates: certain blackout dates apply, including bank holidays and special events. 5 Booking requirement: the winner must book in advance to secure their stay in August. 6 Non-transferable: the prize is for the named winner only and cannot be exchanged, transferred or resold. 7 No cash alternative: the prize holds no monetary value and cannot be redeemed for cash or any other services. 8 Changes and cancellations: the provider reserves the right to modify or withdraw the prize in exceptional circumstances. 9 The competition is open to readers of Cambridge Edition magazine aged 18+. 10 Relatives of the competition sponsor and Bright Publishing employees are not eligible to enter. 11 One entry per person. 12 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.
FAMILY FUN
FAMILY DAYS OUT: OUTDOOR EDITION Enjoy the fresh air and fun with this line-up of alfresco family entertainment for the coming months
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FAMILY FUN
11 May Ampton Racecourse, near Bury St Edmunds There’s lots of family fun to be had at this traditional agricultural show, with thrilling displays by the Imps Motorcycle Display Team, barrel racing from 4 Strides Equestrian UK Ltd, farm animals including pigs, sheep and cattle, fairground rides, food vendors – and more! southsuffolkshow.co.uk The South Suffolk Show
18-22 June Midsummer Common Cambridge Midsummer Fair
Enjoy all the fun of the fair at this vibrant annual event. Don’t miss the Mayor of Cambridge issuing the historic proclamation to officially open the fair – and, as tradition dictates, throwing pennies into the crowd. Then get stuck into the array of children’s games, thrill rides, side stalls and a market. Don’t forget to indulge in a classic fairground treat too – kiosks on site will be selling candy floss, toffee apples, doughnuts and hot dogs.
Little Bugs 27 June Cambourne Nature Reserve
Pre-schoolers aged two to four (with some flexibility) can embark on an adventurous stroll around Cambourne Nature Reserve, enjoying storytelling and outdoor activities such as puddle- jumping and tree-climbing along the way. Taking place across multiple dates (also 4 July and 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 August), these relaxed family sessions can be attended as a programme or individually. wildlifebcn.org/events
Glow-worm walk 11 and 18 July Great Fen One for families with slightly older children, this magical guided walk will take you out after sunset to discover the glow-worms and other nocturnal wildlife of the Great Fen. Bat detectors will be on hand, so you can tune in to hear who’s flying overhead. Taking place 9.30-11.30pm, the walk is suitable for ages 13+. wildlifebcn.org/events
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FAMILY FUN
Wild in the Meadows
31 July Trumpington Meadows
Get the kids back to nature with a host of summer activities, from bug hunting and bee hotel making to den and mini raft building. Other Wild in the Meadows dates include 7, 14, 21 and 28 August, with similar sessions called Wild in the Woods taking place at Cambourne Nature Reserve. Check out the website for more information and other events planned for the summer. wildlifebcn.org/events
Nature Butterflies 2 August Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Little ones will love getting creative and learning about nature during this special Saturday craft session, aimed at children aged 3+. They’ll spend the morning transforming leaves, flowers and petals from the Botanic Garden into colourful, nature-inspired butterflies! It’s free to take part in the session, but booking is essential. botanic.cam.ac.uk
Dinosaur Day 9 August Newmarket Racecourse
Where else can you see world-class racehorses and prehistoric reptiles in the same place? At Newmarket Racecourse’s Dinosaur Day, of course! An event designed for the whole family, here you can enjoy an afternoon of racing on the July Course alongside a uniquely immersive Jurassic experience. Europe’s largest walking T rex, Zeus, will be in attendance along with all his friends. Entry is free for under 18s. thejockeyclub.co.uk/newmarket
Red Panda Day 23 August Shepreth Wildlife Park
Calling all red panda fans! You won’t want to miss this special themed day at Shepreth Wildlife Park. Not only can you listen to the keeper’s talk at 1.30pm to find out all about the park’s resident red pandas Ago and Sundara, there will also be a special stall set up next to their habitat where you can access extra information and take part in activities throughout the day, as well as checking out the red panda goodies that will be on sale in aid of the Red Panda Network. The fun continues indoors too, in the park’s Discovery Centre. sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk
36 MAY 2025 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
Get ready to turn heads with this lookbook of stylish day- wear outfits to be seen in on the cafe terraces of Cambridge this season
Make a statement Set the style with this green and white striped pleated shirt, £55, and blue denim striped wide leg jeans, £70, from Oliver Bonas – perfect for a day of culture. oliverbonas.com
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FASHION
Pretty in pink Brunch, garden party, concert or picnic, this Patricia ruffle sleeve midi dress in pink, £160, from Monsoon brings a joyful splash of summer to any occasion – the ultimate day-to-night outfit. monsoon.co.uk
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FASHION
Hat tricks Practical and aesthetic, Laird Hatters has a range of Panama hats to choose from, ideal for keeping the sun out of your eyes as you stroll around the city – as well as adding the finishing touch to your outfit. Prices from £195. lairdhatters.com
Step up Treat your feet to these super-stylish, comfortable leather sandals by Paula Urban, available in four colours from independent shoe shop Modish on Green Street, £85. modishonline.co.uk
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FASHION
Relaxed style Stay cool and casual as you stride along the streets in this Anyday rustic brown T-shirt, £12, poplin stripe shirt, £39, and patch pocket mac, £79, from John Lewis. johnlewis.com
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JUST DESSERTS Elisha Young introduces us to her favourite spots for something sweet MENU OF THE MONTH Pull up a chair at Pint Shop in this issue’s restaurant review FOOD EDITION CULINARY CATCH-UP The latest news and updates from the Cambridge foodie scene
In celebration of World Cocktail Day on 13 May, The Lab treats us to the recipe for its bold, spicy and citrusy signature cocktail, which you can make at home. thelabcambridge.com JJ’s Electric Juice You will need • 50ml reposado tequila • 25ml fresh lime juice • 50ml cloudy apple juice • 20ml agave syrup • One whole chilli (seeds and all!) To garnish (optional) • Dehydrated orange slice • Sprig of fresh mint • One dried chilli Method 1 Chop or lightly crush your whole chilli to release those fiery oils, then pop it into a shaker. 2 Add the reposado tequila, fresh lime juice, apple juice and agave syrup. 3 Shake it up! The chilli will infuse and mingle with the sweet and sour. 4 Single strain into a tumbler glass (or any glass that you love). 5 Garnish for that signature Lab look. Pro tip Let it sit for a minute before sipping – the chilli’s heat builds as it infuses. It’s a slow burn with a citrusy punch! Cocktail o’clock
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