This month, find out why Cambridge couples are perfectly placed for on-trend weddings. Make the most of the summer holidays with our roundup of live music, festivals and family fun in the region - along with an extra special interview with Sister Bliss of electronic dance band Faithless, as they prepare to take the stage at Newmarket Nights. Plus, there's plenty of inspiration for poolside reads, summer pub walks, bringing coastal cool to your home interiors, and keeping holiday memories alive in your garden.
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STAYING ON TREND WITH A HOMETOWN WEDDING IN PICTURE-PERFECT CAMBRIDGE wedded to the city
KEEPING THE FAITH Sister Bliss of Faithless shares 90s nostalgia and new music
OUT AND ABOUT Pub walks through the Cambridgeshire countryside
COASTAL COOL How to bring seaside inspiration to your city interiors
WELCOME
And so we arrive at the height of summer, with its promise of long holidays, alfresco fun, barbecues and balmy evenings spent in gardens, on restaurant terraces or at one of the city’s many outdoor performances. For this issue of Cambridge Edition , I was delighted to have the chance to interview Sister Bliss of Faithless. I’m here for any opportunity to reminisce about the 90s, but speaking to a founding – and current – member of one of the era’s most iconic electronic dance bands was one of bucket- list proportions! Listening to Bliss waxing lyrical about the heady days of the band’s beginnings was both exciting and energising; but I was also pleasantly surprised by her accounts of their live music experience of today. Rarely does the band witness that much-bemoaned sea of smartphones in the crowd – rather, their audiences are invariably living in the moment of the music, just as they were in that original rave scene. Faithless are far from a nostalgia band, though, and Bliss also enthused about the Their audiences are invariably living in the moment , just as in the original rave scene MUSIC TO THE EARS
EDITORIAL Editor Louise Hoffman 01223 492249
louisehoffman@bright.uk.com Editorial director Nicola Foley 01223 499459 nicolafoley@bright.uk.com Chief sub editor Matthew Winney Sub editors Zanna Buckland & Minhaj Zia Sam Scott-Smith +44 (0)787 5711967 samscott-smith@bright.uk.com Ad manager Maria Francis 01223 492240 mariafrancis@bright.uk.com CONTRIBUTORS Mark Box, Charlotte Griffiths, Phoebe Harper, Sally Petitt, Charlotte Phillips & Elisha Young DESIGN & PRODUCTION ADVERTISING Sales director Design director Andy Jennings Magazine design manager Lucy Woolcomb Junior designer Hedzlynn Kamaruzzaman
Junior designer & ad production Holly May
MANAGING DIRECTORS Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck TYPEFACE Nyght Serif / Maksym Kobuzan from Tunera Type Foundry Find us @cambsedition
brand-new music on their current setlists. You can read all about it on page 24 – and, in fact, hear it for yourself on 8 August because Faithless are one of four headline acts performing in the Newmarket Nights concert series this month, preceded by the legendary Tom Jones on 1 August, and followed by Ball and Boe on 15 and Sugababes with Natasha Bedingfield on 23 August. It’s a delightful treat in store for all musical tastes! There’s so much else going on in Cambridge this month too, and, as usual, you can find dates and details among the magazine’s Agenda and news pages. It’s also International Dog Day on 26 August, and to mark the occasion, the city’s pet pooches seem to have staged a takeover of our Humans of Cambridge gallery (page 32)! Those dog owners among you will also find inspiration for summer walkies with pubs en route on page 40. Enjoy!
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 @emmadbphotography on Instagram
Louise Hoffman, editor
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ON THE COVER 8 / TO THE CITY, WEDDED Why stay- at-home weddings are ‘in’ – and the local experts that can help you plan yours 24 / KEEPING THE FAITH Louise Hoffman speaks to Sister Bliss, founding member of Faithless, as the band gears up to perform at Newmarket Racecourse 40 / PUB PIT STOPS Where to pause on a summer stroll through the glorious Cambridgeshire countryside 49 / GIVEAWAY Win a three-course meal for six people at Pint Shop!
64 / BRING THE BEACH HOME How to introduce coastal cool to your interiors – even in landlocked Cambridgeshire! CULTURE EDITION 20 / CULTURE NEWS The latest updates from Cambridge’s cultural scene 28 / BOOK CLUB Save space in your suitcase for these holiday-essential reads 31 / SCREEN TIME This month’s film releases and where to see them 32 / HUMANS DOGS OF CAMBRIDGE A canine edition of Mark Box’s photoblog!
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FOOD EDITION 45 / FOOD NEWS Two new restaurants that have recently opened their doors to the region 46 / JUST GRILLIN’ A summer staple, Elisha Young provides her top tips for the best burger joints in town EDUCATION EDITION 52 / BEYOND ACADEMICS The extracurricular activities that are broadening Cambridge pupils’ experience and skill sets
REGULARS 7 / INSTACAMB Our favourite social media snaps of the month 16 / THE AGENDA A host of events taking place across the city in August 35 / LOCAL NEWS New initiatives, community achievements and more 75 / A CUP OF TEA WITH… Edward Burgess of The Burgess Group 82 / I ♥ CAMBRIDGE Ian Grundy explains why Cambridge is the most enjoyable of the cities he’s lived in
59 / SPACE TO SUCCEED Personal perspectives on the value of an all- girls education today HOME EDITION 72 / EDITION LOVES Following on from this month’s deep dive into seaside-themed interior design, this selection of accessories captures that coastal charm 76 / HOLIDAY SPIRIT Sally Petitt explains how we can harness horticultural inspiration from holidays spent at home and abroad
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LOCAL LIFE
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08 AUGUST 2025 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
WEDDING SPECIAL
TO THE CITY, WEDDED Why stay-at-home weddings are ‘in’ – and more from the local experts that can help you achieve the day of your dreams! A t the tail end of last year, British Vogue declared 2025 the year of the stay-at-home wedding – and who are we to disagree with them?
creating a wedding narrative around a place which has significance tracing back to childhood provides inspiration and immediate storytelling.” With a host of wedding venues across the region, perfect photo backdrops around every corner and streets thrumming with memories and shared moments, residents of Cambridge are among the best poised to embrace this trend. In fact, a quick glance at social media during wedding season is all you need to get inspired: happy couples in city church and chapel porches, in towering college gateways, in quads and gardens, reclining in boats on the Cam, amid rural Cambridgeshire surroundings, or even, in one instance, joyfully letting rip a bottle of champagne at the Backs – round of applause, @thymelanephoto ! By sharing your big day not just with loved ones but with the places that have always held meaning for you, you’ll be telling a story of past, present and future – through the day itself and through the photos and memories too. So where to begin with your hometown wedding? Here are just a few of the many local experts on hand to help…
Alongside other key trends, including drapery in decor, ready-to-drink cocktails, calligraphy for invitation design and the return of film photography, hometown wedding bashes were a standout prediction among the top international event planners that the magazine canvassed. The reason? The post-pandemic panic, during which the desperation to travel saw destination weddings reach an apex, has finally petered out. While, of course, some will still favour an overseas venue for a host of personal reasons, the general trend has turned homeward. Perhaps the faff of travel delays, passport control queues and language barriers has disinclined couples to take their parties international, or maybe it’s down to the cost and time investment – for guests too. But British Vogue cites another reason: emotional disconnect. For this year’s couples, it’s all about resonance of place, rather than making a destination statement, as event planner Augusta Cole told the magazine: “Whether the setting is their private residence or a smattering of venues steeped in meaning,
CLOSE TO HOME The central Gresham House at The Gonville Hotel is an idyllic backdrop (left)
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WEDDING SPECIAL
Fitzbillies
Enjoy an extra slice of delight – and Cambridge history – on your wedding day with a scrumptious Fitzbillies wedding cake. The bakery has been making and decorating delicious wedding cakes since 1920 – although tastes have changed a bit since then! Today, Fitzbillies offers a unique selection of beautiful, fuss-free wedding cakes to delight your guests, decorated in smooth buttercream or semi-naked and finished with fresh berries, edible pressed flowers or gold leaf. fitzbillies.com
The Gonville Hotel
Tucked away in the heart of Cambridge, The Gonville Hotel is licensed for civil ceremonies and provides a beautiful backdrop for both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations of up to 120 guests. Couples can choose from several spaces – the light-filled Atrium with its magnificent glass roof, the alfresco Terrace overlooking Parker’s Piece or the magical garden Teepee nestled within the hotel’s private grounds. Inside, there’s also a choice of stylish bedrooms, while Gresham House – the hotel’s romantic Victorian villa – offers eight individually designed feature suites with luxurious rolltop baths and exclusive access to a peaceful secret garden for moments of calm and connection. “Our dedicated events team is on hand to help bring your vision to life, with bespoke food and drinks packages thoughtfully tailored to your preferences,” adds wedding and events manager Abbie Lawler. “For a touch of classic glamour, couples are welcome to enjoy a ride in one of our beautiful classic Bentleys – arriving in style after the ceremony or taking a romantic tour around Cambridge after saying ‘I do!’” gonvillehotel.co.uk
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WEDDING SPECIAL
Cellini
Since 1981, the independent jeweller Cellini has been dedicated to offering an extensive selection of wedding jewellery, including engagement rings, wedding bands and gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen. Cellini also provides a bespoke design service, enabling clients to create unique, personalised pieces that reflect their individual styles and highlight the significance of their special day. Understanding that the journey to choosing or designing wedding jewellery can be both exciting and emotional, the team say they are committed to delivering a smooth, supportive and enjoyable experience – from initial consultation to the finished piece, crafted with precision and attention to detail in Cambridge. With decades of experience and a reputation for craftsmanship and service, Cellini continues to help couples mark life’s most important moments with jewellery that is both beautiful and meaningful. cellini.co.uk
The Pantry Bridalwear
The Pantry Bridalwear’s ethos – ‘do you on your day’ – represents its passion for finding brides a look that truly makes them feel like an elevated version of themselves on their wedding day. Designed by The Pantry Underwear and Bridalwear founder Eloise Rigby, who sources one-off pieces from classic eras of style and recreates them as contemporary wedding looks, the coveted collection includes dresses, trousers, tops and jackets, as well as bridal accessories including headpieces and bags. The label’s store in Saffron Walden only sells in-house designs produced via the made-to-measure process (with all production and fittings also taking place in-house) enabling their brides to customise easily, achieve the best possible fit, reduce fabric wastage and consider how the look could be adapted for future use. A first try-on is free to book (with a refundable deposit of £25 – just turn up and it’ll be returned) and pieces range from £1,350 to £2,450. thepantrybridalwear.com
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WEDDING SPECIAL
Baker Brothers
Choosing your wedding rings is a meaningful part of
your journey together, but with so many options available, it can feel overwhelming. Baker Brothers has guided generations of couples through this special decision, and is on hand to help you find the rings that reflect your love and lifestyle. When it comes to metals, the team advises that platinum is loved for its strength and natural white sheen, while gold (available in yellow, white or rose) offers timeless appeal. For those with sensitive skin or a hands-on working life, platinum is often recommended. At the Bedford boutique, the expert team will ensure the perfect fit and can guide you on band width, profile and personal touches such as engravings, helping you choose wedding rings that will forever symbolise your story. Meanwhile, every diamond at Baker Brothers is inspected and hand-selected by its professionally qualified in-house gemologists, with each stone chosen for its exceptional
beauty, precision and integrity. bakerbrothersdiamonds.com
Provenance Kitchen
For couples seeking a wedding that’s relaxed, yet refined, Provenance Kitchen offers two beautiful venues conveniently located just outside Cambridge (with plenty of on-site parking!). Its Brix & Mortar Restaurant is a bright, open-plan space paired with a meadow garden and stylish stretch tent, perfect for welcome drinks, outdoor ceremonies or alfresco dining. Guests can enjoy drinks served from a charming converted horsebox bar while soaking up the relaxed countryside atmosphere. For a more rural feel, The Orchard Barn presents two magical dining options: beneath twinkling lights among the apple trees or under the stretch tent in front of the barn, where guests can watch chefs prepare your wedding meal over flames. A converted Airstream bar adds a unique touch. Weddings at Provenance are fully customisable. Choose from full-day or evening hire, with the option for non-legal blessings on-site. Whether it’s a formal multi-course meal or laid-back, street-food-style feast, every dish is expertly prepared with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. provenancekitchen.com
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WEDDING SPECIAL
Bursting with romantic charm, South Farm is a unique South Farm
barn and country house wedding venue on the border between Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire. Boasting a stunning location, lovingly restored Grade II listed farmhouse, beautiful summerhouse set in formal gardens, magnificent Tudor Barn with elm beams and fairy lights, and other converted barn buildings including the light-filled Old Dairy, it provides a host of enchanting indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception spaces – whatever the weather. With exclusive use for the duration of the wedding, the venue also offers an on-site professional team, including experienced wedding coordinators, and delicious homegrown food with award- winning menus. Committed to environmental responsibility, South Farm’s wildflower meadows and orchards are a haven for wildlife – not to mention creating the perfect wedding backdrop. There are even Romany wagons, farm animals and miniature donkeys on-site! south-farm.co.uk
Multi-award-winning Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery has been housed on Green Street in the heart of Cambridge for almost 20 years. As one of the UK’s leading bespoke jewellers, the team are passionate about creating rings that capture the individuality of every couple they meet. “No two stories are the same, and neither should your rings be!” they say. The brand’s talented designers are experts at turning inspiration into reality. Whether your dream wedding ring is a classic band, a more intricate design to sit perfectly alongside your engagement ring, perhaps inspired by the architecture of a favourite Cambridge landmark, featuring meaningful engravings or a blend of unusual gemstones and Fairtrade gold – it all begins with your story. From the moment you step into the studio, you’re invited on a journey – not just to design the rings, but to celebrate your relationship in a deeply personal way. Sit with the creative designers as they listen, guide and hand- sketch bespoke ideas before your eyes during your consultation. Each piece is then crafted by some of the UK’s most skilled goldsmiths, ensuring every one is not only beautiful but made to last a lifetime. hkjewellery.co.uk Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery
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THE AGENDA
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MUSIC
Tom Jones, Newmarket Racecourse Expect to hear all of the singer’s biggest hits, including It’s Not Unusual , What’s New Pussycat? , Delilah and many more, in this full headline set after the day of racing.
WORKSHOP
Crafting the Past, Museum of Cambridge This series of workshops and craft sessions allows families to experience some of the lost craft skills of the past, from natural dyeing to marionette making. Until 29 August.
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FESTIVAL
Magic of Thailand, Parker’s Piece At this two-day festival event, you can experience the best of Thai culture through performances, food and drinks, traditional massages, crafts and much more. Until 3 August, adult tickets £6.
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MUSIC
MUSIC
Underworld, Audley End Estate The last of four concerts in Heritage Live’s summer 2025 series: Underworld performs with special guests like Simian Mobile Disco.
Folk in the City, Cherry Hinton Hall Bringing together a mix of local and national artists, enjoy a weekend full of folk-inspired entertainment with free, open-air concerts being held on 2 and 3 August.
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An array of events to enjoy in Cambridgeshire this month
FESTIVAL
Beer & Cider Festival, The Cricketers, Clavering Head into Essex for festival-inspired food, live music and special deals on a selection of beers, ales and ciders throughout the weekend of 2 and 3 August.
EVENT
Play Pavilion, Fitzwilliam Museum On the museum’s front lawn until 31 August, it’s free to drop in at the Play Pavilion – a creative playground for families inspired by nature in art.
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THE AGENDA
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EVENT
The Cambridge Country Show and Food Festival, Stow Cum Quy Park This celebration of rural life offers attractions for all ages; a We Love Dogs show, traditional crafts, petting farm and more.
18 COURSE
Big Bang Theory, Cambridge Junction Running until 22 August, this week-long course on the technical aspects of live sound, for ages 16-21, will be delivered in partnership with Corn Exchange.
30 FESTIVAL
23 MUSIC
Northstowe Running Festival, Northstowe Western Park Sign up to take part in the family one mile, 5K, 10K or half-marathon on this flat, multi- terrain course, in aid of local charity Cam Sight.
Sugababes and Natasha Bedingfield, Newmarket Racecourse This family-friendly Newmarket Nights set with Sugababes will be packed full of early- noughties nostalgia.
23 OCT Helm will stop in Cambridge as part of the 34-date UK and Ireland tour for his new show. Wimpole Estate A new illuminated Halloween trail will turn Wimpole into a glowing, ghostly wonderland. Open until 2 November. Halloween at Wimpole, EVENT 13 SEP Nick Helm: No One Gets Out Alive, Cambridge Junction Critically acclaimed comedian Nick COMEDY
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FESTIVAL
EVENT
IWM History Festival: VE | VJ Day 80, IWM Duxford Held on 30 and 31 August, this special edition of the IWM History Festival will commemorate 80 years since the end of WWII.
International Bat Night guided walk, Woodwalton Fen
FESTIVAL
Cambridge Contemporary Choir Festival, Cambridge
Learn to identify species of bat with the help of a Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants guide at this National Nature Reserve.
Corn Exchange Running until 10
August, get ready for a packed programme of fun events, workshops and evening concerts showcasing UK choirs.
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COMEDY
EVENT
A Particularly Nasty Case,
Dragons and Dipping, Wicken Fen Pond dipping – with a twist! This is a morning guided walk to search for dragonflies and damselflies. Suitable for slightly older children and families.
Alfresco Cinema Series, Market Square Cambridge BID will be bringing free outdoor screenings of The Wild Robot (6pm) and Captain America: Brave New World (8pm) to the square in the evening.
Cambridge Junction Expect hilarious and horrifying tales from the wards, as Adam Kay ( This Is Going to Hurt ) launches his gripping new medical mystery.
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ODE TO DANCE Join us as we catch up with Sister Bliss of iconic band Faithless
ON THE PULSE Heritage updates, folk music festivals and late-summer family fun
HOLIDAY READS Perfect poolside page-turners to take on your sunny getaway
Filling the streets of Cambridge with the spectacular, the fantastical, the fun-filled and the unforgettable, Out of the Ordinary outdoor arts festival is back this year for the August bank holiday weekend. Some of the very best performance artists will be making an appearance, including Sashimi (pictured) with their dazzling street show blending hula hoop artistry with captivating dance and physical theatre. Organised by Cambridge City Council and sponsored by Cambridge BID, this free-to-attend festival is from 11am to 5pm on 23 and 24 August. A life less ordinary
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CULTURE EDITION
Pop-up theatre for the family Taking place at The Atrium Theatre (Chesterton Community College) and Arbury Community Centre this month, Pop-Up Adventures comprises five fun-filled theatre events and workshops for families and children of all ages. Designed to bring Cambridge Arts Theatre to the local community while the facility is being redeveloped, the series starts at The Atrium Theatre with Splat! (ages 3-6) on 4 and 5 August, following two aspiring artists on a journey through the history of visual art, and How a Jellyfish Saved the World (ages 4-11) on 7 and 9 August, in which Clyde the jellyfish looks for a forever friend in a home that’s being polluted. The fun continues at Arbury Community Centre with The Imagination Train (ages 0-3) on 13 August, joining Connie the Conductor on a sensory journey; Miniature Travelling Circus (ages 3-6) on 14 August, with its beautiful puppets and magic tricks; and Puppets in Peril (ages 7-9) on 15 August, to save the fantastical Fire Isle from danger. Contact the Box Office on 01223 503333, boxoffice@ cambridgeartstheatre.com or visit cambridgeartstheatre.com
SUMMER OF FUN All this month, the National Trust’s Summer of Play is taking place across the region. Jam-packed with playful experiences and family activities, it’s included with standard admission (and free for National Trust members), with no need to pre-book. Discover magical pop-up play zones filled with games and sports, get stuck into a host of arty activities and more at Anglesey Abbey, Wimpole Estate and Peckover House and Garden. Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/family-friendly and filter by region to find places to play in your local area
The latest from the cultural scene in Cambridge
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CULTURE EDITION
LITTLEPORT GEM GAINS LISTED STATUS Adams Heritage Centre at 17 Main Street in Littleport – a remarkable example of a Victorian commercial building – has been listed as Grade II by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England. Built in 1893 to the designs of local architect Josiah Gunton, the building initially served as premises for local ironmongers H and J Cutlack before being purchased by John Henry Adams in 1901. It continued trading as J H Adams and Sons until 2010, when it was carefully conserved as a heritage centre. The building features original folding wrought-iron gates dated 1892, a recessed entrance with tiled floor, etched and painted glass with original business lettering and full-height wooden shelving relocated from Lincolne’s chemist in Ely (established 1847). The listing also recognises the building’s social significance. Adams specialised in fitting and maintaining Hagan Norwegian ice skates – popular with fen skaters – and the shop became a hub for this distinctive local sport. Do you have a personal story to share about Adams Heritage Centre? Add it to Historic England’s Missing Pieces Project here: historicengland.org.uk/listing/missing-pieces
Local literature Getting Away KATE SAWYER
In this perfect summer read by local author Kate Sawyer, an ordinary family discover the joy of getting away for the first time. Over the course of the following
decades, they are transformed through their holiday experiences; each new destination a backdrop for the family growing and changing – and secrets are revealed.
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CULTURE EDITION
A NEW CHAPTER FOR WIMPOLE HALL’S LIBRARY
instead has been printed using high- resolution photographic technology to replicate every detail of the original design. Visitors can now walk freely on this new carpet, without putting the original textile at risk. The exact history of the original is still a topic of research, says Iain Stewart, senior collections and house manager and curator apprentice. “Manufactured in linen and wool, it is assumed to be an Axminster carpet, dated to the 1760s; probably designed by Thomas Whitty. Confirming the maker and date would mean the carpet is one of the few 18th-century items that remain at Wimpole Hall.”
Visitors to the National Trust’s Wimpole Estate can now step into its library for the first time, to experience the grandeur of the room as it was intended, thanks to an innovative project led by the estate’s collection and house team in collaboration with specialist textile conservators. In a carefully orchestrated process, the library’s remarkable, historic carpet, decorated with shells, palm fronds and English flower garlands, was surveyed, surface-vacuumed and rolled into storage, before a strikingly accurate reproduction was laid in its place. Created by Rutters UK, the replacement carpet is not woven, but
Theatre life preserved with time capsule Mayor of Cambridge Dinah Pounds (centre) visited Cambridge Arts Theatre on 24 June to place a time capsule commemorating the theatre’s refurbishment, preserving its history and communicating with future theatregoers. Created through community contributions, the capsule contained such objects as theatre tickets, photographs, newspaper cuttings and a letter from pantomime dame Matt Crosby.
More info at artstheatre-redevelopment.com
FOLK MUSIC COMES TO CHERRY HINTON HALL Folk stars Katherine Priddy and Jon Boden & The Remnant Kings are among the national and local artists confirmed for a free family music concert at Cherry Hinton Hall on 2 August. The Folk in the City outdoor concert, organised by Cambridge City Council, is set to highlight folk music’s rich traditions and vibrant future, also featuring Cambridge-based singer- songwriter Sean O’Hanrahan, folk musicians Sam Sweeney and Grace Smith – known for deeply expressive playing – and Kate Griffin and Ford Collier exploring contemporary folk with Celtic, bluegrass and Indian influences. Young musicians from this year’s Folk Summer School will open the event, followed by a kids’ show with CBeebies star Nick Cope, while a ceilidh closes the proceedings in style!
Find out more at cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk
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CULTURE INTERVIEW
Building on a 30-year career, dance music pioneers Faithless returned to the stage last year with renewed energy – and now they’re bringing the rave to Newmarket. Louise Hoffman catches up with founding member Sister Bliss ahead of the show FAITH Keeping the
T hink of 90s dance and rave culture, and it’s pretty likely that Faithless are one of the first bands climbing onto that strobe-lit stage of your imagination. Their music was the soundtrack to an era of total surrender to sound – and still today, despite the prevailing trend for experiences lived through camera phones, their audiences are fully immersed. “Well, you just can’t mosh with a phone,” laughs musician, DJ and co-founding force of Faithless, Sister Bliss. “I try not to look up too much or I’ll play the wrong notes, but I want to engage – I want people to know that we’re experiencing them while we’re playing – and it’s always really gratifying to see people lost in the music and up on each other’s shoulders going mad. “It just blows my mind – what can I say. Energy is energy, whether it’s now or whether it was back then.” I wanted to talk more about that 90s vibe, though – especially the very first gig that Faithless ever performed. “That was at The Jazz Cafe in London, and it was pretty wild!” Bliss recalls. “We only did the show because our first album Reverence was barely selling, and our radio pluggers were desperate to showcase that it was more than just dance tracks. We had a bit of connection in the clubs with Salva Mea and Insomnia but they hadn’t blown up like they did – we rereleased them subsequently and they became global hits. “But the buzz was growing, and that night there was an absolute roadblock, which was quite bananas. I recall Sasha and Paul Oakenfold were on the list, but they couldn’t even get near the club, so we had to throw their tickets out of the dressing room window so they could grab them!” Bliss also recalls some of the humorously rookie moments of those early days: “In the first release of Reverence ,
we messed up – we chose a really lovely cardboard sleeve, but it was the wrong size and you couldn’t rack it in Woolworths or the record shops,” she laughs. “Of course, now it’s a collector’s item! But back then, it was this ridiculous album that didn’t fit anywhere, and so we got lots of returns and only sold 16 copies a week for the first few weeks… which we thought was amazing! “That’s the other thing; perception was very different then. But you start a ripple, don’t you? It only takes a little drop and things start to happen. It was only meant to be a one-off show at The Jazz Cafe, but then they offered us a European tour, and the record started going up and up in the German charts. Then all the venues we were playing at got upgraded and it was this wild, chaotic time where – having only really played The Jazz Cafe to 400 people – we were suddenly playing to 5,000 people in a Mercedes factory with the Fugees!” It was during this European takeover that the British press started to cotton on to the enormity of the band’s potential – and in those pre- and nascent days of the internet, media interest was absolutely imperative to success. “Obviously, you had people experiencing your gig in the flesh and word would spread to the next city, ‘God, have you seen this band?’. But the music press were the gatekeepers,” Bliss acknowledges. “So, early interviews in the NME and Melody Maker , as well as support from Muzik Magazine by editor Ben Turner were all really important. “But of course, that was coupled with underground club support. When people were falling in love with the record, they didn’t have Shazam – they’d have to go and ask the DJ, ‘what’s that tune?’. I used to go to raves and stand next to the DJ to
MAXIMUM ENERGY Faithless at the Roundhouse – as part of their return to live performance
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CULTURE INTERVIEW
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CULTURE INTERVIEW
Faithless will be performing at Newmarket Nights on Friday 8 August. Find out more at thejockeyclub.co.uk/newmarket Maxi could see how happy people are in the crowds, and how much they still love him and the songs. They’ve lived in people’s lives – what a thing.” with someone on the dance floor and giving them your phone number… or did you actually give it to them?” Tracks from this album will be among those in the setlist for August’s headline live performance at Newmarket Racecourse – alongside old favourites and music that has been of huge influence to the band. “It’s been great performing the new music live and weaving it in with classic Faithless songs – there’s an art form in that to me,” says Bliss. “The present and the past can coexist in a beautiful way.” Above all though, she adds, the show is really a love letter to Maxi and to electronic dance music. “I keep saying it, but I wish worked on what we were feeling, and I think – for better or worse – that’s how we’ve always operated.” Always – and forever. Because the band’s brand-new release, Champion Sound , is not only an album but a double album, with four distinct sides – each one representing a different mood. “People say, ‘oh, no one listens to albums any more’, but I hope this record, in its broken-down four-side format, will ease people back into the joy of letting music unfold rather than being condensed into edits that can be as short as two minutes now. How can you express yourself in two minutes?” Bliss questions. “For me, it’s all about slowing everything down so we can be expansive musically.” Drip feeding the musical delights, the band is releasing one side per month, with two sides available so far (at time of writing), and a full release planned for September. “The first side is Forever Free , which starts with the only posthumously released Maxi vocal, and that’s a really beautiful, trippy, dancy side of the album,” says Bliss. “Then the second side, Phone Number , is this bleary, post-rave love story, when you’re remembering locking eyes We just worked on what we were feeling , and I think – for better or worse – that’s how we’ve always operated
find out what Voodoo Ray by A Guy Called Gerald was. Isn’t that mad? But it really was that analogue back then!” Death and rebirth Asked what she misses most, Bliss doesn’t skip a beat: Maxi Jazz, founding member of Faithless (alongside Bliss and Rollo), who passed away in 2022 – and whom she still dreams about. Having reformed the band just last year, playing live shows that ‘tell that story of who we are, what we were and pay homage to Maxi and all his brilliance’, I wondered if returning to the stage had brought any unexpected emotions for Bliss. “Every time I hear Maxi’s voice in our key songs like Insomnia and God Is a DJ , I just feel this welling up. His voice is in my ears and my head, reverberating in my body, and it never fails to bring that big yearning, sad feeling of missing him. That’s what grief is; it changes, but it’s constant. I
just wish he was bounding around on the stage in front of me – I look out, almost willing him to ‘become’ again. “But I’ve been surprised by how fun it’s been, too,” she adds. “There are four core band members who were on our last tour – people who know the music inside out – but also three new members: Nathan Ball and Amelia Fox, who are fantastic singers, plus new guitarist Max Rad, who’s also a producer. It’s breathed new life into it, and they’ve just been an absolute joy to tour with because they’re not jaded old f*ckers like we are, quite frankly!” Pushing forward Faithless has always been a big champion of the album format – playing with its potential to reflect, in Bliss’s words, a ‘Venn diagram’ of each band member’s musical tastes and ideas. “There was no one telling us, ‘oh, you can’t have a folk song next to a banging main-floor anthem’, so we just
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CULTURE EDITION
August Book Club Save space in your suitcase for these holiday essentials, selected by Charlotte Griffiths
ELIZABETH JANE HOWARD The Cazalet Chronicles You might have first read this when you were younger or (like me) you could have somehow slipped past this magnificent series and only encountered it as an adult – but either way, this five-strong set of books should absolutely be on your reading list for the warmer months. Having grown up in almost exactly the same area the Cazalets call home, Elizabeth Jane Howard’s series had a grip on me from its first mention of visiting East Sussex’s pebbled beaches or popping into Hastings for supplies, but I’m confident that no matter where you’re from, you’ll fall headfirst for this sweeping, intoxicating family saga. The first book is set just after World War I, when four adult siblings and their young children all make the traditional summer return to their family home in Sussex for a two-month-long stay. With them come their struggles, affairs, heartbreaks, business ventures, hopes and dreams – and that’s an awful lot for a single house to contain, even one as beautiful and sprawling as Home Place. It’s the descriptions of the domestic details that are so enchanting: the bedrooms’ fading floral wallpapers, the garden’s rose bushes visible through shimmering heat, the ad-hoc lunches swiftly expanded to accommodate unexpected visitors. With new books in the series scheduled to arrive next year, written by Howard’s niece, this is exactly the right time to fall in love with their summery stories.
Sweet Sorrow DAVID NICHOLLS
aimlessly scouting around his area on a bike, he collides with Fran, a girl from the local independent school, and finds himself totally smitten in that gorgeously teenage way. In fact, he becomes so enamoured that he’s convinced to sign up for a summer-long am-dram production of Romeo and Juliet set to take place in a local house’s gardens. If you love heart-wrenching coming-of-age novels or feel like you’re on the cusp of finding your true self – at whatever age you might be – this could be the perfect summer read.
I’ll hazard a guess that, for most readers of Cambridge Edition , some time will have passed since the days of full-time education; but this beautiful novel from the absolute master of literary romcom will transport you straight back to that heady summer – post-exams, pre-further education – when your whole life was sprawling before you, sparkling with possibilities, and single balmy days of nothingness lasted entire weeks. Charlie Lewis is the quiet one in his gang of lads: he and his mates have just finished their GCSEs. Between shifts at his local garage,
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CULTURE EDITION
JOANNE HARRIS Chocolat
This is a curveball from the late 90s, but for an evocative, transporting and totally unforgettable ‘a stranger comes to town’ novel, you really can’t do better than this classic from Joanne Harris. Set in a fictional French village, chocolatier Vianne and her daughter Anouk blow in at the start of Lent and quietly open their new shop’s doors on the town square, opposite the church. This bewitching single mother slowly enchants the village’s population, winning them over one by one, devising precisely the flavour of chocolate each villager needs to solve their problems and soothe their minds. The priest, Reynaud, is the one hold-out: furious at the temptation on blatant display during a time of abstinence and appalled by Vianne’s lack of shame at her marital status, he preaches to the community to avoid the shop’s charms, dividing the village even further. Meanwhile, on the nearby river, a band of travellers have pulled up their boats to find work: welcomed by Vianne but given the cold shoulder by Reynaud, tensions start to run even higher. Can the community reunite before the Easter celebrations begin – or will Vianne’s Festival of Chocolate be the final spark to ignite the flames? Come for the effortless prose, but stay for the mouth-watering descriptions of chocolate. You’ll be pulling up the Hill St website to order a box before you even realise what you’re doing.
WISH YOU WERE HERE! Follow these characters as they head abroad for plenty more holiday dramas
You’ve watched the film, you’ve seen the Netflix series – now treat yourself to the original novels by the absolute master of psychological thrillers: there’s nothing better to sweep you away to Italy, even if you’re really just lounging by your local lido. The Talented Mr Ripley PATRICIA HIGHSMITH
Hot Milk DEBORAH LEVY
Heatwave VICTOR JESTIN
Ahead of the film adaptation, scorch yourself with this fractious mother- daughter relationship that fares no better abroad than at home. Sofia and her mother Rose seek a cure for Rose’s ailments in Spain, but both are in need of healing. A fever dream.
Teenagers on family holidays are a heady source of drama. Here, Leonard tries desperately to fit in at a French campsite. In the final days of the trip, his life is turned upside down by some wild decisions. Short, sharp and smouldering, it’s an ideal beach read.
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Arts Picturehouse picturehouses.com Everyman everymancinema.com Vue myvue.com The Light cambridge.thelight.co.uk LOCAL CINEMAS
The Naked Gun
1 August Only one man has the particular set of skills to lead Police Squad and save the world: Lt Frank Drebin Jr (played by Liam Neeson) who follows in his father’s footsteps in this comedy-packed legacy sequel.
8 August Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan reprise their roles as Tess and Anna Coleman in this sequel to the 2003 Freaky Friday . Picking up the story years after Tess (Curtis) and Anna (Lohan) endured an identity crisis, could lightning end up striking twice? Freakier Friday
The Legend of Ochi
1 August In a remote Carpathian village, farm girl Yuri learns the mysteries of animal communication to rescue a member of the elusive species she has been raised to fear. Starring Finn Wolfhard and Emily Watson.
Weapons
8 August When all but one child from the same class mysteriously vanish at exactly the same time, a community is left questioning who or what is behind their disappearance. Starring Josh Brolin (son of The Amityville Horror actor James Brolin) and Julia Garner.
Materialists
15 August This romantic comedy film starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal sees a young, ambitious New York City matchmaker find herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex.
Movie magic not to miss this month
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STREET STYLE Humans of Cambridge Inspired by International Dog Day, this month we give Cambridge’s pet pooches a platform!
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STREET STYLE
Top dogs It’s International Dog Day on 26 August, and we have decided to celebrate it with this special edition of Mark Box’s photoblog, featuring the characterful canine residents of the city. “I’ve been especially looking forward to this month’s theme because I’m a big dog person,” says Mark. “There’s just something about how dogs carry themselves, the way they connect with people and the joy that they bring to everyday life that I find endlessly fascinating. “Over the years, I’ve captured so many lovely moments between dogs and their humans. But for this series, I wanted to focus on the dogs themselves: their quirks, their expressions, their energy. From a goofy grin to a soulful stare or a tail mid-wag, each dog has a personality that deserves to shine.” Humans of Cambridge is a street photography photoblog founded by Mark Box in 2020.
Follow him on Instagram @humanofcambridge
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LOVE LOCAL
Plans for a nature-inspired public art project at Springstead Village in Cherry Hinton, which were designed with input from local young people, have recently been unveiled. Wayward, a design practice that works at the intersection of architecture, landscapes and socially engaged art, has revealed its vision for this sustainable new neighbourhood – developing a series of artworks based on the concept of having the iconic British hedgerow tie communities and land together. Drawing on ideas from creative workshops held with 11- to 16-year- olds late last year at St Andrew’s Church in Cherry Hinton, the final designs now show these hedgerows being used as a unifying design motif, woven into installations that will become walking trails, secret hideaways, playful structures and seating areas. “The aim of the art is to foster childhood nostalgia, encourage outdoor play and support biodiversity,” said Ulrich van Eck, project director for the Bellway Latimer joint venture behind Springstead Village. PUBLIC ART PROJECT PLANS REVEALED
A Cambridgeshire-based start-up has been named social enterprise of the year at the 2025 East of England StartUp Awards. Founded in 2023, Positively Parenting is a fast-growing social enterprise supporting neurodivergent families to thrive, with a specialist focus on helping parents with ADHD. “Winning social enterprise of the year feels like a huge moment, not just for me, but for every parent who’s ever felt like they were failing because of their own ADHD,” said founder Lauren O’Carroll. “I created Positively Parenting because I couldn’t find support that recognised how hard it is to parent when you’re the one who struggles with emotional regulation, executive function and overwhelm, and you’re still expected to model it for your kids too.” All regional winners in their category will now progress to the UK StartUp Awards final taking place at Ideas Fest on 11 September, along with the winners from nine other regions. Cottenham business named social enterprise of the year
Community updates from across Cambridge
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LOVE LOCAL
His Royal Highness, the Duke of Gloucester, has officially opened a new swathe of woodland in Fulbourn that has been created as part of Cheffins’ 200-year anniversary. Planting a tree on the site, His Royal Highness was given a brief tour of the woodland and was introduced to Cheffins’ senior staff, with other attendees including Lord- Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire Julie Spence, Cambridge city mayor Dinah Pounds and CEO of Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust Shelly Thake. Located five miles from Cambridge city centre, the 2,500-tree woodland has been planted by Cheffins staff over five acres and is held on a 99-year lease. Made up of 12 different native deciduous trees and shrubs, the woodland represents the company’s commitment to biodiversity and carbon capture. ROYAL OPENING FOR CHEFFINS’ NEW WOODLAND
Green Street-based Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery is celebrating two major milestones, marking the beginning of an inspiring new chapter after 26 years of growth. Transitioning to an employee ownership trust (EOT) means that the talented team members who have helped shape each success are now key stakeholders in its future too. Coinciding with this change, Rebecca Howarth, who has been part of the team for 20 years, has been appointed as the company’s new managing director. Founder Harriet Kelsall, who remains an integral part of the business as founder-director and executive chair, said: “In many ways, our company has long been run in the spirit of an EOT, with its leadership structure and collaborative management style. This move formalises our already-embedded ethos.” Local jeweller forges new future
Rangeford Villages has announced a new volunteer programme at its Strawberry Fields retirement village for over 60s in Stapleford, developed in collaboration with Arthur Rank Hospice Charity. The partnership aims to support the hospice’s vital work while offering staff and owners meaningful opportunities to engage with the wider community. Through this programme, owners of Strawberry Fields will volunteer their time and skills to assist with a variety of hospice activities, from helping in the bistro to supporting fundraising events and providing companionship. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to enhancing wellbeing and building connections across generations. “It will empower owners to contribute to a cause that makes a profound difference in people’s lives,” said Annabel Blake, community and events manager at Rangeford Villages (pictured centre). RANGEFORD VOLUNTEER INITIATIVE
Four years since its inception, Cambridgeshire-based rewilding charity Creating Nature’s Corridors has revealed the results of an impact assessment measuring the value of work it has done so far. Launched with clear objectives to plant trees and create hedging, to encourage biodiversity while improving living environments for local communities, it has already planted 5km of hedgerow and two acres of woodland and orchard, undertaken 114 individual planting projects and added 40,050 trees and hedging plants to landscapes. Now, the charity is setting its sights on the 2025/26 planting programme, including a substantial initiative launched in collaboration with Anglian Water that will result in the creation of Rory’s Wood, a 35-acre woodland located on the western edge of Grafham Water. Rewilding charity shares successes
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PUB PIT STOPS Rest and refuel on the routes of these relaxing summer strolls
CULINARY CATCH-UP Find out about the latest updates from the Cambridge foodie scene
JUST GRILLIN’ Elisha Young’s advice for trying out the best burger joints in town
It’s officially the summer of the tasting menu, as this month we bring news of two exciting new restaurant openings in the local area: Bellota in Bury St Edmunds, whose delectable Yaya Bel’s Iberian ham croqueta is pictured here, and Mark Poynton’s Ancient Shepherds in Fen Ditton, located on the site of his former restaurant, MJP @ The Shepherds. Turn to page 45 to whet your appetite! Fresh inspiration
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