Walks, talks, exhibitions and tours at upcoming Open Cambridge festival
Open Cambridge, the annual festival of history and culture, is set to launch its programme of events for the 2023 edition on Monday, August 14. Bookings will open on the same day.
One of the East of England’s most popular free festivals, Open Cambridge will then take place between September 8 and 17.
The festival boasts a line-up of 100 walks, talks, demonstrations, exhibitions and tours. The aim is to celebrate the heritage, community and history of Cambridge and its county.
The 10-day event is part of the national Heritage Open Days scheme, which has chosen the theme ‘creativity unwrapped’ for 2023.
As ever, there will be plenty on offer, from the bonkers world of Douglas Adams, the wow factor of the Entopia Building, the grandeur of the Senate House and the Cambridge colleges to pedal-powered buskers, meditation taster sessions, and dance workshops everyone can have a go at.
An event tipped to be a huge favourite is the rare opportunity for the public to look inside one of the most famous buildings in the city during the Senate House tours (September 15).
A grade I-listed neo-classical building, Senate House is situated in the city centre between King’s College and Gonville and Caius College.
Designed by James Gibbs, and originally built in 1722-1730 to conduct university business, including graduation, it’s now mainly used for degree congregations and other formal events.
For those who love a guided walking tour, the ‘energy walk’ – a guided tour around the perimeter of the former Cambridge gasworks (September 8, 9, 15 and 17) – will explore the industrial heritage of Cambridge’s power generation and energy consumption, past, present and future.
Zoe Smith, Open Cambridge coordinator, said: “This is a small selection of what’s on offer in this year’s programme, which we’re really excited about.
“There is such a huge breadth of events that should appeal to all sorts of interests, with many of the events suitable for all ages.
“Personally, I can’t wait to try out the meditation taster sessions and have a look around Bottisham Airfield and Senate House. I might even find some time for the energy guided walk.
“I encourage everyone to check out the programme as soon as it becomes available on Monday, August 14. My other tip is to book events straight away as many get fully booked very quickly.
“We’re very much looking forward to seeing you all at this year’s Open Cambridge.”
For more information, visit opencambridge.cam.ac.uk.
