It’s our 15th anniversary! Celebrate with us as we journey back along the timeline of Cambridge to remember some of the big changes, achievements and standout moments that have taken place since this magazine was founded in 2011. Also in the November issue, you’ll find all the usual cultural goings-on for the month; a calendar of festive fun, from fireworks and winter illuminations to pantos and fairs; a gift guide to help you get those Christmas lists underway; a Book Club selection of winter warmers; a clementine cake to bake at home; interior inspiration suited to the season… and much more!
GIFTS GALORE Top treats to start your Christmas shopping off strong MARKING A MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY FOR THIS MAGAZINE, WE JOURNEY THROUGH 15 VERY SPECIAL YEARS IN THE CITY celebrating 1 years LUCKY STARS Win a hearty roast dinner or new outdoor gear for winter
ILLUMINATED CAMBRIDGE Get your glow-up with fireworks, fairs and festive lights
WELCOME
A SPECIAL YEAR As you’ll no doubt have spotted on the cover of this issue, 2026 marks a major milestone for Cambridge Edition : yes, we’re celebrating our 15th anniversary! This is a massive achievement for a
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 & Chris Young ADVERTISING Sales director Sam Scott-Smith 07875 711967 samscott-smith@bright.uk.com Ad manager Maria Francis 01223 492240 mariafrancis@bright.uk.com CONTRIBUTORS Charlotte Griffiths, Phoebe Harper, Sally Petitt, Charlotte Phillips & Esther Sánchez DESIGN & PRODUCTION Design director Andy Jennings Magazine design manager Lucy Jeffery
printed publication in this age of digital content, social media and AI, and it proves to me that we all still place huge value on tangible, physical, human-created publications – made to hold, savour and, dare I say for some of us, smell! In fact, it’s been reported that there is a bit of a backlash against the rapid advances in technology that we’ve seen of late, with many millennials and Gen Zers in particular returning to or newly embracing older-school analogue tech, from wired headphones and iPods to film cameras – as well as hard copies of books and magazines. As many of us struggle to put down our phones or separate ourselves from our emails, a digital detox can be no bad thing – and long may it continue for the sake of print media! Of course, the past 15 years have also seen a lot of change in a much wider sense – including a smorgasbord of developments, successes and defining moments in our city. To mark the anniversary of Cambridge Edition , we thought it would be fun to
Junior designer & ad production Holly May PUBLISHING Managing director Andy Brogden
trawl through the archives for some of the standout moments – and what a journey through time it was! Turn to page 8 for a healthy dose of nostalgia; I wonder how many points along our timeline you will remember – and which others you’d add to the list? Do tag us in your own memories from the past 15 years on social media too: we’d love to see them. After all, the reason this magazine still exists is because of you, our readers, who have picked up, clicked on, read, utilised and supported Cambridge Edition since 2011. The whole team are so very grateful to each and every one of you. Whether you’re a print or digital lover, past, present or soon-to-be resident, regular reader or dipper-inner, we hope you have enjoyed and found the magazine useful for all this time. Here’s to many more years of ‘local living done well’!
Operations director Saffron Osborn-Clay Subscriptions manager Laura Meikle PPC & social manager Keith Murtagh TYPEFACE Nyght Serif / Maksym Kobuzan from Tunera Type Foundry
Find us @cambsedition
Cambridge Edition Magazine Bright Publishing Ltd, Bright House, 82 High Street, Sawston, Cambridgeshire CB22 3HJ, 01223 499450, cambsedition.co.uk • All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of the publishers. • Views expressed in the magazine aren’t necessarily those of Cambridge Edition or Bright Publishing Ltd, which do not accept any liability for loss or damage. • Every effort has been made to ensure all information is correct. Prices quoted were correct at time the magazine went to print. • Cambridge Edition is a free publication that is distributed in Cambridge and the surrounding area.
Illustration by Holly May, inspired by a photo from @cambridgediary
Louise Hoffman, editor
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ON THE COVER 08 / 15 YEARS OF CAMBRIDGE Journey through time as we remember some of the city’s key milestones since this magazine began in 2011 14 / IT’S A CELEBRATION! Reflections on 15 years of Cambridge Edition – and a big thank you to our readers, who have made it all possible! 32 / BRIGHT LIGHTS A calendar of good cheer for the weeks to come, with fireworks, illuminations and festive fun for all to enjoy 42 / READY TO WRAP Start planning your Christmas lists with this carefully curated selection of gifts and stocking fillers
49 & 59 / GIVEAWAYS Enter this month’s two competitions to be in with a chance of bagging some new outdoor gear or tucking into a tasty roast dinner CULTURE EDITION 20 / CULTURE NEWS Key updates from the region’s cultural scene 26 / BOOK CLUB Snuggle up with these winter warmers, specially selected for the season by Charlotte Griffiths 29 / SCREEN TIME New titles to thrill, challenge and entertain, plus a special Italian retrospective at Cambridge Arts Picturehouse
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FOOD EDITION 53 / FOOD NEWS The latest gastro goings-on around Cambridgeshire 56 / HOME COMFORTS Esther Sánchez shows us how to bake a clementine, polenta and cinnamon cake HOME EDITION 68 / SHADES OF AUTUMN Phoebe Harper learns how to create a whole-year haven using this season’s colour palette 74 / EDITION LOVES Throws and blankets to help you hunker down for the winter
REGULARS 06 / INSTACAMB Showcasing our favourite social media snaps of the season 16 / THE AGENDA A round-up of events taking place across the region this month, from comedy, music and theatre to talks and workshops 62 / LOCAL NEWS A host of charitable achievements by the region’s residents… and much more! 98 / I ♥ CAMBRIDGE New Zealander Anna Cowie finds the creative inspiration and freedom she craves here in Cambridge
78 / PUTTING DOWN ROOTS Now is the perfect time to plant a tree, and Sally Petitt is here to help us choose the right species for our gardens – and make sure that it flourishes EDUCATION EDITION 86 / ARTS FOR ALL Charlotte Phillips goes behind the scenes to discover the inclusivity that’s keeping performing arts education alive in our area 95 / EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT John Morgan of Abbey College Cambridge tells us how and why artificial intelligence is being embraced in the education system
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LOCAL LIFE
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Our favourite Cambridge Instagram pics of the month
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LOCAL LIFE
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ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL
15 years of CAMBRIDGE Inspired by this special anniversary of Cambridge Edition , Charlotte Griffiths takes a journey through time, exploring milestone moments from the past 15 years in our city. How many can you remember?
April 2011 Cambridge Edition launches! Your comprehensive guide to life in Cambridge and beyond is born: the first issue is sent off to the printers from its home just south of the city in the village of Sawston, where it’s still created to this day.
February 2012 The very first Raspberry Pi computers go on sale! This Cambridge-grown phenomenon was designed to provide people with stripped-back computing capabilities and help beginners learn to code – and sold a million units by October 2013! The company now estimates total sales at 75 million of the iconic tiny computers – another local success story.
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February 2016 The Fitzwilliam Museum celebrates 200 years since its founding and, more recently, ten years since the accidental destruction of three Kangxi Chinese vases worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. They have since been restored and returned to public view – though now they’re safe in a display case!
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December 2012 Steak & Honour flips its
first burgers from its trademark refurbished Citroen H van: soon to be joined by more vehicles, then a bricks-and-mortar restaurant in the centre of town and finally arriving at the new home on Mill Road’s Broadway. Sounds like a good excuse for another visit…
January 2015 In a David vs Goliath classic FA Cup showdown that’s still etched on the hearts of Us fans, Cambridge United drew 0-0 against Manchester United in a historic clash at the Abbey Stadium, earning our team an FA Cup fourth-round replay at Old Trafford. Before the match, Cambridge manager Richard Money warned his players that if they swapped shirts with their opponents, they’d have to cough up £40 for new ones from the club shop.
July 2014 Slightly confusingly, Stage Three of the 2014 Tour de France started in Cambridge and saw the 194 athletes race through the countryside to London. The stage kicked off along the southern edge of Parker’s Piece, where the cycle counter was installed to mark the occasion and still quietly counts passing bikes every day.
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September 2018 The first Dinky Doors land in our city! Three mini art installations appear around Cambridge on 27 September, installed secretly by their mysterious creators. Now there are 15 in total, spread across our city to surprise and delight passers-by.
March 2016 Cambridge University Library turns 600! First mentioned in
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two wills from March 1416, it now holds around ten million items! An extraordinary 130 miles of shelving carry its treasures, shared across its main site in central Cambridge and new purpose-built facility near Ely.
© SHAN MASIH
June 2019 The first large-scale Cambridge Pride event is held on Jesus Green, with the UK’s first Pride river parade seeing a flotilla of rainbow-coloured punts proudly float down the River Cam, despite a downpour.
April 2017 After years of cycling his wares around, Jack van Praag opens a store on Bene’t Street to serve his frozen treats to ice-cream lovers. Jack’s Gelato now has two sites in Cambridge, supplies gelato to numerous eateries and establishments, and is a much-loved fixture of the city’s food scene.
July 2017 Eddington is born! The first
residents move into this dynamic suburb of the city, part-funded by the university and named for astrophysicist Sir Arthur Eddington who lived and worked nearby. Hungry residents had to wait a few months for Sainsbury’s to arrive.
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August 2023 The much-loved Jesus Green Lido turns 100 years old on 30 August! This 100-yard-long pool holds an astonishing 2.4 million litres of cold water and takes five days to fill up. Originally designed to mimic the experience of swimming in the Cam, its central site was chosen for proximity to several schools and is still enjoyed by swimmers of all ages.
May 2021 The ‘Cambridge Eye’ makes its first appearance on Parker’s Piece – originally designed as a post-lockdown tourist attraction, it’s been spinning at intermittent intervals ever since.
April 2021 The Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race is held in Ely instead of London. This is the second time the famous rowing race has relocated to the Fens, the first being in 1944 due to the Second World War.
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NOVEmber 2025 The 90-year-old Cambridge Arts Theatre reopens after the first stage of a grand refurbishment: a full-scale revamp of the theatre’s main auditorium now provides ticketholders with improved seats and sightlines. Next in their sights is a second rooftop stage, above the main theatre…
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July 2026 After receiving freshly minted prime minister Andy Burnham at Buckingham Palace earlier that morning, King Charles III pays a visit to Cambridge Central Mosque on Mill Road to mark the 75th anniversary of Cambridge being granted its city status.
July 2024 The 60th anniversary of the
Cambridge Folk Festival concept: the original idea was formed in 1964 and the first festival kicked off in 1965. A financial loss at the 2024 festival caused the cancellation of the 2025 anniversary edition – but after 2026’s success, the 2027 Cambridge Folk Festival will be extended to three days of music and celebration.
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15 th ANNIVERSARY
IT’S A
NOW DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR! No need to make a special trip into the city to pick up your copy of Cambridge Edition – you can have the magazine delivered direct to your letterbox thanks to our new subscription packages! Visit brightsubscriptions.co.uk/ cambridge-edition to find out more and sign up.
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15 th ANNIVERSARY
A huge thank you to every single reader for supporting us over the past 15 years
Y es, 2026 marks the 15th anniversary of Cambridge Edition and we’re proud to have been at the heart of Cambridgeshire life for all these years as a local, independent magazine. Though some faces may have changed along the way, the passion, creativity and care of the team behind the magazine have remained steadfast, working hard to help you make the most of all the opportunities to be had in Cambridge and the wider region, from events, gigs, attractions and exhibitions to delicious food, home inspiration and educational offerings. One name most readers will recognise is Nicola Foley, who not
and I’m incredibly proud that we have weathered the storms, evolved, adapted and kept going. That’s all down to the fantastic team (especially our editor, Louise!), the advertisers who continue to support us and, of course, you – our readers. Thank you for coming along for the journey and happy 15th birthday, Cambridge Edition . Cheers to the next chapter!” We hope you have enjoyed this, the city’s longest-running lifestyle magazine, over the past 15 years. Thank you, from the bottom of all our hearts, for reading, supporting, sharing and trusting Cambridge Edition . We wouldn’t be here without you. Onwards and upwards!
only launched the magazine so successfully but also steered it as editor for more than ten of its 15 years. Now the editorial director for the magazine, she shares her thoughts on this milestone occasion for our special anniversary issue. “In early 2011, on a scrap of paper (which I still have tucked away in my desk drawer!), I scribbled down my ideas for a new magazine all about Cambridge. As optimistic as I was about that little project, I don’t think I would ever have dared to hope that, all these years later, it would still be going strong. “To be thriving in 2026 is no mean feat for an independent local magazine
It’s an even bigger anniversary year for the publishing company behind Cambridge Edition : BRIGHT is now 20! 20 Did you know?
We’ve interviewed a stellar cast of stars, including Roger Moore, Blondie, Suzanne Vega, Anton du Beke, David Hasselhoff, Shaun Ryder and Reverend Richard Coles.
The only time we’ve ever paused publishing was briefly during the Covid pandemic.
We’ve published a whopping 185 issues of Cambridge Edition in total over the past 15 years! 185
The Cambridge Edition team may be small but it’s perfectly formed, with 76 years of experience between us! 76
20 The iconic Cambridge Edition covers take designer Holly May up to 20 hours to create!
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THE AGENDA
1 MUSIC
5 BOOKS An Evening with Nicola Upson, Waterstones Cambridge Suffolk-born and Cambridge-educated author Nicola Upson discusses the explosive next book in her Josephine Tey mystery series, The Voices of the Dead , with a book signing to follow. 6 EXHIBITION In the Hands of Angels, compassion, dignity and humanity at the heart of hospice care, this exhibition will bring artists and the community together, creating space for reflection and more open conversations about the care available to us. Until 8 November. Arbory Trust Celebrating the
18 COMEDY
Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Cambridge
Susan Calman: Tall Tales, Cambridge Corn Exchange A decade on, Susan has amassed a remarkable number of improbable adventures since her last tour. Her new comedy set covers the highlights: from cruising the world to driving tanks, her enduring love of cats and the trials and triumphs of getting older.
Corn Exchange Renowned for his
exuberant live shows, Jools and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra will deliver an evening of blues, swing, boogie woogie and ska, packed with musical virtuosity and joyful spontaneity, and featuring special guest band Roachford. TALK Folklore, Female Aging & The Hag, Cambridge Junction J2 Drawing on folk tales, film and contemporary media, this talk by author and researcher Dr Tracy Fahey will explore the hag’s complex nature and how she has become deeply tied to questions of ageing, femininity, nature and power.
An array of events to enjoy in Cambridgeshire this month
10 THEATRE The Wiz, ADC Theatre When Dorothy crash-lands in the fantastical land of Oz, good witch Addaperle sends her on a journey along the yellow brick road to meet The Wiz, who can get her home. Until 14 November. 14 FESTIVAL Retro Computer Festival 2026 (Space Edition), Centre for Computing History A weekend dedicated to retro computing – with a space theme! Expect to see microcomputers and consoles from the 70s, 80s and 90s run space games, plot the heavens and emulate spacecraft. Until 15 November.
MUSIC Gilbert O’Sullivan, Saffron Hall Celebrating 60 years in music, Gilbert continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Joined by acclaimed guitarist Bill Shanley, these shows promise an intimate evening of unforgettable songs from one of music’s most distinctive voices. 8 COMEDY Dan Schreiber, Cambridge Junction J2 In his show This Changes Everything , Dan Schreiber (host of QI podcast No Such Thing As A Fish and author of The Theory of Everything Else ) presents an evening of mind-warping facts and hilarious tales uncovered during his weird investigations.
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THE AGENDA
22 THEATRE
Shakespeare in a Suitcase – Hamlet, Cambridge Junction J2
With just two actors, one musician, seven props and a suitcase, Shakespeare’s play is
12 MUSIC Classically Kate Bush, Cambridge Corn Exchange A live band and an 18-piece orchestra will bring to life hits such as Cloudbusting , Babooshka , Hounds of Love , Wuthering Heights and Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God). 16 THEATRE Feb Six The Musical, Arts Theatre Cambridge From Tudor queens to pop princesses, Henry VIII’s six wives take to the mics to tell their tales, remixing 500 years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st-century girl power. Running until 27 February. Dec
brought to life in a funny, fast-paced and accessible way in this 60-minute, bite-sized retelling. 23 WORKSHOP Nature Journaling with Sharon Williamson, Paxton Pits Education Centre Cultivate curiosity and broaden your observational skills as you learn how to start and keep a nature journal in this outdoor workshop for adults, with tips on drawing, writing and recording information.
27 Nov
25 MUSIC
Britten Sinfonia’s Surround Sound Playlist, Peterborough Cathedral This sell-out immersive floor with cushions and blankets to experience world-class musicians perform all around them, from multiple stages. 27 COMEDY classical concert has audiences lie on the Jordan Brookes: The Part Of You That’s Always Screaming, Cambridge Junction Jordan returns with a genre-defying new show inspired by a shocking incident on a train.
25 MUSIC Olly Murs,
19 MUSIC Hugh Cornwell, Cambridge Junction As lead singer and songwriter of The Stranglers during their golden period, Hugh Cornwell was responsible for the band’s most memorable songs. His final solo acoustic tour offers an evening of songs, stories and a Q&A session.
21 TALK The Centenary of
June
MUSIC Fatma Said and
Joseph Middleton, Pembroke College Celebrated for her radiant voice and gift for storytelling, soprano Fatma Said joins pianist Joseph Middleton for a programme spanning Schumann’s Dichterliebe , de Falla’s Seven Popular Spanish Songs and music from her Egyptian heritage in this 3pm Bliss Song Series concert.
Newmarket Racecourses Returning to
the National Garden Scheme, The William Collyn Centre, Girton Plant Heritage’s Cambridge group welcomes George Plumptre, garden writer and former CEO of the National Garden Scheme, to deliver the 2026 Max Walters Memorial Lecture.
Newmarket Nights after headlining in 2023, Olly Murs has joined the line-up for this much-loved summer music series,
with Simply Red also announced for 21 August.
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IN THE LOOP The latest updates from Cambridgeshire’s cultural scene
WINTER WARMERS Sparkling stories to see you through the darker months
SILVER SCREEN Film releases and retrospectives ready to entertain
Jazz moods
Taking place 12-23 November, the 12th edition of the Cambridge Jazz Festival will present more than 40 events across two weeks, turning venues throughout Cambridge and the surrounding area into stages for international stars, acclaimed British musicians, adventurous new voices and the city’s own thriving jazz community. Leading this year’s programme is a remarkable line-up of internationally acclaimed artists, including soulful singer Lizz Wright, cellist Shirley Smart and saxophonists Art Themen (pictured), Andy Sheppard, Jean Toussaint and Josephine Davies, as well as Cambridge favourites The Brass Funkeys. cambridgejazzfestival.info
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CULTURE EDITION
CAMBRIDGE LITERARY FESTIVAL REVEALS ITS WINTER OFFERING This November, the Cambridge Literary
Festival returns to present a packed programme of events over two days and in two venues. As this National Year of Reading draws to a close, the Winter Festival will host a conversation between two former children’s laureates, Frank Cottrell-Boyce and Michael Morpurgo (below right), whose lives have been devoted to the development of children’s reading. Also present are Emily Wilson (far right), whose translation of The Odyssey was credited by Christopher Nolan as his inspiration for the recent film; Hermione Lee, who delves into the life of Booker Prize-winning novelist Anita Brookner; literary critic and cultural historian Jonathan Bate sharing his major new history, The Garden ; and Mark Cocker and debut writer Cathy Haynes, who will discuss the wonders of the natural world. International affairs will be represented by Ukrainian writers Andrey Kurkov and Sasha Dovzhyk and human rights journalist Zahra Joya (above right), now living in exile in London after being airlifted out of Kabul in 2021. Laura Kuenssberg zeroes in on the UK and calls on us all to Pay Attention in her latest book, examining the forces and personalities that have brought us where the country is today – and where we might be heading. Meanwhile, novelists including Elif Shafak, Patrick Gale, AK Blakemore and Lynda La Plante will
share their anticipated books. Find out more and book tickets at cambridgeliteraryfestival.com
Nightingale Art Fair returns to Cambridge The Nightingale Art Fair is
Artists include Susan Abbs, Ali Roberts, Annelies Macintosh, Carol Gregory, Diane Firth (whose dog portrait is pictured), John Hodges, Melissa Lhoirit, Monica Alikoviene, Neil Payne, Sue Kenwrick, Sue Law and Vandy Massey. Plus there’s live music from mezzo-soprano Rachel Coombs, a tombola with art prizes and a cafe.
back for its third year, bringing together local artists, original art, live music, homemade cakes and community spirit. Free to enter, and taking place on 29 November from 11am to 4pm at Nightingale Pavilion, Nightingale Avenue, Cambridge, there’ll be original paintings, prints, ceramics, jewellery, textiles and sculpture to browse and buy.
The latest from the cultural scene in Cambridge
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CULTURE EDITION
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 1 NOVEMBER Harsh Land, Distant Sky Showing as part of the Cambridge Film Festival is this Kurdish feature film directed by Hawraz Mohammed. It follows Harun, a Kurdish freedom fighter haunted by trauma. In search of relief, he is drawn first towards sacred Yarsan music, then towards Maryam, a traditional Kurdish tattooist living in a remote village in the Triangle of Borders region, where Iraq, Iran and Turkey meet. cambridgefilmfestival.org.uk 7 NOVEMBER Scarlatti: Stabat Mater New Cambridge Singers perform works by Domenico Scarlatti and the music of 17th-century Rome, with James Potter conducting, Simon Hogan on organ and Jonatan Bougt playing a theorbo at the Church of Our Lady & the English Martyrs on Hills Road. Their chosen charity partner for the year is the Caring Together Charity. ticketsource.co.uk/ new-cambridge-singers Multi-platinum vocal harmony group The Overtones (who are coincidentally also celebrating their 15th anniversary!) will perform their Jivin’ Home for Christmas show at Peterborough’s New Theatre. Packed with timeless classics, brand-new songs and a feel-good energy, it’s a perfect start to the season. newtheatre-peterborough.com 8 NOVEMBER The Overtones
Our city, captured on camera Open Walls Photography is bringing its second Cambridge In Cambridge: Gowns, Water & Stone , José turns his camera towards the colleges, architecture,
exhibition to Norfolk Street Bakery. Founded by local
river and punting scenes that make Cambridge recognisable. But he is equally interested in the moments between the landmarks: a person passing through a shaft of light; a reflection in a window. His photographs invite visitors to slow down and look again at the city around them.
photographer José Richart, the project connects photographers with venues across the city, giving printed photography a place in the spaces people visit every day. Its first exhibition, located at St John’s Innovation Centre, had featured the work of eight Cambridge photographers. This new exhibition focuses on José’s own view of the city.
The exhibition opens on 7 November. Find out more at openwallsphotography.com
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CULTURE EDITION
LOCAL LITERATURE
Journey to the East NICK CODRINGTON
Fresh out of Cambridge University, Nick Codrington and Lobby Gribble set off to cycle 17,000km unsupported across 21 countries, raising money for Prostate Cancer UK. These were ordinary young men, rather than professional adventurers, and this memoir offers an accessible and honest perspective of their inspirational journey, setting off from Cambridge.
Bear’s First Christmas ROXANA AND SHELBY DE ROND
Acclaimed Scottish comedian heads to Cambridge Coming to Cambridge as part of his UK and Ireland tour, comedian Larry Dean brings us a riotous new show about refusing to grow up. This three-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee for best show has also been named by The Telegraph as one of the 50 best comedians of the 21st century. His appearances include Saturday Night Live UK , Live at the Apollo , QI and The Royal Variety Performance . Larry Dean: Hellbent takes place at Cambridge Junction on 17 November. Visit junction.co.uk
Bear can’t wait to celebrate Christmas with his forest friends this year. There’s just one problem: he hibernates through the winter! Bursting with humour, charm and the magic of friendship at Christmas, this cosy modern classic for children aged three-plus is created by a Cambridge-based mother-daughter duo.
The Royal Maid Finds Love ANNIE SEYMOUR
The second in a two-book series by local author Annie Seymour, following on from Secrets of the Royal Maid published in April, this new title continues the true story of Rosa Edwards, a poor pit miner’s daughter who became a royal maid during WWII having spotted a job advert in a Merthyr shop window.
SPOOKY SEASON CONTINUES AT THE ARTS THEATRE From best-selling novel to hit Netflix series, The Haunting of Hill House takes to the stage at the Arts Theatre Cambridge this month in a gripping production that blurs the line between heart-thumping suspense and the supernatural. When a group of daring investigators take on the mystery of Hill House, curiosity quickly descends into fear. Experiments plunge into darkness. Strange disturbances ripple through twisting corridors. As the house tightens its grip, it will leave you on the edge of your seat… and questioning what is real long after the curtain falls! This stage version of Shirley Jackson’s story, adapted by Olivier and Bafta award-winning writer Stef Smith, stars Jasper Britton as Dr Montague, Jemma Churchill as Mrs Montague, Sian Howard as Mrs Dudley, Sophie Lenglinger as Theo, Robin Morrissey as Luke and Clancy Ryan as Eleanor. Showing from 17 to 21 November, find out more and get tickets at artstheatre.co.uk
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CULTURE EDITION
CAMBRIDGE ARTSPACE TO HOST WITTY INK EXHIBITION Opening on 27 November is ‘I’m not being funny, but…’ , an irreverent solo exhibition by Dr Ink, aka printmaker Al Smyth, at Cambridge Artspace. Dr Ink, unsurprisingly, works with ink and uses it in the tradition of the famous, satirical 18th- century printmakers Hogarth, Gilray and Rowlandson to make sharp observations about people, power and politics in the 21st century that pack a real visual punch. Expect to be challenged, charmed and made to think by the work on display in this radical (but funny) collection of linocuts,
screenprints, posters, etchings and drawings that Dr Ink has put together for you to enjoy, or even buy, in the run-up to Christmas. Visit the exhibition at Cambridge Artspace from 28 to 29 November, 11am to 5pm, with a preview party for the public (drinks and nibbles included) on 27 November from 6pm to 8.30pm. Find out more at cambridgeartworks. com/artspace
COFFEE, COLOUR AND CROWS! What do coffee, Cambridge and crows have in common? This November, they come together as artist Judy Logan brings her vibrant solo exhibition, The Mighty Crow , to Hot Numbers Gwydir Street Gallery. A lifelong fascination with these intelligent, adaptable and often misunderstood birds has inspired Judy to make the crow a central character in her work. Her new exhibition brings together colourful, expressive paintings alongside a collection of limited-edition etchings. Judy’s paintings are full of colour, texture and light, capturing the character, energy and spirit of the crow. Her etchings, predominantly black and white, have a quieter, more atmospheric quality. Together, the works explore mystery, instinct, transformation and our enduring connection with the natural world. “I use the crow as both subject and symbol. They are intelligent, endlessly adaptable and surprisingly entertaining. For me, they offer a way of exploring things that are sometimes difficult to express through a human face,” said Judy, who lives and works in Cambridge and has exhibited widely in both solo and group exhibitions, including at the Royal Academy of Arts. The Mighty Crow runs from 3 November to 14 December at Hot Numbers Gwydir Street
Full programme revealed for new arts festival The full programme has been announced for the Cambridge Festival of Islamic Arts, a new ten-day celebration of Islamic art and culture taking place across the city on 19-29 November, with more than 60 events now open for booking. Organised by Cambridge University performance by the Mevlevi order. The festival will also feature a spoken-word performance by award-winning British Muslim poet Rakaya Fetuga. There will also be lectures by Peter Sanders, one of the most widely recognised photographers of Islamic spiritual life, Dr Timothy Winter (Shaykh Abdul Hakim
Rising star Congratulations to Cambridge- based publisher Emersive Books (known for its What a Year to Be Born range of birth-year gift books), which has been named one of the top three finalists in the Rising Star category at the Not on the High Street Small Brand Awards, only four months after joining the online marketplace!
students and volunteers under the theme ‘Fostering Friendship Through Beauty’, the festival marks 50 years since Queen Elizabeth II opened the World of Islam Festival in London in 1976. The Cambridge festival aims to bring the same spirit to a new generation with exhibitions, hands-on workshops, seminars and live performances hosted across Cambridge’s diverse venues. Among the programme highlights is a Sema ceremony, the ritual whirling
Murad), lecturer in Islamic studies at the university and founder of Cambridge Muslim College, and author Diana Darke. Events will be hosted at venues across Cambridge, including colleges, museums and cultural sites. Most events are free with pre-registration while concerts are ticketed, with concessionary rates. Full programme details and registration are available now at cfia.co.uk
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CULTURE EDITION
GIGS NOT TO MISS 14 NOVEMBER Republica Britpop trailblazers Republica are marking 30 years since their self-titled debut album and mega hit Ready to Go with a major UK tour this autumn, including a show this month at Mash. Hear Amy’s original band, who were with her from the very start throughout her meteoric rise, as they celebrate the 20th anniversary of her defining album, Back to Black . They’ll be playing the album in full, along with other classic hits, at Cambridge Corn Exchange. cornex.co.uk 30 NOVEMBER Shed Seven Returning with their iconic winter tour, Shedcember X , Shed Seven will deliver a career-spanning set at Cambridge Corn Exchange packed with anthems including Going for Gold , Chasing Rainbows , Disco Down , On Standby and Talk of the Town . Plus special guests Irish indie band The Academic. cornex.co.uk mashcambridge.com 29 NOVEMBER The Amy Winehouse Band
GLENN BROWN The Holy Bible , 2022. Acrylic on panel, 198x123.4x2.2cm © Glenn Brown
CREATIVE INSPIRATION IN SUFFOLK Three fascinating exhibitions open at Gainsborough’s House in Sudbury on 8 November, running until 18 April. A major exhibition of paintings by the UK in more than 30 years dedicated to the artist’s (1921-2003) wood engravings. It will feature 20+ wood engravings showcasing the exquisite detail that has secured her place
as one of the leading practitioners of the medium in the interwar and post-war years. Last but not least, Georg Wilson (born 1998) will present paintings inspired by the Gainsborough’s House collection and the history and folklore of the landscape in Georg Wilson: The Ancient Pulse of Germ and Birth . Wilson’s practice follows the changing seasons, incorporating the seasonal flora and fauna of the English countryside. Find out more about these exhibitions and Gainsborough’s House at gainsborough.org
internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Glenn Brown CBE (born 1966), Anatomy of Trees will be the largest UK museum display of his work for more than ten years. It will include around 14 paintings and 20 drawings made over the past decade, with key works such as Bikini , Doggerland and The Holy Bible . It will also include his most recent works, Living in the Sun and Saint Bimbo . Monica Poole: Nature’s Dark Beauty is the first monographic exhibition in the
Calling all jewellery lovers! A curated showcase of contemporary jewellery, Present 2026 will this month
design to whimsical and conventional everyday wear and ancestral heirlooms. Pop along to enjoy the celebration of craftsmanship, admire these miniature works of art, do some Christmas shopping – and maybe even take a piece home with you. The exhibition takes place on 28 November at St Peter’s Church, Castle Hill, which is next door to Kettle’s Yard
bring together eight independent designers, each with a distinctive style and approach to making. The Makers’ Collective exhibition will explore the beauty of precious metals and gemstones using traditional silversmithing skills, with an array of works to enjoy, from bold, sculptural and organic forms with considered
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LITERATURE
November Book Club Charlotte Griffiths cosies up with this compelling new collection of winter warmers
Solace in Winter MARY LAWSON In the isolated town of Solace, nestled deep in the Canadian North,
value of human connection, lives intrinsically woven together like the tapestry work by Jack’s wife that adorns the walls of his cabin. This is a majestic piece of work – a perfect self-contained domestic drama that plays out over a winter, but unlike the snowdrifts that keep the small cast in place, their story will never melt from your memory. Lawson’s effortless skill at conveying the emotions and thoughts of her characters is so masterful that you almost forget you’re reading a novel. This newest work is a continuation of Lawson’s Solace series but doesn’t require reading of the others to enjoy, though if your to-read pile is tottering, be warned:
getting through the long winter requires supplies, planning and a great deal of fortitude. It’s 1969: photographer Jack Gallagher lost his artist wife the year before and has been on his own since, much to the concern of the small community – so when Jack discovers an injured dog, a vet seizes on the chance to bring companionship to the widower’s cabin. Just as soon as the dog has settled in and Jack grows accustomed to her presence, the household gains another occupant. A young American draft-dodger has wrecked his car during his escape across the border into Canada and also requires lengthy rehabilitation, supported by the town’s nurse. Two accidents, two new faces and a beautiful lesson in the
you will absolutely find yourself seeking out her other books, all set in the same captivating region of Northern Ontario. A majestic piece of work, a perfect self-contained domestic drama that plays out over a winter
Snow Birds ROISIN MAGUIRE
Grace made her debut in Night Swimmers , Maguire’s first novel, which captivated so many readers and critics alike, and those who loved that book will be thrilled by the reappearance of the key players and another chance to spend time in this enchanting setting. Night Swimmers dealt with the enforced proximity of lockdown, whereas Snow Birds finds the joy in unexpected connection and what can happen when Grace looks deeper than the Duckie Divers’ goose-pimpled skin to learn the stories that have brought the women together and into the icy waters of the Irish Sea. Perhaps by working together, they can save the terns’ beach – and maybe even themselves. Ideal reading with hot tea after a chilly winter dip in the lido.
Grace Kielty is annoyed. Her quiet, rural life in the village of Ballybrady has been disrupted by dryrobe-wearing out-of-towners, who have formed the Duckie Divers Swimming Club and crashed her secret beach for gleeful, shrieking cold dips and wild swimming sessions. The seabirds that Grace so adores – the roseate terns, named for their pink feathers in breeding season – are under threat from a developer who is planning to sell the birds’ section of shoreline off for shellfish harvesting. And the village shop has become a tearoom for all the visitors. Grace does not enjoy change, yet, as we all know, change is inevitable: the only control you have is how you react to it. Will you accept it – or fight back where you can?
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LITERATURE
Cold AS BYATT
First published as part of AS Byatt’s 1998 collection of short stories, Elementals: Stories of Fire and Ice , Cold is getting a deserved solo turn in the spotlight in this new, beautiful, standalone edition with a guest afterword by the brilliant RF Kuang. Cold tells the story of delicate Princess Fiammarosa, who leads a safe and protected life in her family’s castle, until the winter when she comes of age and discovers that the long-feared ice and snow actually sustains and breathes new life into her. The prospect of marriage is raised: her family hopes she will marry into the frozen North, but her head is turned by gifts from a prince of the warm Southern regions, where the ice woman will struggle to survive. How can the two be together – and at what cost to Fiammarosa? An exquisite jewel of a fairy story that shouldn’t be dismissed as for children: to paraphrase Katherine Rundell, it should be read by all, even those who are ‘so old and wise’. Though the themes are as old as they come, as Kuang observes in the afterword, reading it may reveal something new if it’s at the right point in your life. To quote AS Byatt herself: “You can understand a lot about yourself by working out which fairytale you use to present your world to yourself in.” This edition would make a meaningful gift for younger women, or those trying to rediscover themselves in the new year.
FROZEN FANCIES Byatt’s short story is a fairytale, originally published in 1998, that follows a princess who falls for a seemingly unsuitable prince
Not-so-new novels and memoirs that tell timeless tales CLASSIC WINTER READS
The Woods in Winter STELLA GIBBONS
A Woman in the Polar Night
Snow Country YASUNARI KAWABATA
CHRISTIANE RITTER
A tale of beauty and hopeless love, delicately and sparsely translated from the original Japanese. Shimamura leaves the city to visit Komako, the geisha he loves, who is trapped by expectation. Can the two ever truly be together? Dream-like fiction to float away into: perfect for an icy winter’s day.
Unforgettable, chilly, classic non-fiction about Christiane’s 1933 winter in Svalbard with her fur-trapper husband. Stunning nature writing with sound advice for surviving a harsh winter, including the maxim of always taking a daily walk, even if just around the floor of one’s snow-bound cabin…
A pointer not just to this title, where the brilliantly solitary Ivy Glover knows what she wants and goes out to get it, but to Dean Street Press’ entire Furrowed Middlebrow imprint, sharing the best women’s fiction from the 20th century. Look out for #DeanStreetDecember26!
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SCREEN TIME
LOCAL CINEMAS Arts Picturehouse picturehouses.com Everyman everymancinema.com The Light cambridge.thelight.co.uk
Wild Horse Nine 6 November
Starring John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell and Steve Buscemi, and set against a real historical backdrop in 1973 Chile, this dark comedy sees CIA agents Chris and Lee embark on a trust-testing mission from Santiago to Easter Island.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping 20 November Serving as both a sequel to The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023) and a prequel to The Hunger Games (2012), we revisit the world of Panem on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
Ebenezer 13 November
Johnny Depp’s latest project sees him take on the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge in a dark, gothic, fantasy retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol . Rupert Grint, Ian McKellen and Andrea Riseborough are also among the cast.
Hexed 27 November
Movie magic not to miss this month
This magical coming-of-age saga follows an unconventional teenage girl who discovers secret magical abilities that, once unleashed, hurtle her into a spectacle-filled journey through a hidden realm of witches.
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SCREEN TIME
PICTUREHOUSE PICKS Cambridge Arts Picturehouse duty manager and events coordinator Chloe Kelly looks forward to more stars of the screen this month T his November we are lucky to be collaborating with the Cambridge University Italian Society to kickstart an Italian retrospective season.
Dr Luca Peretti, lecturer in Italian cinema and cultural history at Cambridge University, brought forth a one-of-a-kind collaboration back in March to celebrate the work of the late Bernardo Bertolucci and his longtime producer-in-crime Jeremy Thomas, who joined us in person to discuss their film The Dreamers (2003). This time around, we will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of The Battle of Algiers (1966), directed by Italian neorealist master Gillo Pontecorvo. Pontecorvo began documenting local factory workers’ activism with his first film, Giovanna (1955). Blurring the lines between reality and fiction, The Battle of Algiers has stirred audiences and critics since its release, immersively depicting the Algerian resistance against the French occupation during the late 1950s. The Battle of Algiers suffered many obstacles in its distribution run, as the title was officially banned in France for three months and would remain unscreened there for five years. Screenings came with pre-warnings to alert audiences that this was not ‘newsreel’, and there was an ever-present fear around its revolutionary power, with Pontecorvo even using real-life veterans in his cast. You can find out more about the history and significance of this film at the screening on 5 November, which will include an in-person introduction by Peretti before the feature begins. There are two other titles that I am personally excited for this November, La bola negra from directing duo Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi (known as Los Javis) and Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother , directed by Bassam Tariq. La bola negra , opening 6 November, draws inspiration from the unfinished play by Federico García Lorca. Intertwining the tragedy of the Spanish Civil War with the history of homophobic persecution, this film follows three stories from three different timeframes. Learning from the best, Los Javis carry the torch from Spain’s beloved director and
screenwriter Pedro Almodóvar, who has also been credited as a producer. In fact, La bola negra is speculated to be an Academy Award best picture nominee, a category known for its rare exposure to and accreditation for international and non-English titles. The only international film to have won best picture is Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite (2019), so this has, naturally, raised excitement for modern audiences. Then, opening on 20 November, Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother follows an assassin and father of three (Mahershala Ali) whose life is turned upside down when his wife dies. Influenced by the Islamic hadith in which Prophet Muhammad responds thrice that ‘your mother’ is the most deserving of honour, this film is an action-packed odyssey of a man’s testament to faith and fatherhood. Look out for cinematographer Katelin Arizmendi’s electric frames and, for those who loved Everything Everywhere All at Once , Son Lux are the composers of the original score for this desolate drama.
WAR PATH The Battle of Algiers (top), La bola negra (middle) and Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother (bottom) are eye-catchers
La bola negra is speculated to be an Academy Award best picture nominee
Visit picturehouses.com/arts for the full programme, special screenings and events
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FESTIVE EVENTS
BRIGHT LIGHTS
From Bonfire Night fireworks and winter illuminations to Christmas cheer, the region has plenty of festive fun to offer over the coming months
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FESTIVE EVENTS
FAMILY 5 November FIREWORKS NIGHT Midsummer Common, Cambridge One of Cambridge’s longest-running community traditions, the climax of this free, unticketed event is a spectacular fireworks display provided by 100% carbon-neutral Pains Fireworks, which begins at 7pm. From 6pm there will also be food vendors, a live DJ and from 6.15pm walkabout entertainment including Ghost Caribou by Thingumajig Theatre – two giant, illuminated caribou puppets that will parade through Midsummer Common before coming together for a performance featuring folk dance and shadow puppetry – and the ethereal, stilt-walking jellyfish of Sashimi by The Vortexes. camcityevents.co.uk
SHOPPING 14 November CURATED BY
HAND’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FAIR The Great Hall, Homerton College, Cambridge
MUSIC 13 November TONY HADLEY: THE CHRISTMAS BIG BAND TOUR Cambridge Corn Exchange Tony returns to the stage for a night of glamour and festive cheer, performing timeless jazz standards, swing favourites and 1980s anthems. Expect classics from legendary artists including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Elvis Presley, alongside his big band versions of True , Gold and Through the Barricades . cornex.co.uk
Curated by Hand’s third annual Christmas Fair will offer visitors the opportunity to source stunning original gifts, including one-off and limited-edition pieces from handpicked independent designers and makers renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and design – while also supporting CAMFED (Campaign for Female Education). The wide range of stalls will cover stationery, home interiors, textiles, jewellery, knitwear, leather accessories, basketry and more. Find out more via Instagram: @curatedbyhand_cambridge
FAMILY 10 November – 23 December THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Fakenham, Norfolk An award-winning extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and speciality acts, the Thursford Christmas Spectacular is well worth the journey over to Norfolk. This is its 49th year, with new routines, acts, costumes and a cast of more than 120 performers gracing the 130ft stage. With fun for all the family, you can also follow the outdoor Enchanted Journey of Light illuminated trail and indoor Santa’s Magical Journey to meet the man himself. thursford.com
FAMILY 13 November – 3 January CHRISTMAS IN CAMBRIDGE Parker’s Piece, Cambridge
Get into the festive spirit with a family day out at this returning attraction, where you can skate on an open-air ice rink, take in the views from the big wheel, challenge friends on the curling lanes, soak up the après-ski atmosphere in the Alpine Lodge and enjoy dodgems, traditional games, visits from Santa, live entertainment, a Christmas market, street food and winter warmers. christmasincambridge.co.uk
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