WHAT'S ON

Events open to the public from the University of Cambridge

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Cambridge Festival 2024

The Cambridge Festival returns for 2024.

Mon 28 November 2022 10:00AM - 12:00PM

Highlight Will Carter - Man of Letters

An exhibition of the works of Will Carter OBE: a master craftsman - printer, typographer, calligrapher, carver of wood and slate - for whom good design was “a matter of seeing the simplest way of doing something, which is usually the best”. He is regarded as amongst the finest lettering artists of his generation and the post-war era.

10:00AM - 6:00PM

Highlight Life is Still Life

Life is Still Life presents an exciting selection of modern and contemporary works by women artists in the genre of still life.

11:00AM - 5:00PM

Pick of the month Paint Like the Swallow Sings Calypso

Kettle’s Yard is pleased to present Paint Like the Swallow Sings Calypso, a major new exhibition curated in dialogue with artists Paul Dash (b. 1946, Barbados), Errol Lloyd (b. 1943, Jamaica) and John Lyons (b. 1933, Trinidad).

1:00PM - 3:30PM

Highlight Meet and Make at the Polar Museum - Ice and Snow

Join us for our new wellbeing and making workshops for adults at the Polar Museum! Meet and Make at the Museum sessions are all about giving you a supportive and social space to be creative.

1:30PM - 4:30PM

Highlight Enslavement and Salvation at Queens’ College: an Old Library exhibition

Following two years’ research, this exhibition investigates Queens’ College’s links to the Atlantic Slave Trade, exploring the complex lives and worlds of a variety of Queens’ members through books and other objects they left behind.

2:00PM - 4:00PM

Highlight Will Carter - Man of Letters

An exhibition of the works of Will Carter OBE: a master craftsman - printer, typographer, calligrapher, carver of wood and slate - for whom good design was “a matter of seeing the simplest way of doing something, which is usually the best”. He is regarded as amongst the finest lettering artists of his generation and the post-war era.

6:15PM - 7:45PM

Iyengar Yoga Class

Small class with experienced teacher Robert Ashman.

7:30PM - 9:30PM

Cambridge University Symphony Orchestra: 'From Source to Mouth'

Cambridge University Symphony Orchestra presents 'From Source to Mouth' - four water-themed pieces played by Cambridge University's premier student-run orchestra.

Tue 29 November 2022 10:00AM - 12:00PM

Highlight Will Carter - Man of Letters

An exhibition of the works of Will Carter OBE: a master craftsman - printer, typographer, calligrapher, carver of wood and slate - for whom good design was “a matter of seeing the simplest way of doing something, which is usually the best”. He is regarded as amongst the finest lettering artists of his generation and the post-war era.

10:00AM - 1:00PM

ONLINE COURSE Illustrating crab apples on architects’ parchment

Learn how to create a beautiful illustration of green crab apples on this unusual surface

10:00AM - 5:00PM

Defaced! Money, Conflict, Protest

This new exhibition is the first of its kind to examine the interplay between money, power and dissent over the last 200 years – with a key strand of the show exploring the role of the individual in protesting for rights and representation.

10:00AM - 6:00PM

Highlight Life is Still Life

Life is Still Life presents an exciting selection of modern and contemporary works by women artists in the genre of still life.

11:00AM - 5:00PM

Pick of the month Paint Like the Swallow Sings Calypso

Kettle’s Yard is pleased to present Paint Like the Swallow Sings Calypso, a major new exhibition curated in dialogue with artists Paul Dash (b. 1946, Barbados), Errol Lloyd (b. 1943, Jamaica) and John Lyons (b. 1933, Trinidad).

1:00PM - 2:00PM

From NOMA to POMA: the case for overlapping magisteria

by Dr Nick Spencer - Part of The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion Michaelmas Research Seminar Series

1:30PM - 4:30PM

Highlight Enslavement and Salvation at Queens’ College: an Old Library exhibition

Following two years’ research, this exhibition investigates Queens’ College’s links to the Atlantic Slave Trade, exploring the complex lives and worlds of a variety of Queens’ members through books and other objects they left behind.

2:00PM - 4:00PM

Highlight Will Carter - Man of Letters

An exhibition of the works of Will Carter OBE: a master craftsman - printer, typographer, calligrapher, carver of wood and slate - for whom good design was “a matter of seeing the simplest way of doing something, which is usually the best”. He is regarded as amongst the finest lettering artists of his generation and the post-war era.

5:30PM - 7:00PM

Thinking Against Babylon, One Beat at a Time: Black Music as Radical, De-colonial Epistemology

What is radical and de-colonial about Black music as an instrument for radical thought?

7:00PM - 8:00PM

Highlight The Really Popular Book Club: The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco

Cambridge University Library's Keeper of Early Manuscripts comes to talk to us about Umberto Eco's historical murder mystery.

7:30PM - 10:00PM

The Country and the City

Cambridge University Wind Orchestra Concert

Wed 30 November 2022 9:00AM

Wellness Wanders

Short (approx. 10 min) films taking viewers on a virtual wander around the Garden.

10:00AM - 12:00PM

Highlight Will Carter - Man of Letters

An exhibition of the works of Will Carter OBE: a master craftsman - printer, typographer, calligrapher, carver of wood and slate - for whom good design was “a matter of seeing the simplest way of doing something, which is usually the best”. He is regarded as amongst the finest lettering artists of his generation and the post-war era.

10:00AM - 5:00PM

Defaced! Money, Conflict, Protest

This new exhibition is the first of its kind to examine the interplay between money, power and dissent over the last 200 years – with a key strand of the show exploring the role of the individual in protesting for rights and representation.

10:00AM - 6:00PM

Highlight Life is Still Life

Life is Still Life presents an exciting selection of modern and contemporary works by women artists in the genre of still life.

11:00AM - 5:00PM

Pick of the month Paint Like the Swallow Sings Calypso

Kettle’s Yard is pleased to present Paint Like the Swallow Sings Calypso, a major new exhibition curated in dialogue with artists Paul Dash (b. 1946, Barbados), Errol Lloyd (b. 1943, Jamaica) and John Lyons (b. 1933, Trinidad).

12:00PM - 5:00PM

Highlight GAVIN TURK: IN SEARCH OF ARIADNE

A new exhibition by artist Gavin Turk opens on 6 October 2022. In Search of Ariadne unravels the cultural meme of the reclining figure in art. What is the reclining figure? Why is this something that artists have been intrigued with for centuries and where does this form originate?

1:15PM - 2:00PM

Spoils of Sudan: Fragments of memory from the Madhist War

This talk will explore artefacts in the Defaced! exhibition associated with the Mahdist War in Sudan (1881-99) that challenge conventional understandings of ‘loot’. These framed and mounted fragments reveal a British-imperial military culture that was bound by traditions that commemorated not only victory, but also death, mourning, and defeat.

1:30PM - 4:30PM

Highlight Enslavement and Salvation at Queens’ College: an Old Library exhibition

Following two years’ research, this exhibition investigates Queens’ College’s links to the Atlantic Slave Trade, exploring the complex lives and worlds of a variety of Queens’ members through books and other objects they left behind.

1:45PM - 6:00PM

Precarious lives: inequalities in health through the lens of the filmmaker

This film screening and workshop considers the contribution of social realism films to studies of inequalities in health.  The chosen films – “Sorry We Missed You” (Director: Ken Loach, 2019) and “Bicycle Thieves”(Ladri di biciclette,Director: Vittorio de Sica, 1948) – explore the experience of families struggling to do better for their children in bleak economic times; and doing worse.

2:00PM - 4:00PM

Highlight Will Carter - Man of Letters

An exhibition of the works of Will Carter OBE: a master craftsman - printer, typographer, calligrapher, carver of wood and slate - for whom good design was “a matter of seeing the simplest way of doing something, which is usually the best”. He is regarded as amongst the finest lettering artists of his generation and the post-war era.

5:00PM - 8:00PM

Museum Late: Defaced!

An incredibly exciting chance to experience the museum after hours and explore the exhibition Defaced! Money Power Conflict, whilst enjoying drop-in creative workshops, live performances and drinks.

Thu 1 December 2022 10:00AM - 12:00PM

Highlight Will Carter - Man of Letters

An exhibition of the works of Will Carter OBE: a master craftsman - printer, typographer, calligrapher, carver of wood and slate - for whom good design was “a matter of seeing the simplest way of doing something, which is usually the best”. He is regarded as amongst the finest lettering artists of his generation and the post-war era.

10:00AM - 5:00PM

Defaced! Money, Conflict, Protest

This new exhibition is the first of its kind to examine the interplay between money, power and dissent over the last 200 years – with a key strand of the show exploring the role of the individual in protesting for rights and representation.

10:00AM - 6:00PM

Highlight Life is Still Life

Life is Still Life presents an exciting selection of modern and contemporary works by women artists in the genre of still life.

11:00AM - 5:00PM

Pick of the month Paint Like the Swallow Sings Calypso

Kettle’s Yard is pleased to present Paint Like the Swallow Sings Calypso, a major new exhibition curated in dialogue with artists Paul Dash (b. 1946, Barbados), Errol Lloyd (b. 1943, Jamaica) and John Lyons (b. 1933, Trinidad).

12:00PM - 1:00PM

Exhibition Tour: Paint Like the Swallow Sings Calypso

Join us in the galleries for an informal exhibition tour of Paint Like the Swallow Sings Calypso with Senior Curator of Prints and Drawings at The Fitzwilliam Museum, Eleanor Ling and exhibition artist Paul Dash.

12:00PM - 5:00PM

Highlight GAVIN TURK: IN SEARCH OF ARIADNE

A new exhibition by artist Gavin Turk opens on 6 October 2022. In Search of Ariadne unravels the cultural meme of the reclining figure in art. What is the reclining figure? Why is this something that artists have been intrigued with for centuries and where does this form originate?

1:30PM - 4:30PM

Highlight Enslavement and Salvation at Queens’ College: an Old Library exhibition

Following two years’ research, this exhibition investigates Queens’ College’s links to the Atlantic Slave Trade, exploring the complex lives and worlds of a variety of Queens’ members through books and other objects they left behind.

2:00PM - 4:00PM

Highlight Will Carter - Man of Letters

An exhibition of the works of Will Carter OBE: a master craftsman - printer, typographer, calligrapher, carver of wood and slate - for whom good design was “a matter of seeing the simplest way of doing something, which is usually the best”. He is regarded as amongst the finest lettering artists of his generation and the post-war era.

6:00PM - 7:30PM

Sex and the City: Cambridge Women, Town and Gown

A guided tour through the lovely centre of Cambridge which explores the inspiring, shocking and delightful stories of its women. From poets to bedders, from scientists to social reformers - get to know some of these amazing hidden figures.

6:30PM - 7:30PM

Haunted Cambridge Ghost Tours

Cambridge guides' scariest storytellers take you to the darker byways of our city, where the spirits of the dead still hover ...

Fri 2 December 2022 10:00AM - 10:45AM

Early Years Studio

Early Years Studio is a fun, creative, immersive experience for children aged 0-4.

10:00AM - 1:00PM

CLASSROOM COURSE Christmas wreath making: 2 December

Start your festive season and make your own garden-inspired Christmas wreath

10:00AM - 5:00PM

Defaced! Money, Conflict, Protest

This new exhibition is the first of its kind to examine the interplay between money, power and dissent over the last 200 years – with a key strand of the show exploring the role of the individual in protesting for rights and representation.

10:00AM - 6:00PM

Highlight Life is Still Life

Life is Still Life presents an exciting selection of modern and contemporary works by women artists in the genre of still life.

11:00AM - 11:45AM

Early Years Studio

Early Years Studio is a fun, creative, immersive experience for children aged 0-4.

11:00AM - 12:00PM

Pepys Library Tours

A tour of the Pepys Library with Dr Jane Hughes, Pepys Librarian and Fellow of Magdalene College.

11:00AM - 5:00PM

Pick of the month Paint Like the Swallow Sings Calypso

Kettle’s Yard is pleased to present Paint Like the Swallow Sings Calypso, a major new exhibition curated in dialogue with artists Paul Dash (b. 1946, Barbados), Errol Lloyd (b. 1943, Jamaica) and John Lyons (b. 1933, Trinidad).

12:00PM - 5:00PM

Highlight GAVIN TURK: IN SEARCH OF ARIADNE

A new exhibition by artist Gavin Turk opens on 6 October 2022. In Search of Ariadne unravels the cultural meme of the reclining figure in art. What is the reclining figure? Why is this something that artists have been intrigued with for centuries and where does this form originate?

1:30PM - 4:30PM

Highlight Enslavement and Salvation at Queens’ College: an Old Library exhibition

Following two years’ research, this exhibition investigates Queens’ College’s links to the Atlantic Slave Trade, exploring the complex lives and worlds of a variety of Queens’ members through books and other objects they left behind.

3:30PM - 5:30PM

Small reactors and the energy transition, fighting climate change with the Holtec SMR

The problems of climate change and energy security in today’s world are numerous. Nuclear power plants have been touted as a key part of future energy grids by the UN, International Energy Agency and International Atomic Energy Agency. But can they be built quickly or cheaply enough to be of use in the energy transition or to meet energy security needs?

5:30PM - 7:00PM

Lies, Spies and Double-Dealing: A Cambridge Spy Tour

A walking tour which unmasks the long tradition of Cambridge spying, from the earliest days of the university to recent times; from Christopher Marlowe to James Blunt, via James Bond. The tour will be led by Green Badge Guides.

6:30PM - 7:30PM

Haunted Cambridge Ghost Tours

Cambridge guides' scariest storytellers take you to the darker byways of our city, where the spirits of the dead still hover ...

Sat 3 December 2022 8:45AM - 10:10AM

Mill Road Tour

A Tour of Mill Road led by Green Badge Guides, exploring the social history of this fasciniating area.

10:00AM - 5:00PM

Art Exhibition: 'Simon Patterson: Out of Order'

Visit Wolfson's latest exhibition 'Out of Order' featuring work by prominent artist Simon Patterson, open to the public, Saturday and Sundays, 10am - 5pm.

10:00AM - 5:00PM

Defaced! Money, Conflict, Protest

This new exhibition is the first of its kind to examine the interplay between money, power and dissent over the last 200 years – with a key strand of the show exploring the role of the individual in protesting for rights and representation.

10:00AM - 6:00PM

Highlight Life is Still Life

Life is Still Life presents an exciting selection of modern and contemporary works by women artists in the genre of still life.

11:00AM - 5:00PM

Pick of the month Paint Like the Swallow Sings Calypso

Kettle’s Yard is pleased to present Paint Like the Swallow Sings Calypso, a major new exhibition curated in dialogue with artists Paul Dash (b. 1946, Barbados), Errol Lloyd (b. 1943, Jamaica) and John Lyons (b. 1933, Trinidad).

12:00PM - 5:00PM

Highlight GAVIN TURK: IN SEARCH OF ARIADNE

A new exhibition by artist Gavin Turk opens on 6 October 2022. In Search of Ariadne unravels the cultural meme of the reclining figure in art. What is the reclining figure? Why is this something that artists have been intrigued with for centuries and where does this form originate?

2:30PM - 4:30PM

Uncomfortable Cambridge Tours

Discover Cambridge in a different way on this guided walking tour, focusing on the uncomfortable stories of power and privilege which have shaped both the university and the city.

7:30PM - 10:00PM

Unprecedented Beginnings

Cambridge University Sinfonia concert

Sun 4 December 2022 10:00AM - 5:00PM

Art Exhibition: 'Simon Patterson: Out of Order'

Visit Wolfson's latest exhibition 'Out of Order' featuring work by prominent artist Simon Patterson, open to the public, Saturday and Sundays, 10am - 5pm.

10:00AM - 6:00PM

Highlight Life is Still Life

Life is Still Life presents an exciting selection of modern and contemporary works by women artists in the genre of still life.

10:30AM - 12:00PM

Hidden Cambridge walking tour

90 minute Walking tour with a Blue Badge Guide around the oldest part of Cambridge (foot of Castle Hill)

11:00AM - 5:00PM

Pick of the month Paint Like the Swallow Sings Calypso

Kettle’s Yard is pleased to present Paint Like the Swallow Sings Calypso, a major new exhibition curated in dialogue with artists Paul Dash (b. 1946, Barbados), Errol Lloyd (b. 1943, Jamaica) and John Lyons (b. 1933, Trinidad).

11:30AM - 1:00PM

Lies, Spies and Double-Dealing: A Cambridge Spy Tour

A walking tour which unmasks the long tradition of Cambridge spying, from the earliest days of the university to recent times; from Christopher Marlowe to James Blunt, via James Bond. The tour will be led by Green Badge Guides.

12:00PM - 5:00PM

Defaced! Money, Conflict, Protest

This new exhibition is the first of its kind to examine the interplay between money, power and dissent over the last 200 years – with a key strand of the show exploring the role of the individual in protesting for rights and representation.

12:00PM - 5:00PM

Highlight GAVIN TURK: IN SEARCH OF ARIADNE

A new exhibition by artist Gavin Turk opens on 6 October 2022. In Search of Ariadne unravels the cultural meme of the reclining figure in art. What is the reclining figure? Why is this something that artists have been intrigued with for centuries and where does this form originate?

2:30PM - 4:00PM

Sex and the City: Cambridge Women, Town and Gown

A guided tour through the lovely centre of Cambridge which explores the inspiring, shocking and delightful stories of its women. From poets to bedders, from scientists to social reformers - get to know some of these amazing hidden figures.

2:30PM - 4:30PM

Uncomfortable Cambridge Tours

Discover Cambridge in a different way on this guided walking tour, focusing on the uncomfortable stories of power and privilege which have shaped both the university and the city.

4:00PM - 6:00PM

Trinity Chapel Choral Concert

St Edmundsbury Male Voice Choir in concert with guests

7:30PM - 9:30PM

Academy of Great St.Mary's Orchestral and Choral concert

Mozart: Don Giovanni overture Goddard: Suite de Trois Morceaux pour Flute - soloist, Dinah Pounds Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 3 (Scottish) From Mendelssohn’s ‘St Paul’ ‘How lovely are the messengers’ ‘Rise up, arise!’ And ‘Sleepers wake’