As the clocks go back and the winter lights are switched on, Cambridge comes to life this month. This issue we provide a round-up of fireworks, Christmas lights and exciting light trails, plus the chance to win tickets to Thursford Christmas Spectacular worth £200. We chat with choirmaster Gareth Malone and preview a trio of exciting city festivals. Our Christmas countdown begins too, with a local guide to festive shopping.
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NOVEMBER 2024
FOUR TICKETS TO A CHRISTMAS SHOW WORTH £200 ! WIN
MIXED BLESSINGS Discover the city’s cocktail scene for delicious drinks with a scientific twist FIREWORKS AND FESTIVE LIGHT TRAILS SET TO THRILL THIS MONTH remember a night to
CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN Where to go, what to wear and how to make the big day go off with a bang
SIXTH FORM FOCUS Education experts share the secrets of their two-year study programmes
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ON THE COVER 10 / A NIGHT TO REMEMBER It’s the big Christmas light-up this month, with fireworks on Midsummer Common and walking trails at Cambridge University Botanic Garden and Wimpole Hall 44 / COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS Plan your festive season and gift ideas for loved ones, with goodies for foodies, Cambridge keepsakes and little luxuries 51 / COMPETITION Win tickets to the Thursford Christmas Spectacular! 61 / MIXED BLESSINGS Discover the city’s unique cocktail scene for delicious drinks with a science twist 73 / SIXTH FORM FOCUS We reveal the top schools offering study programmes 15 / AUTUMN WALKS Leafy routes at National Trust locations 16 / THE AGENDA A guide to what’s on and where 19 / PLAYING JANE Improv show Austentatious hits the Corn Exchange for young adults CULTURE EDITION
64 / ELISHA EATS Artisanal treats in and around Cambridgeshire 69 / TRIED & TESTED Our review of Bistro du Vin EDUCATION EDITION 81 / SPOTLIGHT ON Open days with Richard Girvan, principal of the Stephen Perse Foundation HOME EDITION 86 / COSY UP YOUR HOME Give your home a comfy feel with deep colours and soft layers 97 / WELCOME WILDLIFE Anna Taylor on taking a more relaxed approach to garden tidying REGULARS 07 / INSTACAMB Your pics from social media 09 / LETTERS Readers share their news, views and opinions with us 98 / THE QUIZ Our new multiple-choice brainteaser
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20 / CURL UP WITH A GOOD READ... Pack your bags or chill out with jazz. Three exciting festivals are coming to Cambridge to brighten up your month 28 / BOOK CLUB We highlight stories about personal journeys and titles set in Cambridge 30 / HUMANS OF CAMBRIDGE Photographer Mark Box focuses on Movember CHRISTMAS EDITION opportunities for festive shopping around town FOOD EDITION 56 / FOOD NEWS A sneak peek at Christmas menus being released this month 57 / CHEF RECOMMENDS Subodh Gautam at the Old Crown in Girton shares his tips on Nepalese cuisine 39 / CHRISTMAS MARKETS Discover
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WELCOME
BLUE SKY THINKING W ith its low horizons and vast open skies, you can easily The city has a new cinema opening this month – the Everyman in the Grand Arcade. Scheduled to open its doors from 11 November, it offers plush, comfy seating, premium burgers, pizzas, milkshakes, sundaes and popcorn, plus a fully stocked bar. If cocktails are your thing, check out our watch Cambridgeshire’s weather patterns as they roll into view. November can bring what seems like
EDITORIAL Editor Liz Potter 01223 492249 lizpotter@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 Miriam Balanescu, Mark Box, Charlotte Griffiths, Charlotte Phillips, Anna Taylor, Angelina Villa-Clarke & Elisha Young DESIGN & PRODUCTION Design director Andy Jennings Magazine design manager Lucy Woolcomb Senior designer Carl Golsby Junior designer Hedzlynn Kamaruzzaman
Mixed Blessings feature, where we explore the city’s vibrant cocktail scene and sit down with a few master mixologists to discuss their creative endeavours, many of which feature a theatrical or scientific twist. Also this month, we have begun our Christmas coverage. Sorry if you’re still carving pumpkins and cultivating cobwebs! The truth is that, if you want to book a Christmas meal out, now is the time to do it. There’s a chance to win tickets to the Thursford Christmas Spectacular, worth more than £200, as well as our list of Christmas markets to visit, a gift guide packed with clever present ideas and a countdown feature to help you plan the festive season. So read on, stay warm and keep cosy!
a month of gunmetal grey or fathomless blue, stretching on forever. But as the nights draw in, it’s comforting to know that our city has plenty of after-dark celebrations this month – from the fireworks on Midsummer Common to the festive Big Switch On in Market Square and at Cambridge railway station, along with light trails at Wimpole Estate and the Cambridge University Botanic Garden. Taking part in these nighttime activities is a proven way to boost your mood, literally showing the city in a glowing new light. Cambridge is also hosting three festivals this month: the Literary Festival, now in its 21st year; the International Jazz Festival, celebrating ten years; and the inaugural Travel Festival. Our readers have been offered free entry to the Travel Festival, worth £9 per ticket, using a special offer code on page 21. This is a great opportunity to meet travel experts, seek out potential holiday destinations for 2025 and enter your best photo into the World Travel Photography Awards.
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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. • Cambridge Edition is a free publication that is distributed in Cambridge and the surrounding area.
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1 Nylon quilted shoulder bag, £35, Marks and Spencer 2 Musango mug, £18.50, Iris and Violet 3 Wool blend textured cardigan, £99, Marks and Spencer 4 Orange knitted gloves, £8, Oliver Bonas 5 Albie rib knit beanie, £25, White Stuff 6 Burnt orange velvet cushion, £9.99, Homescapes
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LOCAL LIFE
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Letters
OPINIONS
Share your thoughts, ideas and opinions with Cambridge Edition readers by sending an email to letters@cambsedition.co.uk
STAR LETTER
Cycling safety
Living on the outskirts of Cambridge, I’ve always loved the city’s vibrant cycling culture. It’s one of the most bike-friendly places in the UK and it’s great to see residents embracing sustainable transport. However, with the rising number of cyclists, it’s crucial that cyclists and pedestrians alike feel safe. Riding on the pavement is an offence under the Highway Code and you can be fined for it, though the police usually let offenders off with a warning. I think we need more bike lanes and better signage to demarcate safe cycle paths. Cambridge has the potential to be a shining example of sustainable transport; I hope the local council continues to support safe cycling. Jim Talbot, Shelford
I really enjoyed the recent Fungi Field Day at Cambridge University Botanic Garden in September. There was a full programme of expert talks about fungi and the role they play in nature, guided forays and opportunities to examine them under a microscope – as well as fungi-inspired artworks, crafts and games. It was an event for all ages. It’s rare to have access to the university’s experts, so it was great to hear about their research projects focusing on fungi. I was inspired by the whole day of activities and think it would be beneficial for the university to offer the public more insight into its work. Pete Smith, Milton FUNGI IN FOCUS
For the love of indies
the charm and individuality of Cambridge. We should all make a conscious effort to use these shops or risk losing them. Laura Campbell, Chesterton
Cambridge’s independent shops are the beating heart of our city, offering unique products and personal services you can’t find in chain stores. However, many small businesses are struggling in the current economic climate, and it’s essential that we – as a community – support them. There are already too many small independent establishments closing down in the city, with fast-food chains taking their place. Shopping locally not only strengthens the local economy, but also helps preserve
Bin it to win it
Cambridge is a wonderful place to live, but with its population predicted to grow 28% by 2031 (according to Greater Cambridge Partnership) there’s enormous pressure on our transport network. There is a proposed new rail station at Cambourne and a huge new housing development planned at Bourn Airfield. During rush hour, traffic congestion in west Cambridge is already at breaking point; without a major overhaul of our public transport system, I can’t see how Traffic-clogged roads are a nightmare
Is it just me or is there more litter on our roadsides than ever before? Driving into Cambridge, visitors to the city must think we’re complete barbarians who toss everything out of the car window rather than take litter home to dispose of it more thoughtfully. It’s almost always fast-food and takeaway items you see, and I’m not sure the council is doing enough to solve the problem. I was interested to hear about a new app called Litter Lotto used by some councils, on which you can win prizes if you upload a photo of yourself putting rubbish in a bin. It would be a start. Carolyn Morgan, Northstowe
the area is going to cope. Paula Francis, Hardwick
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Cambridge is the place to be for illuminations this month. Here’s a round-up of exciting glow-in-the-dark light trails, fireworks and street lights to banish November’s gloom A night to remember Words LIZ POTTER
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ILLUMINATIONS
s the crisp November nights draw in, the dark skies and rain-wet city streets become a canvas for an annual display of colour and light. From the vibrant bursts of fireworks on Midsummer Common to the twinkling glow of Christmas lights adorning our streets and homes, these luminous spectacles not only brighten the long nights but also kindle the festive spirit. Fireworks Night on Midsummer Common is one of the largest free displays in the region, taking place on 5 November. Organised by Cambridge City Council, the event is supported by public donations and an array of luminaries: Illumina, Camena Bioscience, Astrazeneca, University of Cambridge, RBC Brewin Dolphin and Rutherford’s Punting Company. “This year’s display will be the biggest and best ever,” says Tom Cranmer at Pains Fireworks – the oldest firework company in the UK, established in 1862. “The show will have pace, noise and colour, and we’ll be wowing the audience with the mix of colours and special effects that fill the sky.” Food trucks will serve street food and, new for this year, Spark will perform street theatre, combining high-impact drumming with kaleidoscopic lighting from 6pm to 6.45pm and again from 7.20pm to 8pm. Star Radio will also join the event, and there’s an opportunity to win tickets to the Cambridge Corn Exchange or Folk Festival in an online Fireworks Night raffle. Bring ear defenders for little ones and leave pets at home – the event can be loud!
LIGHT FANTASTIC Wimpole (below) will light up with a magical nighttime display, while Midsummer Common comes alive on Fireworks Night (left)
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ILLUMINATIONS
IN BLOOM The Botanic Garden is bathed in colourful lights for an otherworldly experience
The city’s official Christmas lights Big Switch On will be held at Market Square on 17 November. As a media partner, Star Radio will host the event from 12pm, with local dance troupes and choirs performing against the backdrop of the Guildhall, lit up by colourful projections. Star Radio will also be hosting the CB1 switch-on outside Cambridge station on 14 November, where DJs Josh Lovatt from Star Drivetime and Dan Mills from Star Breakfast are set to host a Christmas party featuring music and a choir. Relatively new to the city’s Christmas calendar are the Botanic Lights around Cambridge University Botanic Garden, now in their second year. Book a timed slot online for selected dates between 29 November and 21 December. The lights certainly bring the garden to life, with spectacular displays and artistic installations that highlight garden features such as the fountain, lake and glasshouses, many of them set to music. “Installations create a beautiful landscape in the garden after dark,” describes director Beverley Glover. “It’s such a magical experience, perfect for a night out with family, friends or colleagues. We’re thrilled the Botanic Garden has become a part of Cambridge’s winter calendar.” This year will feature new installations as well as the return of last year’s most popular pieces, such as the light tunnel and glowing water lilies on the lake – the perfect backdrop for seasonal selfies. The cafe and food stalls en route will be open for snacks and hot drinks. While most of us are mourning the loss of Anglesey Abbey’s popular Winter Lights event from the Cambridge calendar, Wimpole Estate will be stepping up its own Christmas offering, now in its fourth year. From 22 November to 1 January 2025, the Sony Music Christmas Illuminations trail will wind around the parkland, where you can discover neon trees and larger-than-life illuminated flowers. Long, walk-through glow tunnels will immerse you in all the colours of the rainbow during this night walk. “We are always exploring different trail designs that both complement and enhance the beautiful surroundings at Wimpole,” says Matthew Findlay, head of UK trails for Sony Music. “We want to create a precious experience for all the family. Our plans for 2024 will deliver an unforgettable evening.”
• Fireworks at Midsummer Common Tuesday 5 November from 7pm • Christmas lights Big Switch On, Market Square Sunday 17 November. Entertainment from 12pm, switch-on at 5pm • Christmas light switch-on at Cambridge station, near the Clayton Hotel Thursday 14 November from 4.30pm • Wimpole Estate, Arrington 22 November to 1 January 2025 from 4.30pm to 8pm • Cambridge University Botanic Garden, 1 Brookside Selected days between 29 November and 21 December, from 5pm to 8pm Where & when?
This is a magical experience which is perfect for a night out with family, friends or colleagues
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PLAYING JANE Improv fun with the Austentatious cast at the Corn Exchange DISCOVER ‘CLI-FI’ We explore new climate fiction to find there are rays of hope CULTURE EDITION FESTIVAL ROUND-UP Take part in a trio of literary, travel and jazz festivals this month
Savour the leafier areas of Cambridgeshire this autumn as deciduous trees take on their vivid seasonal colours. The National Trust has compiled a handy list of walks at its properties in the region. Whether you love to kick your way through the leaf debris, photograph their colours backlit by the sun, or take damp but leisurely strolls under the dappled canopy, cut with shafts of autumn sunlight, there’s a walk for everyone. Favourites include the classic Winter Garden walk at Anglesey Abbey (1.2 miles), marvelling at the soft carpet of pink and purple cyclamen; Houghton Mill and Waterclose Meadows (1.8 miles); Wicken Fen’s atmospheric Four Lodes Trail (4 miles) with its flocks of ducks, geese, swans and other wetland birds; and the bracing Folly Walk at Wimpole Hall (2 miles) with views of lakes and the Chinese bridge, lovely in mist. See nationaltrust.org.uk for more. A breath of fresh air
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THE AGENDA
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Women in Japanese Prints, Fitzwilliam Museum An exciting display exploring the female gaze, motherhood and sexuality. Featuring rarely seen works by Hokusai, Kitagawa Utamaro and more. Runs until 17 Nov.
Filumena, Cambridge Arts Theatre Felicity Kendal and Matthew Kelly star in Eduardo de Filippo’s Filumena . A woman on her deathbed convinces her long-time lover to marry her. However, her recovery reveals hidden motives. Ends 9 Nov.
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Paint night in Cambridge, The Lab A sociable Paint Club event where participants can enjoy nibbles and drinks from the bar while painting a campfire scene on canvas (yours to take home at the end of the evening). Tickets £32; art materials included, food and drinks extra.
POETRY
Joy, Cambridge Junction Poet and performer
Luke Wright is touring with his latest collection of comic poems, asking the gritty question ‘are murmurations worth it?’ He has also authored 12 books and warms up for John Cooper Clarke.
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FASHION
Swap shop, Grand Arcade
BOOKS
THEATRE
Part of the Grand Arcade’s Let’s Go Circular event, this innovative clothes
Terence Rattigan’s Summer 1954 , Cambridge Arts Theatre A double bill of his
Origin Story: An Evening with Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey , Waterstones The creators of chart- topping podcast Origin Story present their short series of books discussing popular, often confused political terms. Tickets £8; ticket and book bundle £32.
swap is run by Verte, a London company on a mission to reshape the way we think about secondhand shopping. Running 2 & 3 Nov.
Dates for the diary for your Cambridgeshire culture fix
acclaimed one-act plays: Table Number Seven and The Browning Version . Set in the post-war era, they paint a picture of repressed emotions and social change.
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Bunny Guinness: Plants in My Best Garden Designs, William Collyn GARDENING
Legend: The Music of Bob Marley , Cambridge Corn Exchange
Climate Fiction , Waterstones
Join Katie Hale, Kate Sawyer and Manda Scott for an evening focusing on a growing branch of literature: cli-fi. Expect tales of rising seas, burning skies, nuclear disaster and species extinction. Book signing to follow. Tickets £8; ticket and book bundle £13.
Community Centre A rare insight into the process of a top garden designer who’s won six golds at the Chelsea Flower Show – and whose work includes a Horatio’s Garden at Oswestry. Raising funds for Plant Heritage.
A celebration of Bob Marley and his reggae hits Could You Be Loved , Is This Love , No Woman No Cry , Jammin’ , Buffalo Soldier , Stir It Up , Get Up Stand Up , Exodus and I Shot the Sheriff plus more. From £27 including booking fee.
1 Nov
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THE AGENDA
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The Poetry Pharmacy with William Sieghart, Waterstones At this evening event, Sieghart will be discussing his collections, reading from his books, welcoming questions and signing copies afterwards. 6-7.30pm. Tickets £8.
Poetry Thursdays, Hot Numbers Coffee, Gwydir Street Part of the Mill Road Winter Fair, this event is led by writer Jon Morley in collaboration with Anglia Ruskin University creative writing lecturer Jon Stone. Relevant, poignant and powerful, spoken word poetry is showcased in a fabulous neighbourhood cafe. Tickets £6.
24 DEC A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, King’s College Chapel This iconic candlelit service is a festive season highlight, known for its beautiful choral performances. Tickets free by annual ballot from 15 MAR 1 Nov on King’s College website. CAROLS Gin, Rum and Vodka Festival, St Paul’s Church, Hills Road Hosted by The Gin To My Tonic, visitors can sample a variety of craft gins and other spirits, with live music, entertainment and opportunities to meet craft distillers. DRINKS 12 DEC Christmas with Anton Du Beke, Cambridge Corn Exchange DANCE and pro ballroom dancer will get you in the Christmas spirit with his blend of wit, humour and of course dancing, accompanied by a live band. This beloved Strictly judge
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THEATRE
Cirque: The Greatest Show , Cambridge
Cinderella , Cambridge Arts Theatre Starring Cambridge panto legend Matt Crosby as the lovable Buttons, this take on much-loved fairytale Cinderella will be a fun night out for all ages (get ready to say ‘he’s behind you!’). Ends 5 Jan. Tickets from £25.
Corn Exchange A musical theatre
spectacular, combining West End showstoppers with jaw-dropping circus performances, including contortionists and incredible feats of agility and flair. Tickets from £34.
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EXHIBITION
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Heathers the Musical, Cambridge Arts Theatre A dark comedy rock musical based on the 1989 cult film of the same name. The story follows an outsider who unwittingly becomes popular after joining a powerful clique at her high school. Ends 23 Nov. Tickets from £25.
Anglian Potters Christmas Exhibition , All Saints’ Church, Jesus Lane
Country Roads , Cambridge Corn Exchange Celebrate country music classics such as 9 to 5 , The Gambler , I Walk the Line , King of the Road , Crazy , Rhinestone Cowboy , Jolene and more. Tickets from £27.
Cambridge Travel Festival , Cambridge Guildhalls The city’s newest festival inspires with speakers, masterclasses and reps from top travel companies. Features the World Travel Photography Awards.
Inspiring display of unique pottery and ceramic items,
handmade by 60 potters from the region. 10-4pm (excluding Mondays). Ends 11 Dec. Free entry.
GAMES
Games Night in Cambridge , Waterstones
A fortnightly event, join Waterstones for a night of board-game fun led by its games expert Karl, with demos and access to the store’s well-cultivated library of games such as Blood on the Clocktower . The event will take place in the second-floor cafe, but bring refreshments as the cafe will be closed. Tickets £7; £5 for loyalty cardholders.
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CULTURE EDITION
Improvisational comedy Austentatious is coming to Cambridge Corn Exchange this month with its unique blend of razor-sharp wit and Regency mores and manners H ard on the heels of its successful two-year West End run, Austentatious – an improvised Jane Austen beyond the general social constraints of the era and Austen-esque themes. At the beginning of each performance, the audience PLAYING JANE COMEDY
The revolving cast includes numerous award-winning TV and radio performers, including Rachel Parris ( Late Night Mash , Live at the Apollo ), Cariad Lloyd ( QI , Inside No 9 , Griefcast ) and Graham Dickson ( After Life , The Witchfinder ). “It’s always so much fun because the possibilities are endless with improv and you never know where it’s going to go,” says comedian Rachel Parris. “The audience keeps us on our toes, but the best moments are when we surprise ourselves.” The concept is that each show is entirely original, with no pre-planning or script
is asked to suggest a title for a fictional Jane Austen novel. The troupe uses this to improvise a full-length comedy. These plays are filled with the wit, romance and manners typical of Austen’s real works, but with a twist of spontaneous, modern humour. “We take the title of a ‘lost’ Austen novel from our wonderful audience – once we have that, everything is entirely improvised,” says cast member Lauren Shearing. “We’re discovering the show at the same time as the audience, so we don’t know what’s going to happen, but there’s a good chance it will feature dashing heroes, clever, outspoken heroines, scandalous gossip and plenty of romantic entanglements! We stay true to the world of Jane Austen, but there are some modern themes along the way – one of our recent shows was called All The Single Ladies and it definitely featured more Beyoncé references than your average Austen novel!” The humour draws on Austen’s witty dialogue, social satire and complex character dynamics, making it engaging for any fan of Austen as well as general comedy lovers. “We love the titles our audiences come up with on the night,” says Lauren. “Quite often they’re funny interpretations of Jane’s original works, like Northangover Abbey or Mansplain Park . We’ve also had brilliant suggestions like Gentlemen Prefer Bonnets or The Empire Line Strikes Back . It’s exciting for us to be surprised by the creativity of the audience at the start of the show, then they can sit back and enjoy the evening as we do the rest!” Austentatious has received widespread critical acclaim, playing at venues such as the Leicester Square Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe and on BBC Radio 4. “We’re all Austen fans,” says Cariad Lloyd. “And bringing her world to life in such a spontaneous way is like being in a never-ending storybook of her novels. We can’t wait to bring the show to new audiences in Cambridge!” Austentatious is showing at the Corn Exchange on Saturday 16 November at 7.30pm. Tickets start at £22.50; to book, visit cambridgelive.org.uk
comedy – is currently touring the UK. The performance is showing for one night at the Cambridge Corn Exchange on 16 November. For each unique show, the all-star ensemble cast hilariously improvises a new Jane Austen novel, with a title chosen by the audience. Performed in period-era costumes with live musical accompaniment, it’s a riotous, razor-sharp show, where swooning is guaranteed.
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CULTURE EDITION
LITERARY FESTIVAL Curl up with a good read… The weekend of 23 to 24 November brings a smattering of exciting authors to town – here’s a round-up
as Gareth Keenan in The Office (UK) and Ragetti in Pirates of the Caribbean , talks about his musical hero Nick Drake. The former Fitzwilliam College student is the subject of Crook’s latest book, If Nick Drake Came to My House . Sunday 24 November looks equally promising, with Patrick Grant of The Great British Sewing Bee fame starting off the day. Grant has authored a book about the excesses of global fashion, urging us to rediscover the joy of living with fewer but better- quality clothes. Did you know the equivalent of one bin-lorry full of clothing is dumped in landfill or burned every single second? Alan Hollinghurst, Booker Prize-winning author of The Line of Beauty , will be in conversation with Alex Clark at the Old Divinity School. Hollinghurst will be talking about his most recent novel Our Evenings : a story of race and class, theatre and sexuality, love and the cruel shock of violence. Gracing the weekend with his star appeal, actor Rupert Everett will also be at the festival this year to talk about his collection of unsuccessful Hollywood pitches called The American No . With his witty, eloquent writing, Everett weaves together themes of love, loss, drama and his experiences in the glamorous yet tumultuous world of film and theatre. The American No is a playful description of how Hollywood likes to let you down gently, listening intently to your pitch and never quite telling you no directly. “I’ve always been drawn to larger-than-life stories,” he says. “This collection allowed me to explore them through my own experiences. Things move so quickly now… If you can make memoirs interesting, they’re great.”
Autumn is the ideal time to snuggle up on the sofa with a good book, and the Cambridge Literary Festival this month spoils us for choice. Its line-up of author talks begins Saturday 23 November with Shami Chakrabarti on her guide to the laws and logic underpinning human rights. She will be followed by One Day author David Nicholls talking about his latest novel You Are Here and fashion icon Zandra Rhodes sharing her insights into the world of fashion and the famous people she has dressed. The Life, Writing and Legacy of James Baldwin at the Old Divinity School, St John’s Street, explores the work of this US writer and civil rights activist. Baldwin wrote the acclaimed novel Go Tell It on the Mountain in 1953. Mackenzie Crook, creator of Detectorists and famous for his roles LITERARY LINE-UP Rupert Everett is just one of a star-studded selection of speakers attending this year’s festival
For more details, see cambridgeliteraryfestival.com
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CULTURE EDITION
TRAVEL FESTIVAL
…or pack your bags Travel experts gather in the Guildhalls on 29 to 30 November to offer advice and inspiration for adventurers The east of England’s newest festival – Cambridge Travel Festival – makes its debut at the Cambridge Guildhalls on 29 and 30 November. It will bring together inspiring speakers, a travel photography gallery and masterclasses, representatives from global destinations and ideas for travel experiences. Travel experts will be on hand offering practical advice, including Hilary Bradt, co-founder of Bradt Travel Guides; journalist, broadcaster and adventurer Simon Parker; and Chris Haslam, chief travel writer at The Times and Sunday Times , sharing his best places to visit in 2025. “Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for your next adventure or just beginning to expand your horizons, this festival will ignite your passion for travel,” says organiser Byron Shirto. “We’ll have travel experts covering all areas around the world as well as specialists in cruises, family holidays, sustainable and wildlife travel and more. In addition, our speakers – adventurers, authors and writers – will lead you on fascinating, memorable journeys to inspire your next trip. Finally, our stunning photo gallery offers visitors a peek into some amazing landscapes, cities, wildlife and people.” There will be more than 40 experts on hand, including travel agents such as Premier Travel and Ponders Travel, tourism boards, tour operators such as Ramble Worldwide and Wendy Wu Tours, cruise operator Celebrity Cruises, rail operator Via Rail Canada and many more. Visitors to the festival can see the winners and runners-up of the World Travel Photography Awards 2024 (selection shown left), hosted by JRNY Travel Magazine . In addition, east of England residents can enter the new Cambridge Travel Festival Photo Competition to win some great prizes. “The Cambridge Travel Festival Photo Competition is just for locals, but is aligned with the World Travel Photography Awards, which are global,” explains Byron. “Winners of both will be displayed alongside each other. The festival will be the first public exhibition (apart from publication in JRNY ) for the global photos, which is really exciting!” Tickets £9 inc booking fee. For free entry, use offer code CTF2024COMP when booking at cambridgelive.org.uk/tickets/events/cambridge-travel-festival
EYE OF THE TIGER Entries from the World Travel Photography Awards 2024, sponsored by JRNY Magazine
JAZZ FESTIVAL
…or chill out with jazz Whether you’re an aficionado or curious newcomer to jazz, the city will come alive from 8 to 24 November with tunes old and new
Cambridge Jazz Festival marks its tenth year, featuring more than 250 performers and over 50 events including live concerts and workshops. The line-up is rich with local, national and international artists, covering a range of styles from traditional jazz to funk, soul and experimental music. Headline acts include Pat Metheny, renowned American jazz guitarist; The Brand New Heavies kicking off their Brother Sister tour; Dennis Rollins MBE (left), the festival’s artist-in-residence; Omar and QCBA, one of the UK’s top soul artists; and Tim Garland’s Lighthouse Trio. The festival will feature workshops and jam sessions for musicians of all levels. These include
Follow on Instagram @cambridgejazzfestival , on Facebook at Cambridge Jazz Festival or on Twitter @CamJazzFest Various venues across the city will host events and performances, making the festival accessible to jazz lovers of all tastes. At the Cambridge Arts Theatre, you can experience The Ronnie Scott’s Story on 10 November, celebrating the iconic jazz venue with the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars live. salsa dancing, choir with Andi Hopgood and live painting. There’s also a focus on engaging younger audiences through educational experiences like the Schools Jazz Ensemble Concert.
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CULTURE EDITION
BOOKS
Discover ‘cli-fi’ Climate fiction is a literary phenomenon. Local author Kate Sawyer explores how stories inspire hope and deliver powerful messages I n recent years, climate fiction, or ‘cli-fi’, has entered the publishing lexicon as a myriad of authors address one of the most pressing talking about it,” says author Kate Sawyer, based in Bury St Edmunds. “It’s been about 100 years since the alarms started ringing.” Since its publication back in 2021, Words PHOEBE HARPER Portrait SOPHIE DAVIDSON
Kate’s debut novel The Stranding has been categorised under the cli-fi genre, yet for her it’s primarily a story about human relationships. The fact that environmental themes emerge – the work is partly set in a post-climate-change apocalyptic future, where a young woman and a stranger are forced to take refuge in the corpse of a beached whale – is the result of Kate’s personal concerns coming to the fore. “Growing up in the 80s, I was always making myself unpopular at school, talking about climate issues as certain things came to light in the news,” she says. “But I never set out to write cli-fi and had never even heard of the term until after the book was published. Whatever is most important to you will always creep into your work.” Hope wins For many, climate anxiety can be a real concern, creating a sense of dread that doesn’t make for easy reading. But for Kate, it all boils down to the power of a good story, balancing the big issues with the small to override all the doom and gloom. “I’m interested in probing the most difficult things we go through and finding hope within that,” she says. “A lot of post-apocalyptic fiction is concerned with
issues of our time. While the buzzword might be new, plied by the industry as a useful tool for classification and sales, the concerns behind it stretch back decades. “Climate has been written about in science fiction for as long as we’ve been
SPEAKING OUT Kate will take part in a panel on climate fiction at Waterstones this month
the worst parts of human nature. The Road , for example, is undoubtedly a masterpiece, but still describes people eating each other! I’m more interested in how we navigate the worst life throws at us and what joy is left when everything else is taken away.” Although Kate’s book is set in the future, she maintains that joy can still be found today by making positive choices and appreciating what we’ve got. “It’s important to recognise how lucky we are,” she says. “It’s more effective to present a certain behaviour rather than instructing others about what’s good or bad. I have chosen a bleak outcome in The Stranding , but there’s hope within that. If people are hopeless, that just causes inertia. There must always be hope for a better way.” Kate will be speaking on a Climate Fiction panel with Katie Hale and Manda Scott at Waterstones Cambridge on 13 November. Book tickets at waterstones.com/events
The Choir of King’s College is scouting for talented young choristers in years 2-4 at school. All you need is a love of music and singing, and a desire to learn. Email choristers@ kings.cam.ac.uk or call 01223 365814. Call for choristers
A plaque on the wall of The Eagle pub, Bene’t Street, has been updated to acknowledge Rosalind Franklin’s role in discovering DNA. The old, graffitied plaque has been acquired by the Whipple Museum of the History of Science. New DNA plaque
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CULTURE EDITION
On the eve of his latest singalong at the Corn Exchange, coming up this month, Gareth Malone shares his favourite feel-good tunes 5 MINUTES WITH GARETH MALONE
GIGS NOT TO MISS!
Cambridge Edition: Your third singalong event is coming to the Corn Exchange this month. Are the acoustics particularly good there? Gareth Malone: Cambridge Corn Exchange is one of my favourite venues – the sound is good, as is the vibe. The building looks nice and is in a good location, right in the middle of Cambridge where people go out to eat and have a glass of wine. By the time they come in for the show they’re really ready to sing and dance and clap along. And heckle! It makes such a difference. It’s also set up for live bands, which suits my slightly anarchic show… CE: How is this year’s show different? GM: This time it’s different because there’s a personal story running through the heart of it. It’s my 49th birthday on 9 November, so the songs cover the 49 years of my life, starting with David Bowie, who released Golden Years the month I was born, through songs by Lizzo, which my kids play constantly. There are Beyoncé songs, Dusty Springfield, Amy Winehouse, the Beatles, Elton John and Kiss from a Rose by Seal, which was playing the first time I fell in love, when I was working part-time in a sandwich shop. The song choices are mine but it’s also about the audience reminiscing and having a good time. CE: Do you sing much with your wife and family? GM: We sing all the time at home. I’ve been singing to the kids since the word go, even before they were born. We’re only just emerging from the Frozen era, with songs like All Is Found from the Disney film Frozen II, which has been a family favourite for some time. We enjoy a wide range of ephemera – from Billie Eilish to a folk
band called Megson, who have a fantastic children’s album called Little Bird , which played on a loop in our house all summer. CE: Why do people love a singalong? GM: I think because it’s something very wholesome and fun – like a good-old- fashioned knees-up at the pub gathered around the ‘old Joanna’. It’s less pressure and commitment than joining a choir, but there’s a comforting sense of belonging from having others sing all around you. There are even proven health benefits to singing – I’m no scientist, but there are definitely feel-good things like serotonin and endorphins at play. Singing also encourages you to breathe properly, stand up tall, dance and clap along. It’s all very energising in the show. CE: Is a talent for singing something people are born with? GM: Singing in tune all comes down to the classic adage that you have two ears and one mouth. The ears are far more important than you’d think. The best singers are constantly listening to what’s going on around them – it’s about tuning in and adjusting your voice constantly. I’d liken it to archery: aim first. Vocal exercises definitely help – like humming and puffing out, breathing out like you’re inflating a balloon and making siren noises to safely stretch out the vocal folds. The worst thing you can do is shout – I haven’t since 2001! CE: Now that you’re a household name, do fans approach you all the time? GM: Career-wise, helping the Military Wives choir get to number one at Christmas 2011 was definitely my big moment for public recognition. Now, whoever I meet, they usually tell me about their experience of singing and of watching The Choir , sharing what singing means to them. In a sense, fame is helping me achieve my goals, but the music is reward in itself. There’s nothing better than standing on stage in front of thousands of people singing along together, thinking – ‘I made this wonderful moment happen’. It’s an incredible feeling. Sing-Along-A-Gareth: My Life Through Song will be coming to the Cambridge Corn Exchange on 29 November. For tickets, visit garethmalone.com
3 November, Corn Exchange Featuring Marc Almond, blues guitarist Toby Lee and Jools’s full Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. Expect a lively performance filled with bop-along musical classics. JOOLS HOLLAND & HIS RHYTHM & BLUES ORCHESTRA
SEASICK STEVE
12 November, Corn Exchange Enjoy this American musician’s blues-infused sound, with raw, gritty vocals and homemade guitars. His authentic music reflects on struggle and resilience. 14 November, Junction Fans can expect iconic 90s tracks and newer material from this alt Canadian band known for hits like Superman’s Song , their distinctive baritone vocals and witty lyrics. CRASH TEST DUMMIES 15 November, Corn Exchange Celebrating the life and music of reggae icon Bob Marley, this show’s talented cast performs hits like Is This Love , No Woman No Cry , One Love and many more. LEGEND: THE MUSIC OF BOB MARLEY
THE AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD SHOW
25 November, Corn Exchange Formed in 1988 and regarded as one of the world’s best Pink Floyd tribute bands, their immersive experience includes classics like Comfortably Numb and Time .
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8 November Paddington returns to the jungles of Peru to visit Aunt Lucy, who lives in a retired bears care home. A mysterious disappearance takes him, along with the Brown family and Mrs Bird, deep into the Amazon. Paddington in Peru
Red One
Gladiator II
8 November After Santa is kidnapped, an ELF operative partners with the world’s most accomplished tracker to find him and save Christmas. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Lucy Liu, Chris Evans and others!
15 November The highly anticipated sequel to the 2000 Gladiator , directed by Ridley Scott. Taking place many years later, it focuses on Lucius, son of Lucilla and nephew of Commodus, played by Joaquin Phoenix.
Wicked
22 November Based on the long-running West End and Broadway musical, this two-part movie series stars Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good Witch and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West.
21 November A jukebox musical written and directed by Conor McPherson, set in 1934 during the Great Depression in Duluth, Minnesota. The story weaves together its characters’ lives as they struggle with hardships, poverty and the search for meaning. Featuring songs by Bob Dylan. Girl from the North Country
PICTUREHOUSE PICKS Get your film fix with these recommendations from the Arts Picturehouse
Small Things Like These
Anora
Blitz
1 November Powerful drama about
1 November Sex worker Ani (Mikey Madison) is swept off her feet by the son of a Russian oligarch (Mark Eidelstein). Sean Baker’s latest film is a bracing subversion of the Pretty Woman fairy tale.
8 November A tour de force from Steve McQueen. Part Dickensian fable, part reckoning with Britain’s colonial past, it fuses arresting Spielbergian cinematography with some striking performances.
the Magdalene Laundries. Family man Bill (Cillian Murphy) is troubled by the goings-on in his small Irish town – while also plagued by memories from his past.
Browse this month’s best movies
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CULTURE EDITION Book Club Three transformative tales about journeys, plus our pick of literature set in Cambridge Words CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS
THE PLACE OF TIDES
JAMES REBANKS
This winter, most readers will, at some point, be snuggled under a duvet. If you have the fanciest of furnishings, that coverlet might be stuffed with eiderdown, one of the softest and scarcest substances on the planet. Real eiderdown is harvested from the nests of wild eider ducks which live, ironically, in some of the toughest places on Earth – wind-swept, isolated islands off the coast of Norway. This book tells the story of a single season on one of these rocks. Author James was invited to spend the summer with 70-year-old Anna, one of the last remaining traditional eiderdown harvesters or ‘duck women’. Anna has devoted her life to preserving this ancient practice: living solo among the ducks, protecting them from predators and harvesting their valuable feathers at the end of each summer. By day, James helps Anna repair nest sites – frantically dodging the weather – to be ready for the ducks’ imminent return. By night, they share life stories and James dwells on the choices that have taken him this far from his wife, children and family farm back in Wales. This strange and unforgettable book is a surprisingly fascinating read about the practice of eiderdown farming but – like all the best nature writing – it’s also much more. As the season rolls on, James finds himself tackling huge themes like the importance of preserving traditions; facing up to the unflinching realities of ageing; and the magic that can happen when you’re forced to slow your frenetic pace to a more meaningful, weather-dependent existence. ‘Be more duck woman’ is a mantra we should all follow.
WINTER WARMTH During the coldest season, James Rebanks’ The Place of Tides will be a soul-warming story for all readers
VAGABOND: A HIKER’S HOMAGE TO RURAL SPAIN MARK EVELEIGH
his impact as light as he can and literally taking the road less travelled. Along the way, he reflects on the writers and travellers who have journeyed before him, exploring Spanish idioms as well as the myths and histories of unvisited and tourist-drenched locations alike. Though he repeatedly encounters challenges, it is some serendipitous discoveries that make this book so compelling – a reminder that the kindness of strangers is alive and well. Will 2025 be the year you finally hit the road too?
Any enjoyer of a long walk will know the Camino de Santiago – and might even have daydreamed about throwing a book in a bag and heading for the Spanish plains. If you relate, then this book is the perfect way to spend a wintry weekend. Author Mark documents his journey: a 1,225km hike on foot across the sun-drenched Iberian Peninsula from Gibraltar in southern Spain to the wild Atlantic on the country’s northern coast. He stays outdoors in a hammock where possible, keeping
28 NOVEMBER 2024 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
CULTURE EDITION
AMY LIPTROT THE OUTRUN This award-winning memoir has recently been transformed into a movie, starring Saoirse Ronan in the title role, which has already received critical acclaim. Though Hollywood’s version will definitely be worth a trip to the big screen, this is one of those occasions when it’s worth sinking into the beautifully written tale before watching the film. The book recounts the life of Orkney-born Amy, who as a young teenager is unable to appreciate the natural beauty of her island home and is desperate to escape her challenging parents. She sets out for the bright lights of London to forge her own path and form her own identity. Amy shares an unabashed tale of her anguish and self-inflicted destruction as she succumbs to all kinds of addictions, exposed to the full, unrelenting glare of the city’s hedonistic way of life. After a low point and time in rehab, she slowly realises the isolation her home offers might help heal her. Amy gets a job counting rare corncrakes for a bird charity and retreats into total solitude, alone with the weather, the wild seas and her wind-whipped thoughts. The writing is hauntingly poetic: a stunning, memorable account of recovery and how nature can heal even those who feel they are beyond saving. She slowly realises that the isolation her home offers might help heal her
BOOKS ABOUT CAMBRIDGE
A local author scrutinises Cambridge University’s notorious prison for ‘unaccompanied women’, shedding light on this misogynistic era in an unflinching and angering read. The Spinning House CAROLINE BIGGS
Cambridge Blue ALISON BRUCE
H is for Hawk HELEN MACDONALD
A murder mystery series set in and around our city, perfect for the spooky season! DC Gary Goodhew solves his first case: a young woman’s body found on Midsummer Common…
Set in the wild landscape surrounding Cambridge, this is a raw account of Helen’s grief at her father’s sudden death and how training a goshawk provided comfort and reassurance.
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STREET STYLE
This month, we celebrate Movember on the city’s streets with photographer Mark Box Humans of Cambridge
Hungarian bodybuilder
Thomas, travelling musician @whomastilson4
Finnish sportsperson @vernerisalomaa
Italian through and through
30 NOVEMBER 2024 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
STREET STYLE
’Tache talk Movember is an event held globally every November to gain attention and funds for men’s health issues, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer and suicide prevention. The campaign encourages men to grow moustaches throughout the month as a visible symbol to spark conversations and raise awareness. Humans of Cambridge is a street photography photoblog founded by Mark Box in 2020. Mark directs his lens at eye-catching individuals on the streets of central Cambridge. Follow him on Instagram account @humanofcambridge to join the community.
James, aka Mr Fish @jamesthefish
Orchid
@jarrett.montgomery from Tampa, Florida
Alex @atiffinphotography
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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Local snapshot Movers and shakers of Cambridgeshire business
SAFFRON GRANGE ‘Sip, savour and sparkle with Saffron Grange!’ Nestled among the chalky slopes of Saffron Walden, just outside of Cambridge, the family-run Saffron Grange Vineyard is a 40-acre site that’s fully dedicated to producing premium-quality sparkling wines. We now run vineyard tours and tastings through autumn and winter which are informative but relaxed (pre-booking required), as well as Try Flight self- guided sparkling wine tastings which visitors can enjoy alongside delicious cheese, charcuterie and seafood boards – with all produce locally sourced. On top of this, look out for festive supper clubs and other events at the website. saffrongrange.com
LA RAZA
MANTLE SPACE Mantle Space offers flexible office workspace solutions within eight dynamic centres at strategic locations such as Cambridge, Oxford, Stansted, Chelmsford and Stevenage. Catering to diverse business needs, we provide modern, fully serviced offices, co- working opportunities and meeting rooms designed to foster productivity and collaboration. Businesses benefit from high-speed internet, state-of-the-art facilities and a range of support services to help companies thrive. Mantle Space accommodates start-ups, growing companies and remote teams, offering both short- and long-term leases. It’s a vibrant business community. mantlespace.co.uk STAMFORD STRINGS Stamford Strings, founded by violinist and luthier Libby Summers in 2019, offers top- quality instruments and set-ups. Showcasing both new and antique violins for sale, all instruments are made or selected for sound, playability and craftsmanship, being rigorously tested by professional players. It also offers restoration, repair, conservation, appraisal and insurance certificate services. Bow repairs and re-hairs are personally handled by Libby. In an exciting move, Stamford Strings has recently relocated to High Street St Martins. The new setting provides separate spaces for workshop activities, a retail showroom and a dedicated area for trying out instruments. @stamfordstrings | stamfordstrings.co.uk
Under the cobbles of Rose Crescent in central Cambridge, La Raza is a welcoming basement bar and tapas restaurant – the perfect place to kick back and unwind. Since 2003, La Raza has been serving Cambridge folk with outstanding cocktails and tapas and entertaining them with live music and DJs. Pop in during the day for a delicious barista coffee or a tapas-style lunch, or stop by in the evening for cocktails and sharing dishes. The venue is also available for private hire and cocktail workshops, plus it has a full calendar of live music and events. Come and visit us soon! For any enquiries, email info@laraza.co.uk . laraza.co.uk | @larazacambridge
SEW KNIT CRAFT Come and visit our family-run, independent crafting shop located on King Street within the heart of Cambridge. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable, friendly staff who are always happy to help with your crafting needs. We stock a wide range of fabric, wool, yarn, haberdashery and sewing machines! We also service sewing machines – no matter their condition or age. Not to mention our fantastic crafting community, which meets every other Wednesday at the shop for the Yarn Club. Information can be found on our website or on Instagram @SewKnitCraftCambridge where we post Yarn Club dates, knit-alongs,
offers and much more! sewknitcraftltd.com
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