In pictures: Miles of smiles at Mill Road Winter Fair 2022
Thousands of people set out to have a good time at Mill Road Winter Fair this year, and they weren’t disappointed as the colour, sound, smells and positivity of the event came good after a pause since 2019 due to the pandemic.
A sea of costumes, smiles and bonhomie was very much in evidence this year as visitors enjoyed parades, performances and exhibitions from dancers, artists and musicians, not least from the lively Cambridge105 stage outside the old Tesco.
A phenomenal variety of street food from mince pies to Kurdish delicacies was available, along with drinks – everything from mulled wine to beers to prosecco.
“It was an incredible atmosphere and so amazing to see big crowds supporting small businesses by shopping local,” said Sweet D’Apollonio, co-founder of Maurizio Dining & Co on the much-loved road.
“We were stunned by the popularity of our homemade mulled wine and we sold nearly 900 cups! Plus, nearly 250 pizzas. Our team were exceptional and worked long hours to make it happen. It was definitely the best day and night of the year for footfall and getting customers through the door.
“We enjoy collaboration and donated some vegan pizzas to Cambridge Sustainable Food for their Mill Road stall, and were happy for Bubbly Bandits to serve their delicious Durello outside Maurizio Dining as well. Finally, we had a free music event in the evening with DJ Grime Librarian in our Negroni Lounge Bar for those that still had some energy left...
“The day was made even more special as it was also Small Business Saturday – a nationwide campaign, now in its tenth year, that encourages spending on the high street.”
Kate Collins, chair of the Mill Road Winter Fair committee, said: “It was a brilliant day, which celebrated all the special diversity and independence of the Mill Road community. The crowds turned out in force and enjoyed a sequence of music events which were spaced along the road, with craft stalls, dancers and every type of street food.
“There were over 90 volunteers working together on the day and that excludes all the performers, so it was a massive collaboration and we are really proud of what we've achieved. It helped that we had near perfect weather.”
Meanwhile A unique Christmas Appeal has been launched by two Cambridge-based charities that support local people in times of crisis – endorsed by the Mayor of Cambridge.
Romsey Mill and Cambridge Aid were both chosen by Cllr Mark Ashton, to be his nominated charities for 2022/23, during his year as the Mayor of Cambridge.
And, prompted by the cost-of-living crisis the two charities are partnering together for a “one-off” Christmas Appeal to help raise vital funds to support their work with people and families who are most adversely affected by the economic situation, in Cambridge and surrounding villages.
Cambridge Aid and Romsey Mill are two established local charities that offer help. Cambridge Aid provides emergency grants to pay for basics such as food, bedding, clothing, and white goods when people are at their lowest ebb.
Romsey Mill provides the long-term support, training and advice that helps them to face challenges now and have hope for a more positive future.
Support the mayor of Cambridge’s charities’ Christmas Appeal here.
All funds donated will be shared equally between the two charities.
Any donation will help provide an immediate response for those experiencing crisis and enable ongoing support in the months ahead.