Who will win inaugural Cambridgeshire Plein Air Artist of the Year Award?

Art and midsummer magic will collide at Histon Manor on 14 June, as the first ever Cambridgeshire Plein Air Artist of the Year Award takes place – and there is still time to get involved.

With 76 artists, both professionals and amateurs, already booked, this is the final call to claim one of the last remaining places at the contest, which is supported by the Cambridge Independent.

Artists will set up their easels across 11 acres of rarely-seen private gardens – wild meadows, ancient walls and Monet-style bridges.

More than simply the title, this new award offers a platform to promote an artist’s work.

The winner, and a selection of highly-commended artists, will have their work exhibited in a two-week show at Modo Gallery, Cambridge, a contemporary city-centre space.

Judging the work is a panel of some of the region’s most respected art experts: Ben MacGregor – Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year winner 2025, Holly Kavanagh – associate director at Kettle’s Yard, Benjamin Sullivan NEAC RP – renowned figurative painter widely exhibited, Luke Bodalbhai – a paintings specialist at Cheffins Fine Art, and Lauren Fried – head of school, Cambridge School of Art Anglia Ruskin University.

Later that evening, 200 ticket-holders for Summer Sounds at Histon Manor, a relaxed outdoor concert, will be able to see all the artwork positioned outside the front of the manor before rolling out a rug to listen to the music, where the award-winners will be announced during the interval.

The concert, featuring The Cam String Collective, is already sold out.

All artist entry fees and event profits go to support the charity Break.

Katherine Mann, founder and organiser, said: “I can’t believe how many artists have signed up for year one.

“It’s an incredible reflection of both the breadth of the artistic community in Cambridgeshire and the kindness of people supporting a new initiative.

“We’ll do our very best to make everyone feel welcome, and I’d like to thank all our sponsors and supporters for believing in this project.

“Break Charity, who we are fundraising for, are delighted. Now all we need is good weather on the day, so fingers crossed.”

She added: “I’m really looking forward to seeing the variety of artistic styles and the different subjects within the grounds that spark each artist’s imagination.

“I have no doubt they’ll give the judging panel a real challenge.”

Want to be a part of it? Sign up now at histonmanor.com.