The February issue of Cambridge Edition is one for the lovers! Inside you'll find a host of things to see and do this month, whether for self-care days or time spent with your nearest and dearest, plus a bumper crop of good news stories from across the region and a reminder to show some love to your favourite local businesses with this year’s People’s Choice Awards. Of course, there’s also plenty of Valentine’s-themed content, from romantic reads to date night suggestions, and from 2026 wedding trends (and the local experts who can help you achieve them) to homewares in shades of passion.
FEBRUARY 2026 FREE
LOCAL LIVING DONE WELL
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Support your favourite local businesses in this year’s awards! WHO GETS YOUR VOTE?
SEE PAGE 64
WHERE TO SHARE A ROMANTIC MEAL WITH YOUR SOULMATE DURING VALENTINE’S MONTH for love in the mood
TYING THE KNOT Need-to-know wedding trends for this year’s happy couples
ORCHID OBSESSIONS The bewitching beauty of the largest plant family in the world
WHERE THE HEART IS Heartfelt homewares in shades and patterns of passion
WELCOME
LOVE IS IN THE AIR Here we are in Valentine’s month. And whether you see it as a piece of tacky commercialism or a great excuse for some ring-fenced romance time (heart- shaped deely boppers optional), it is a lovely sentiment that’s more in need of celebration than ever. Over here at Cambridge Edition , we’re
EDITORIAL Editor Louise Hoffman 01223 492249
louisehoffman@bright.uk.com Editorial director Nicola Foley 01223 499459 nicolafoley@bright.uk.com Chief sub editor Matthew Winney Junior sub editors Tabitha John & Kezia Kurtz ADVERTISING Sales director Sam Scott-Smith 07875 711967 samscott-smith@bright.uk.com Ad manager Maria Francis 01223 492240 mariafrancis@bright.uk.com CONTRIBUTORS Miriam Balanescu, Charlotte Griffiths, Sally Petitt, Esther Sánchez & Dave Wedderburn DESIGN & PRODUCTION Design director Andy Jennings Magazine design manager Lucy Woolcomb Junior designer & ad production Holly May MANAGING DIRECTOR Andy Brogden TYPEFACE Nyght Serif / Maksym Kobuzan from Tunera Type Foundry
embracing it wholeheartedly with a special, love-themed issue. Charlotte Griffiths eyes up the romance genre, reviewing a variety of love stories for this month’s Book Club, including one by a local author (page 32); Esther Sánchez whips up some ravishing red velvet cookies that are sure to tempt readers (page 40); and Edition Loves is a riot of heart motifs and homewares in shades of passion (page 79). If you’re looking for date inspiration, our Agenda and Culture News pages are full of events, music, comedy, theatre and talks all taking place this month. Plus, our cover story for February will take you on a delicious tour of the Valentine’s menus some of the city’s finest eateries have in store for February’s loved-up foodies – head over to page 8. Wishing you all a heartwarming month filled with friendship, romance, family and expressions of love
Meanwhile, our special wedding feature is packed with helpful advice for the many couples who celebrated an engagement over the Christmas and New Year holidays (our very own sub editor Tabitha among them!) – as well as those who will no doubt be joining them during this month of love. Turn to page 42 to discover 2026’s wedding trends and some of the local experts who can help you achieve them. Don’t forget, too, that the deadline for the 2026 Cambridge Edition People’s Choice Awards is on the horizon – voting closes on 2 March. So, as well as celebrating with your nearest and dearest this February, why not show your favourite local businesses some love? We have a reminder of the awards categories and their shortlists on page 64, along with instructions on how to vote. It’s quick and easy to take part. Wishing you all a heartwarming month filled with friendship, romance, family time and expressions of love.
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Cambridge Edition Magazine Bright Publishing Ltd, Bright House, 82 High Street, Sawston, Cambridgeshire CB22 3HJ, 01223 499450, cambsedition.co.uk • All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of the publishers. • Views expressed in the magazine aren’t necessarily those of Cambridge Edition or Bright Publishing Ltd, which do not accept any liability for loss or damage. • Every effort has been made to ensure all information is correct. Prices quoted were correct at time the magazine went to print. • Cambridge Edition is a free publication that is distributed in Cambridge and the surrounding area.
Illustration by Holly May, inspired by a photo from @euntkkim on Instagram
Louise Hoffman, editor
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ON THE COVER 8 / PASSIONS OF THE PALATE Get a taste for the culinary offerings on the table for your romantic Valentine’s Day date 42 / WEDDING BELLS Discover this year’s top wedding trends – and meet some of the local experts who are here to help you achieve your dreams during 2026 and beyond! 64 / PEOPLE’S CHOICE 2026 AWARDS A timely reminder of the nominees hoping for your vote in this year’s awards, as we celebrate local excellence in enterprise
72 / ORCHID OBSESSIONS Sally Petitt shares fascinating insights about the largest plant family in the world 79 / EDITION LOVES Hearts, flowers and shades of passion, perfect for this month of love CULTURE EDITION 18 / CULTURE NEWS Events, interviews and updates from Cambridge’s cultural scene 30 / FOLLOW THE TRAIL See new artworks and watch artists at work with the Cambridge Arts Festival’s brand-new Gallery Crawl
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REGULARS 6 / INSTACAMB Our favourite social media snaps of the month, capturing Cambridge at its finest 14 / THE AGENDA Spend some quality time with your nearest and dearest at a host of events, talks and comedy nights taking place in the region during February 50 / A CUP OF TEA WITH… Matt Wood of Cellini shares February jewellery trends, this year’s coveted wedding styles and, of course, his own story!
32 / BOOK CLUB Get in the mood for romance with these literary love stories, selected by Charlotte Griffiths 35 / SCREEN TIME A round-up of this month’s most-anticipated film releases FOOD EDITION 39 / FOOD NEWS The latest gastro goings-on around Cambridgeshire 40 / HOME COMFORTS For an indulgent treat, Esther Sánchez reveals the recipe for Oreo red velvet cookies
54 / NEXT STEPS In the second of this two-parter, experts guide us through the care home transition process 58 / LOCAL NEWS The latest awards, achievements, openings and opportunities in the area 67 / EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT Louise Wakefield of St Faith’s School shares news of a local collaboration for early years 82 / I ♥ CAMBRIDGE This month we meet Kenjo Ho, who relocated here for a clinical fellowship at Addenbrooke’s
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LOCAL LIFE
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VALENTINE’S DAY
This month, the city’s finest eateries are in the mood for love! Here’s just a slice of the culinary offering that awaits you for a deliciously romantic Valentine’s Day date…
On 13 and 14 February, Margaret’s is offering a limited-edition Valentine’s Day menu at £105 per person, with a glass of sparkling wine on arrival. The evening begins with a freshly baked sourdough baguette, followed by a roasted chicken and winter truffle soup. For mains, it has glazed halibut with blood orange, celeriac and hazelnut, before a barbecue sirloin of Yorkshire Longhorn beef. For a rich and indulgent finale, Tomlinson’s Yorkshire rhubarb sorbet leads into an Araguani 72% dark chocolate fondant. margaretscambridge.co.uk 2. MARGARET’S 18 Chesterton Road, Cambridge
1. GONVILLE HOTEL Gonville Place, Cambridge
Here, the hotel’s Gonville Kitchen restaurant is laying on a special three-course dinner specially for Valentine’s Day. Prepared and presented with serious attention to detail, the dinner is designed to be enjoyed together – and it’s perfectly paired with a glass of Chapel Down Brut and a red rose on arrival. Available on 13 and 14 February, it’s priced at £69 per person. For a daytime treat, there’s a Valentine’s Day afternoon tea available from 13 to 15 February – and to extend the celebrations, a special overnight package in the hotel! gonvillehotel.co.uk
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VALENTINE’S DAY
HEAD OVER HEELS Make this a Valentine’s Day to remember with lobster linguine or rib-eye steak and béarnaise sauce at Browns Brasserie & Bar (below)
3. THE VARSITY Thompson’s Lane, Cambridge
At The Varsity Hotel and Spa, you can enjoy an exclusive Valentine’s set menu amid panoramic views of Cambridge, from the comfort of a cosy pop-up igloo dome on the Roof Terrace! Back by popular demand, these domes really are a wonder to behold, encircled by the bright lights of the city with starry skies overhead. Beginning with a glass of fizz and an amuse bouche, the specially curated set menu is brought to your dome from the hotel’s Six Brasserie. Highlights include tempura prawns with ginger and soy sauce, 32oz tomahawk steak to share and hazelnut chocolate brownie with salted chocolate sauce and mascarpone. The Valentine’s set menu is priced at £78 per person, with igloo dome reservations subject to a hire charge. thevarsityhotel.co.uk
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4. BROWNS BRASSERIE & BAR 23 Trumpington Street, Cambridge For Valentine’s Day, Browns Brasserie & Bar promises a refined menu that celebrates elevated brasserie classics, generous sharing dishes and limited- edition cocktails like the Strawberry Kiss, which combines Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial champagne, St Germain elderflower liqueur and strawberry. Tuck into the Browns Seafood Sharing Platter, 10oz rib-eye steak with béarnaise and lobster linguine, among other choices. Or try a melt-in-the-mouth 16oz Chateaubriand (£8 supplement per person). To finish, there’s Bramley apple and rhubarb crumble and champagne sabayon, or a chocolate trio of millionaire’s chocolate fondant, dark chocolate torte and raspberry and white chocolate ice cream. Available from 7pm on 13 and 14 February, three courses are priced from £50 per person. browns-restaurants.co.uk
It’s an extra-special month of love for North Star Restaurant – having opened its doors in early summer 2025, this will be its first-ever Valentine’s Day dinner menu! In addition to extensive à la carte choices, this indie eatery will be offering a Valentine’s sharing menu (priced from £49 per person) that allows guests to choose between a classic Chateaubriand steak or sumptuous lobster seafood platter. The mains will be preceded by half a dozen Carlingford oysters to share, and followed by a cafe gourmand selection of sweet treats. With a cosy, romantic ambience and a cultured location opposite the Fitzwilliam Museum, it’s a great shout for an intimate celebration. northstarrestaurants.co.uk 5. NORTH STAR RESTAURANT 37 Trumpington Street, Cambridge
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Suited for a pre- or post-theatre meal, Cambridge Chop House will be serving both its à la carte menu and some specials for Valentine’s Day on 14 February. Guests can enjoy a sharing charcuterie board of cured, sliced meats, cheddar, sun- blushed tomatoes, olives, fig chutney and sourdough bread; a sharing 21oz rib cutlet with mixed leaf salad; grilled monkfish tail on the bone with bacon mash, garlic buttered Tenderstem broccoli and black garlic cream sauce. For dessert, a sharing pudding comprises fully loaded brownie, lemon posset with lemon drizzle cake and strawberries and cream shortbread. At time of writing tables were almost fully booked, so be quick! cambridgechophouse.co.uk 6. CAMBRIDGE CHOP HOUSE 1 King’s Parade, Cambridge
7. MIDSUMMER HOUSE Midsummer Common, Cambridge
Set in romantic surroundings beside the tranquil River Cam, Midsummer House is inviting guests to celebrate this Valentine’s with an elegant tasting experience curated by chef-patron Daniel Clifford. Showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients through refined technique and delicate creativity, each dish on the menu is designed to take diners on a journey of flavour, balance and beauty. The experience begins with a glass of Krug Grande Cuvée 170th Edition on arrival, and optional wine pairings will be available on the day. Availability is limited for both lunch and dinner on 13 and 14 February, so early reservations are recommended. midsummerhouse.co.uk
8. THE LODGE, DUXFORD Ickleton Road, Duxford
12 FEBRUARY 2026 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK A little out-of-town escape is just the ticket for a Valentine’s Day celebration – especially when the destination is a boutique hotel! The Lodge, Duxford is treating guests to an intimate evening with an exclusive Valentine’s menu on 13 and 14 February, featuring dishes created with seasonal ingredients (two courses £40, three courses £48). You can even make a night of it with the hotel’s full romance package. Priced from £350, enjoy the three-course Valentine’s dinner for two plus an overnight stay, bottle of champagne and handmade chocolates, with early check-in and late check-out for optimum indulgence! thelodgeduxford.co.uk
The Candlelight concert series will be bringing a Valentine’s Day Special to the Cambridge Union Society on 14 February, in which a string quartet will perform timeless love songs such as Unchained Melody , La Vie En Rose and My Heart Will Go On in an intimate candlelit setting. Find out more at feverup.com/m/531116 MAKE AN EVENING OF IT
THE AGENDA
3 THEATRE The Rivals, Arts
11 COURSE Exploring Mixed Media with Sandra Scott, Cambridge Junction Investigating mark making, collage, painting and printing using a range of media through ‘play’, expand your own skills using repetition, rhythm and pattern. Weekly until 25 March. 12 MUSIC Hera Hyesang Park and Joseph Middleton, Pembroke Auditorium Part of the Bliss Song Series, soprano Hera Hyesang Park joins world-renowned pianist Joseph Middleton for a richly varied recital that spans languages, cultures and centuries.
14 TALK Janina Ramirez,
20 Feb
Theatre Cambridge Robert Bathurst and Patricia Hodge star in this classic satire of love and language set in 1920s Bath: a town torn between tradition and the new age. Until 7 February. 4 MUSIC Spiers & Boden, Cambridge Junction Having been at the forefront of the English traditional folk scene for 25 years as a ground- breaking duo and as founding members of Bellowhead, Spiers & Boden bring their high- octane, no-nonsense acoustic folk music to the city.
Cambridge Junction Searching for the real women behind the legends, author and presenter Professor Janina Ramirez examines the ways in which history is so often hijacked to serve the ideological and political interests of the time. 16 FAMILY Pits Education Centre Get stuck into activities designed to help four to fourteen-year-olds discover more about the natural world around them. Booking essential; discount for Wildlife Trust BCN members. Also takes place on 18 and 20 February. 17 THEATRE Frogs, Toads and Tadpoles, Paxton Please Do Not Touch, Cambridge Junction | A show by China Plate and Belgrade Theatre that calls into question colonial legacy, contested heritage and how stories are told, while shining a light on the criminal justice system. Showing until 18 February. THEATRE The Great Gatsby, ADC Theatre Simon Levy’s stage play adaptation brings F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic story to life in a production that feels both immersive and
An array of events to enjoy in Cambridgeshire this month
19 COMEDY Emmanuel Sonubi, Cambridge Junction Life After Near Death is a personal yet hilariously sharp exploration of Emmanuel’s journey of recovery and resilience since suffering heart failure on stage, and the comedy found even in life’s darkest corners. 20 EXHIBITION Green Theme Exhibition, Cambridge Contemporary Art Six painters explore the depth, emotion and energy of green through subtle tonal studies and bold statements. Plus, ceramics by Ali Tomlin and other artists. Until 22 March.
quietly unsettling. Until 21 February.
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THE AGENDA
1 MUSIC Horrible Histories – The Concert Cambridge Corn Exchange For the very first time, Horrible Histories live (and dead!) on stage will feature both the hit TV songs and stars of the beloved CBBC series, a unique combination never before seen on tour. 21 EXHIBITION Thriplow Daffodil Weekend & Country country fair promises family entertainment, open gardens, stalls, music, a dog show, refreshments, tractor rides, Morris dancing and of course, plenty of daffodil displays! Until 22 March. 11 MUSIC Sep Fair, Thriplow This traditional Abbots Ripton estate One of the UK’s most established wellness festivals brings live music, creativity, food, nature-led experiences and more to our county for the first time! Until 13 September. The Big Retreat Cambridgeshire Mar Mar
25 BOOKS
Harriet Tyce, Waterstones Cambridge
This Sunday Times - bestselling author discusses her new novel, Witch Trial –
an extraordinary thriller that follows two teenage girls and a murdered classmate for a modern-
day witch trial that divides the nation.
23 TALK Michael Portillo, Cambridge Corn Exchange Secretary of State.
MUSIC Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective, Saffron Hall Saffron Hall favourites Tom Poster and Elena Urioste are at the centre of this all-star collective, showcasing the riches of the chamber music repertoire. Expect music from central Europe, the US and two rarely heard composers.
COMEDY Jessica Fostekew, Cambridge Junction Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Jessica Fostekew arrives in Cambridge as part of a national live tour with her new show Iconic Breath , in which she wrestles with how to stay sane (and vaguely nice) in a world that’s on fire.
MUSIC Mogwai , Cambridge Corn Exchange Scottish rock band Mogwai perform songs from their 30 year- spanning discography, including their 11th studio album The Bad Fire , released in early 2025 to critical acclaim. Plus support from Forest Swords.
Traveller. TV star. In A Life of Two Halves , Michael Portillo shares funny and poignant stories from his rich and varied life.
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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Novi Novi has recently launched a new and exciting brunch menu! For an easygoing, Antipodean-influenced brunch focused on fresh, high-quality ingredients, Novi has you covered. Its creative, colourful dishes range from wholesome and nutritious to decadent and indulgent! Think buckwheat waffles, to-die-for benedicts and breakfast burritos and a variety of other options. Made entirely in house, using seasonal produce and high-welfare meat from local farms. Definitely worth checking out next time you’re in town! Novi even does half-price bloody marys on
Sundays to finish the weekend in style. novicambridge.co.uk | @novicambridge mail@novicambridge.co.uk
Mantle Space Mantle Space offers flexible office workspace solutions in eight dynamic centres at strategic locations including Cambridge, Abingdon, Stansted, Chelmsford and Stevenage. Catering to diverse business needs, we provide modern, fully serviced offices, co-working opportunities and meeting rooms designed to foster productivity and collaboration. Businesses benefit from high-speed internet, state-of-the-art facilities and a range of support services to help companies thrive. Mantle Space accommodates start-ups, growing companies and remote teams, offering both short- and long-term leases. It’s a vibrant business community. mantlespace.co.uk
ON THE PULSE News, views and an exclusive H is for Hawk interview
STRAIGHT TO THE ART Follow Cambridge Arts Festival’s evening Gallery Crawl
ROMANTIC READS Spice up your bedtime reading for the month of love
Nights at the museums
From 16 to 21 February, the wonders of our local museums can once again be explored after hours, thanks to the Twilight at the Museums event – which is now in its 20th year! Museums across the city will be opening their doors and turning the lights down low for fun-filled evenings of torchlit trails, hands-on activities, crafts, storytelling and more. Organised by the University of Cambridge Museums, all events are free or low cost. See the full programme at museums.cam.ac.uk/theme/twilight
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MUSICAL MAGIC FROM THE AYOUB SISTERS Acclaimed Scottish-Egyptian instrumentalists and composers The Ayoub Sisters will be appearing at Cambridge Junction on 11 February, as part of a UK tour celebrating their ten-year anniversary. Defying genre boundaries and drawing from both their deep knowledge of western classical music and solid grounding in the music of the Arabic world, their performance as a quartet with virtuoso guitarist Giulio Romano Malaisi and accomplished drummer Daniele Antenucci will transport audiences through a rich tapestry of sounds, showcasing the duo’s journey and honouring their cultural and musical heritage. Their debut album soared to number one on the Official Classical Artist Albums Chart, while their second album, Arabesque , reached number one in the iTunes Charts. Find out more and book tickets at junction.co.uk
A new seven-week exhibition at the Cambridge Corn Exchange will highlight the iconic venue’s rich and surprising history and pivotal role in city life, in commemoration of its 150th anniversary. From 17 February to 4 April in the venue’s foyer, A Stage in Time: Celebrating 150 Years of the Corn Exchange will present a uniquely fascinating collection of images, artefacts, memories and culturally historic details – some accessible to the public for the very first time – that have been pieced together by heritage experts and volunteers. Find out why the venue’s roof was originally glass and what images are hidden in the shadows of the rafters. Discover the city’s alternative wing to the Suffragette movement, which changed the lives of women forever. Imagine the challenge of providing a Coronation Tea for 1,000. Trace the beginning of ‘leisure time’ and the extraordinary entertainment provided by the Corn Exchange in recent decades. A range of events will also span the seven weeks, including evening openings, Delve into the archives at the Corn Exchange
tours and special ‘quiet hours’. Find out more at cornex.co.uk
Kimbolton Castle joins nationwide celebration of architect’s work Kimbolton Castle, located in the grounds of Kimbolton School in Cambridgeshire, is one of six historic properties to be showcased in the Vanbrugh 300 programme during 2026 – a nationwide celebration marking the tercentenary of Sir John Vanbrugh, the architect behind some of Britain’s most iconic buildings. Vanbrugh 300 will feature activities, exhibitions, events and lectures at six of Vanbrugh’s most significant masterpieces: Kimbolton Castle, Castle Howard in Yorkshire, Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland, Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire and Stowe House in Buckinghamshire. As part of the anniversary, more than 100 state primary school classes from across the UK are invited to take part in a full package of free learning activities, focused around Vanbrugh’s work. Will Chuter, headteacher at Kimbolton School, said: “This initiative will not only showcase the castle’s significance, but will also welcome schools and communities from across the region to engage with our shared heritage.” For more information, or to book a free school place on the Vanbrugh 300 schools programme, visit vanbrugh300.co.uk
The latest from the cultural scene in Cambridge
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CULTURE EDITION
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
FAMILY Community Open Day
This free event on 16 February invites families to find out about the Corn Exchange’s vibrant history… and get creative! The day promises a wide range of free children’s activities, music and unique experiences, including dance, drama and technical workshops, as well as guided tours, storytelling, an arts and crafts zone and stalls. Full details and daily timings can be found at cornex.co.uk MUSIC Vivaldi & Classics On 27 February, Music in Action will host the English Chamber Orchestra, who’ll perform 6-7pm and 8-9pm showings of a curated programme of the classics – such as Spring from The Four Seasons by Vivaldi – in the beautiful, candlelit ambience of Trinity Chapel, Cambridge, with world-renowned violinist Harriet Mackenzie as lead soloist. Visit musicinaction.org.uk for tickets and VIP experiences.
LOCAL LITERATURE Breaking Shells NEVILLE JUDSON Mostly set in Cambridge, Breaking Shells is a tender, courageous bildungsroman set against the hidden histories of queer love, friendship and social change in 1960s England. It deals with the heartbreaks and confusions of first love, interracial relationships, religious strictures and buried secrets. The Ghost Writer IAN SIRAGHER Local author Ian Siragher’s latest novel (after 2025’s The Three Wives of Charlie Mellon ) is a dark mystery about books, writing and creation that follows two protagonists as their separate stories get bound together in a way neither could have imagined.
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FLIGHT, CAMERA, ACTION! Ahead of its swoop onto screens, Miriam Balanescu met H is for Hawk director Philippa Lowthorpe H elen Macdonald’s H is for Hawk is no conventional story about grief. The former Jesus College, Cambridge
Philippa, “requiring permission from the colleges to use any little bit of their land, even if you’re filming outside a doorway into a college. “But Jesus College, because Helen went there, was incredibly welcoming and even let us film during term time – which was hard for them!” Other picturesque corners of the city make a cameo, such as Trinity Lane; the president of King’s College granted them permission to shoot in the lamplit spot. We could hear evensong as we watched Claire wander off with hawk on arm
“He’d read the book and absolutely loved it,” says Philippa. “You can’t hear it on the track unfortunately, but we could hear evensong as we watched Claire wander off with hawk on arm.” Adapting the memoir and getting to grips with hawking – the practice of hunting using birds of prey – was a steep learning curve for Philippa and especially Claire, who went through the same goshawk training process as Helen. “It also takes you to emotional places you perhaps didn’t know you had in you,” reflects Philippa. “When I was asked to direct H is for Hawk , my dad had died not long before, so it was actually wonderful to be with Helen and listen to them talking about their experiences. I felt like I had to make the film for my dad as well.” While Charlotte Bruus Christensen was principal cinematographer, the nature documentary cinematographer Mark Payne-Gill was enlisted to capture Mabel’s flights – performed by two ‘stunt hawks’. “That’s his speciality,” says Philippa, “he just goes off around the world filming creatures. He has the most amazing reflex action. He can focus on things coming towards him at a million miles an hour. “We had a rule that we would film everything and anything that happened with the hawk, and Claire would react in the moment,” Philippa continues. One of four hawks filmed, “Jess was very intelligent, incredibly attuned to humans in a way that is rare for a goshawk. Claire loved Jess. They had an incredible rapport.” During a magical moment, the pair played together with scrunched-up paper: “I couldn’t cheer out loud because I’d have scared the hawk, but inside I was cheering.” H is for Hawk is showing now at the Arts Picturehouse in Cambridge. For showtimes and tickets, visit picturehouses.com
fellow’s bestselling memoir chronicles how, after their father passed away, they purchased a goshawk (christened Mabel) to tame, creating the ultimate distraction. Now, this powerful story has been adapted for the big screen, with Helen played by Claire Foy, who reunites with director Philippa Lowthorpe after their collaboration on The Crown . “Claire brings the same incredible integrity and authenticity she did to the queen,” says Philippa. “I was confident that she would be the one who could really pull it off.” They headed to Helen’s former stomping ground, but arranging the shoot was no easy feat. “Cambridge is a notoriously difficult place to film,” explains
H IS FOR HOME Cambridge locations such as Jesus College and Trinity Lane join Claire Foy on screen
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CULTURE EDITION
Spring inspiration from Cambridge Music Festival Spanning seven concerts in some of the city’s most historic chapels and concert halls, and tracing more than five centuries of music, the Cambridge Music Festival Spring Series 2026 takes place from 13 February to 27 March. Opening the series at Trinity College Chapel is vocal ensemble Tenebrae, directed by Nigel Short. Their programme, Byrd to Barber, ranges from Renaissance to contemporary works, Clavier , beginning with the famous 48 Preludes and Fugues (Book 1). Then on 24 February, Tarek Elazhary (oud) and Tamsin Elliott (microtonal accordion and harp) explore connections between Egyptian Maqam and English folk traditions in a concert held in Pembroke College Auditorium. Highlights in March include Ute Lemper,
Enormous congratulations to the Serenata Female Voices, whose festive GREAT NEWS!
concert at Trinity College Chapel in December raised £3,388 for the Parkinson’s UK Cambridge branch!
evoking the spirit of 1930s Berlin cabaret with glamour, satire and political edge, and pianist Danny Driver who presents a complete performance of György Ligeti’s Musica ricercata alongside selected études.
including the choral version of Barber’s Adagio for Strings , Poulenc’s penitential motets and Frank Martin’s ethereal Mass for Double Choir . On 20 February, also at Trinity, celebrated pianist Boris Giltburg launches his project to perform and record all of JS Bach’s Well-tempered
For full programme details and tickets, visit cambridgemusicfestival.co.uk
CAMBRIDGE ARTS FESTIVAL SET TO CELEBRATE THE CITY’S CREATIVITY
Campkins Cameras invites people to submit photos exploring a different side to the city, which will be displayed at Cambridge train station as part of Summer in the Square later this year. You can expect all of this at the 2026 Cambridge Arts Festival, plus an Art Makers Fair at the Guildhall, art sessions, workshops and more. See the programme at love-cambridge. com/arts-festival and follow updates on social media @lovecambridge_
Alongside returning favourites such as guided, public art tours of Cambridge, delivered in partnership with the Society of Cambridge Tourist Guides, the 2026 festival also introduces exciting new experiences, including an Art Gallery Trail (see page 30) and a new mural for King Street, commissioned and funded by Cambridge BID and led by acclaimed street art collective Graffwerk. Meanwhile, a ‘secrets of cambridge’ themed photography competition with
The Cambridge Arts Festival returns for its third year between 9-18 February to bring ten days of creativity, culture and community to the heart of the city. Delivered by Cambridge BID, the festival celebrates the extraordinary artistic talent that makes Cambridge distinctive. It features a diverse mix of exhibitions, workshops, tours, public art and family-friendly events in venues across the city centre – some free, some pay-what-you-wish and some ticketed.
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CULTURE EDITION
LET THE COMEDY COMMENCE!
Bury St Edmunds’ third Comedy Festival brings two months of side-splitting stand-up and outrageous improv to venues across the town. The season begins on 4 February at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds with Later Life Letter , a performance in which Luke Wright (below) steers his audience through a warm and honest hour of poems and stand-up with the wit, pathos and silliness that have made him so popular. The laughter continues with Showstopper! An Improvised Musical (12 and 13 February), as The Showstoppers present a brand-new musical comedy created from scratch at each performance based on audience suggestions, plus Daliso Chaponda (14 February) and many more. Then, in March, comedy lovers can look forward to a special International Women’s Day event at Abbeygate Cinema (8 March) and live shows by Jason Manford (12 March) and John Kearns (20 March) at The Apex entertainment centre. To view the full line-up and book tickets, visit the website at burystedmundsandbeyond.co.uk/comedy-festival
Arts Theatre director awarded MBE Rachel Tackley, creative director and co-chief executive of the Arts Theatre Cambridge, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours List to recognise her outstanding services to the arts. Rachel, who lives with her family in St Neots, has led the theatre through a period of transformation, re-establishing and re-energising the organisation after the building’s closure and redevelopment – a mission that is ongoing, with plenty more plans in the pipeline. She is also a highly respected theatre consultant, producer and curator, producing and programming work across the UK and internationally, as well as leading and strengthening major arts organisations. “I am extremely honoured to receive this award,” said Rachel. “Theatre is a collective endeavour, and this recognition is shared with the extraordinary artists, staff, volunteers and supporters I have had the privilege to work with. I believe the arts play a huge part in the wellbeing of local and national communities – giving voice to different experiences and strengthening understanding and tolerance. Working in Cambridge has shown me just how much theatre can mean to people – bringing us together and enriching our lives.”
Tickets for this year’s Cambridge Literary Spring Festival go on general sale on 13 February at 10am. Visit cambridgeliteraryfestival.com to get first dibs! HEADS UP!
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CULTURE EDITION
5 minutes with
Holby City and Top Hat star Tom Chambers shares his thoughts as he prepares to play one of crime drama’s most iconic characters
Q. What can people expect when they come to see the play? A. It’s a delicious treat for anyone who is a fan of the Inspector Morse stories and TV show, like I was and have been through the decades. It’s such a fantastic, reliable brand, and this piece of writing by Alma Cullen is fascinating. She was one of the four writers on the very first series that came out in 1987 – the others include Anthony Minghella and Danny Boyle – but this is an original play that only had a small tour in 2010 and was broadcast on the radio a few years later. So, for most people it will be a story that they’ve never seen before. Q. How would you describe Morse as he’s portrayed in the story? A. Given that Alma was one of the original writers, he’s very much the Inspector Morse we know and love. The only difference, I guess, is the fact that there’s a nostalgic element to it because – without giving too much away – it’s about catching up with Morse’s past from 25 years ago, revolving around unrequited love. So, we’re seeing the personal side of Morse as well as the professional one – it’s a play within a play. Q. Is it daunting taking on such an iconic character? A. It is daunting yes, but it’s a thrilling challenge. The thrill for me is in the writing and dialogue – and in the relationship and camaraderie between Morse and Lewis. Q. Why do you think thrillers and murder mysteries are so popular, especially on stage? A. We are curious creatures, aren’t we? We like a puzzle, we like a challenge and the stimulation that goes with that. In the theatre, of course, everyone is in the same space: in the dark, watching the mystery
THESP ALERT! Before playing Morse himself, Chambers was a fan of the stories and television show
which is a Gershwin classic, and in the last couple of years I did Elf The Musical at the Dominion Theatre in the West End, playing the dad. In terms of musicals or plays, I’m honestly just very grateful to be working. There are so many talented people in this industry that it’s a pleasure to be able to work with content you connect with. Q. Speaking of Morse and other crime- solvers you’ve played, do you think you’d make a good sleuth in real life? A. Well, I do love observation and I’m probably quite finicky about where things are, how things are done and how they are put together, but I don’t think I’ve got that kind of intelligence. Instead, I enjoy playing the intelligence that’s been written into these characters. Q. Do you have any pre-show rituals when you’re on tour? A. I always take along a soundbar so I can listen to some music and get into the feeling of the character. When playing Morse, I’m most likely to be listening to some Schubert. Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts is playing at the Arts Theatre Cambridge from 10 to 14 February. Visit artstheatre.co.uk
unfold on stage. You look to your left or right and see that the person next to you is smiling, gasping or rolling their eyes the same as you. It’s very inclusive and it makes you realise that we share many of the same feelings, fears and desires. Q. You came to fame on Holby City, but was working in theatre always part of the plan? A. Actually, I started in theatre. I was in the National Youth Music Theatre and went to Edinburgh and all of the festivals. We did that in the holidays to keep us out of mischief. After that I went to drama school and did a lot of theatre there, but I always wanted to work in television, so when I got Holby City that was my lucky break. Q. You had huge success on stage with Top Hat, but are you leaning more towards plays than musicals now? A. Doing Top Hat was a dream come true. Then I got to do a tour of Crazy for You ,
Theatre is very inclusive and it makes you realise that we share many of the same feelings, fears and desires
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CULTURE EDITION
KINDRED SPIRIT Walking to Crowlink (pictured here) and Waves Putting Out a Fire (below) by Agnes Treherne
LIFE LESS ORDINARY A new exhibition at Fen Ditton Gallery opens this month, with a preview night on 3 February, showcasing the work of emerging painter Agnes Treherne. Kindred Land offers art lovers and
palettes to craft scenes that feel both personal and universal. Alongside original prints and drawings and a collection of oil paintings, a few carefully selected works by Agnes’s mother – the artist and illustrator Katherine Treherne – will also be on show. Kindred Land is open from 7 February until 1 March at Fen Ditton Gallery, 23 High Street, Fen Ditton, Cambridge CB5 8ST. Visit fendittongallery.com
collectors a closer look at Agnes’s latest body of work, an intimate exploration of family, memory and the landscapes that shape our lives. She blends softly layered textures, subtle light and evocative colour
Mural captures Cambridge’s connection to water A new mural dedicated to the city’s historical connection to water, nature and learning has been unveiled at Jesus Green Lido in Cambridge. The Human Current , by London-based artist Anugrah Mishra, spans approximately 120 sq m of exterior wall, fence and rotundas of the lido. The artwork, believed to be the largest mural in Cambridge, captures the joy and energy of swimming, the movement of the human body and celebrates what the lido means to the community. The idea for the mural came from Jesus Green Lido’s assistant manager, Annabel Wright, who wanted to find a positive solution to an ongoing graffiti problem. After researching artists, she connected with Anugrah, who began his artistic journey at Anglia Ruskin University. The project was commissioned with support from Cambridge City Council. Find out more about Jesus Green Lido via better.org.uk
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CULTURE EDITION
Having celebrated its first anniversary, The Warehouse Indoor Skatepark has firmly established itself as one of Cambridge’s most inclusive community hubs, says Dave Wedderburn ALL ABOARD A rrive at The Warehouse Indoor Skatepark on a Saturday morning and you won’t hear the expected clatter
unoccupied, do you?’ And they said, ‘Oh yeah, we do actually.’” Railpen offered them the building on a ‘meanwhile lease’, allowing Cam Skate to prove their concept. “We are thrilled to support Paul, Joe, James and the entire Cam Skate team in bringing The Warehouse Skatepark to life,” says Matthew Howard, head of property at Railpen. “This partnership highlights Railpen’s long-term commitment to investing in the city and backing projects that deliver meaningful, lasting benefits for local communities.” The result is a park designed for progression. But the real community- building happens in its programming. The schedule features dedicated beginner sessions, after-school clubs (including a bursary programme), lessons for SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) schools, as well as popular female-only and queer skate nights. For James, avoiding gatekeeping is key. “There can be a lot of it in skateboarding. We want to move away from that ‘I suffered, so you should suffer’ mentality.” The focus on building confidence safely has a clear impact. As one parent wrote to the team regarding her son: “It is hard to put into words but thank you so, so much... knowing he was with you, having fun and enjoying the sessions has been such a support for me too. Watching his
of skateboards. Instead the air is filled with the whir of toddlers on balance bikes and scooters, confidently navigating ramps while parents watch, coffee in hand. With pads and skateboards available for all, you might even see a parent or two strap on a helmet to give it a go. This is the essence of The Warehouse: it’s a place where anyone who wants to try belongs. This welcoming atmosphere is the core mission of Cam Skate, the community interest company behind the park. Run by volunteers and led by James Moulang, Joe Lewis and Paul Elbro, the project was born from a DIY skatepark built during Covid-19 lockdown. When that space shut down, it galvanised the community to create something permanent. “We wanted to be the voice of Cambridge skateboarders,” James explains, “which meant creating a public space that accommodated skateboarding, rather than fencing it off.” The Cam Skate team attended a public consultation for the redevelopment of the Beehive Centre, advocating for skate- friendly areas. The property owner Railpen was receptive. “We just chanced it,” James recalls, “and asked, ‘You don’t happen to have any massive warehouses that are going to be
confidence grow on and off the board is a joy. It’s rare to find something so special.” After celebrating its first anniversary in late summer last year, the future is now the focus. With the lease ending in July 2026, the search is on for a permanent home. James’s message to residents remains simple: “We want people to know this is a space for everybody. You don’t need any equipment; we have it all. Just show up.” To find a session or support The Warehouse, visit cam-skate.co.uk ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES The Warehouse started as a DIY skatepark built during Covid-19, before moving into one of Railpen’s properties This is the essence of The Warehouse: it’s a place where anyone who wants to try belongs
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ART GALLERIES
FOLLOW THE TRAIL Discover artworks, hear inspiring talks and watch artists working at eight city galleries as you follow the Cambridge Arts Festival’s evening Gallery Crawl on 12 February
Soho Fine Art Five UK locations and a flagship gallery in Cambridge. Explore an eclectic collection celebrating innovation and craftsmanship. 3 Bridge Street sohofineart.co.uk
Don’t miss! Cambridge Contemporary Art will be hosting an informal meet and greet with painter Paul Evans. His expressive landscapes reflect decades of close observation of the Suffolk countryside
Byard Art Get an early look at the new
contemporary ceramics exhibition at this independent local gallery, which showcases some leading contemporary ceramic artists working across functional and sculptural practices. 14 King’s Parade byardart.co.uk
Cambridge Contemporary Art An independent gallery championing artwork made in the UK, currently exhibiting paintings by Paul Evans and Ian McWhinnie. 6 Trinity Street cambridgegallery.co.uk
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ART GALLERIES
Don’t miss! Clarendon Fine Art will be offering exclusive manager- led gallery tours every 30 minutes, offering insider insights into their latest exhibition with a guided, personal experience
Castle Fine Art Founded in 1995, this leading national gallery group is one of the UK’s top contemporary art retailers. Here you’ll find two floors, a VIP lounge, viewing room and bar. Unit 52, Grand Arcade castlefineart.com
Clarendon Fine Art A national gallery group known for vibrant modernity, here you can see The Shape of Water – an exhibition curated exclusively for the Cambridge Arts Festival – which features some of its best-loved artists.
23 & 24 Trinity Street clarendonfineart.com
Modo An independent David Hockney gallery across three levels, featuring works inspired by the Bayeux tapestry as well as his moon iPad drawings which complement the Normandy landscapes. 62 Sidney Street modoart.co.uk
Corpus Launched in 2025 on King Street, this gallery presents an ambitious programme of exhibitions, talks and events. Currently on show is Errors and Vain Reports , a solo showcase of the work of Malcolm Bradley. 14-16 King Street corpus-gallery.com
Cambridge Contemporary Crafts This sister gallery to Cambridge Contemporary Art specialises in work handmade in the UK, including ceramics, prints, jewellery, textiles and much more. 5 Bene’t Street cambridgecrafts.co.uk
The Cambridge Arts Festival’s Gallery Crawl takes place from 5-7pm on 12 February. CLICK HERE to see the full festival programme.
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LITERATURE
February Book Club Get in the mood for romance with these literary love stories, selected by Charlotte Griffiths
Risky Business ANNABELLE SLATOR
Now this is a romance novel. Our scrappy hero Jess is CEO and founder of Wyst, a fem-tech start-up in desperate need of funding. As a final resort, she enters a prestigious competition for new ventures and wins a place in the first round, to be held in Rome. In a hurry, she realises she’s accidentally ticked ‘Mr’ instead of ‘Ms’, so she recruits her twin brother Sebastian, a jobbing actor, to step in, solving his lack of experience by posing as his ‘assistant’ Violet and feeding him lines from offstage. As Violet, Jess can finally relax and let her hair down with the other assistants, including – after a truly Hollywood-worthy meet- cute – the devastatingly handsome Oliver, who takes her under his wing. But of course, it transpires that Jess/Violet isn’t the only one with secrets. Sebastian is a hit with the tech bros, and Jess and Oliver are getting on famously, but how long can they both keep this facade in place? If you recognise the names, you’re right: the book is loosely inspired by Twelfth Night and early-noughties rom-com She’s the Man . There’s a lovely moment when Jess and Sebastian watch the film while sharing a hotel room to save her company’s dwindling finances, which are shown, along with expenses, at the start of each chapter as a reminder of Jess’s precarious situation. Laugh-out-loud funny yet also thought-provoking, fast-paced and simmering with tension throughout, this second book from Peterborough-based author Annabelle Slator is a real unicorn of a novel – and well worth your investment. This second book from Annabelle Slator is a r eal unicorn of a novel and well worth your investment
Towards the end of 2025 you couldn’t enter a bookshop or open #bookstagram without bumping into Heart the Lover , Lily King’s newest novel, which hugely deserves its flurry of attention and should absolutely go on your list for this year. However, it’s King’s earlier work that we’re pointing you towards this February. Set in 1997 in and around Boston, this is a nostalgic, totally immersive will-they-won’t-they romance following the 31-year-old aspiring author Casey Peabody as she juggles the challenges of making rent while working through grief for her late mother and fresh heartbreak from the demise of a relationship. She’s entering her adult years waiting tables and still working on a novel she’s Writers & Lovers LILY KING
carried around for the majority of a decade, hoping against fading hope that the creative career she’s longed for will bear fruit. Despite everything, you’ll be on her side within pages, keeping your fingers crossed throughout for this whip-smart protagonist who struggles on despite the odds. And when two very different romantic prospects appear in Casey’s life, you’ll find yourself just as stuck as she is. Which version of herself should she embrace, and which possible future should she let sail away? King’s immaculate writing is devastating, wistful, unforgettable and well deserves all of its many accolades: if this is your first experience of her novels, don’t let it be your last.
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LITERATURE
This Must Be the Place
MAGGIE O’FARRELL
With Hamnet scooping awards in cinemas and Land , her newest novel, due to arrive on shelves this summer, this is definitely Maggie O’Farrell’s year. So, what better time to acquaint yourself with her brilliant back catalogue, including this beautiful tale of life-long love in all its complex and frustrating glory. Wife and husband Claudette and Daniel are at an impasse: their carefully constructed peace, deliberately isolated deep in the Irish countryside, is shattered by a revelation from academic Daniel’s past. For Claudette – once the most famous movie star alive before vanishing from set and seemingly disappearing from the outside world – everything is upended. In light of the news, Daniel is moved to reconnect with his estranged family in New York and California – but it’s not like Claudette to wait around, especially not for a man. Perhaps this isn’t the place after all. Like all of O’Farrell’s work, This Must Be the Place is profoundly moving and deeply rooted in the gorgeously depicted rural setting: you’ll feel right there with Claudette and Daniel as they open and close the 12 gates that lead to their cottage’s front door. This novel takes breathtaking leaps through timelines, narrators and versions of events from the past to the present until the truths emerge and these deeply flawed characters find their way back to each other – and to the love woven throughout their stories.
Add these titles to your reading pile while they’re hot off the press NEW RELEASES
The Barbecue at No.9
Nonesuch
Love by the Book
JENNIE GODFREY
FRANCIS SPUFFORD
JESSICA GEORGE
Superb magical realism blended with historical fiction: Spufford’s books are must-reads. It’s late 1930s London, on the brink of war, and headstrong Iris is ‘out-out’ with new acquaintances, hoping for her life to change. However, you should always be careful what you wish for.
A romance, but not as you may know it. This book follows two different protagonists with more in common than they think. But, when novelist Remy realises Simone’s life story could become the novel she owes her publishers, can their platonic yet deeply romantic friendship survive?
It is 1985 and the inhabitants of Delmont Close are getting together to watch Live Aid – but as everyone gathers, so do their secrets and stories, and just 12 hours later, nothing will ever be the same again. Fantastic, deeply human tales from this star author: not to be missed.
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