WELCOME
MERRY MAY
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 Junior sub editors Tabitha John & Kezia Kurtz ADVERTISING Sales director Sam Scott-Smith 07875 711967 samscott-smith@bright.uk.com Ad manager Maria Francis 01223 492240 mariafrancis@bright.uk.com CONTRIBUTORS Charlotte Griffiths, Phoebe Harper, Katie Kasperson, Kate Lawson, Sally Petitt, Charlotte Phillips & Esther Sánchez DESIGN & PRODUCTION Design director Andy Jennings Magazine design manager Lucy Woolcomb Graphic designer Hedzlynn Kamaruzzaman Junior designer & ad production Holly May MANAGING DIRECTOR Andy Brogden TYPEFACE Nyght Serif / Maksym Kobuzan from Tunera Type Foundry
As we enter May, there seems to be a palpable energy all around us – gardens are back in bloom, the evenings are long again, winter coats are fully relegated to the wardrobe, and there’s a real sense of excitement building around the city’s big annual events, which are now well and truly on the horizon. In truth, this momentum has been gathering for a few weeks now. I sensed it in mid-April, when I had the great privilege of seeing the spectacular jade vine in bloom at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden – what a colour! – and, during a particularly sunny moment that same day, dispensed with a jacket altogether for the first time so far this year! It was wonderful to take some time out to wander the paths and lawns with the Botanic Garden’s Sally Petitt and Helen Needham – and to witness the very blooms and catkins that are the subject of Sally’s article this month! Turn to page 76 to be amazed by the wonders of nature. While preparing this issue, it was impossible not to feel the bubbling optimism of the region
While preparing this issue of Cambridge Edition , it was impossible not to feel the bubbling optimism of the region as summer arts programmes and festival itineraries are revealed for May, June and beyond. The calendar is packed, with two of the biggest events this month being Cambridge Food & Drink Week and Cambridge Fringe Festival. The latter is set to bring belly laughs aplenty to audiences across four city venues over the second bank holiday weekend. We managed to grab some quick- fire interviews with three of the top acts taking to the stage (see page 19 for more). Our local theatres have also revealed their programmes for the coming months. You can get to know the venues even better thanks to this issue’s cover story on page 8, in which Kate Lawson goes behind the scenes to discover some fascinating facts – from ghostly goings-on to impressive ice cream statistics! Whatever you’re funnelling your springtime energy into during the weeks ahead, be sure to enjoy every moment.
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Cambridge Edition Magazine Bright Publishing Ltd, Bright House, 82 High Street, Sawston, Cambridgeshire CB22 3HJ, 01223 499450, cambsedition.co.uk • All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of the publishers. • Views expressed in the magazine aren’t necessarily those of Cambridge Edition or Bright Publishing Ltd, which do not accept any liability for loss or damage. • Every effort has been made to ensure all information is correct. Prices quoted were correct at time the magazine went to print. • Cambridge Edition is a free publication that is distributed in Cambridge and the surrounding area.
With all best wishes,
Illustration by Holly May, inspired by a photo from @suneetmalhotra
Louise Hoffman, editor
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK MAY 2026 03
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