Cambridge Entertainment

As a university town, Cambridge enjoys a vibrant and lively entertainment scene. The performing arts feature large, and the student population also likes to let its hair down at the many discos and live music venues.

Nightlife

The mainstay of Cambridges nightlife is provided by pubs, especially when the students are in town. The city has two main discos that offer the most vibrant and diverse sounds, and regularly draw the largest crowds of revellers. Fifth Avenue, more commonly known by its previous name of Cindys, is still a firm favourite; the music here ranges from 70s and 80s pop to dance, funk and trance. Dress code is smart at the weekend and you should be prepared to queue. Just off Sidney Street, Life is another popular mainstay of the dance scene playing a range of music depending on the night, including pop, 70s and 80s disco, rock and dance.
For those looking for more laid-back and smooth late night vibes, or just a change from the two large disco style clubs, The Fez in Market Passage offers plenty of seating for when you want a break and a good range of music including salsa and hip-hop.

Theatre and music

Cambridge is home to a good range of theatres and lots of local talent. Student-led performances can be seen at the ADC Theatre, with over 20 student shows a year, as well as in the many colleges. As at Oxford, many famous performers have honed their skills at the university. Drama is also available all year round at a variety of venues throughout the city. The Cambridge Drama Centre, off Mill Road, provides an alternative approach and focuses on staging productions from outside Cambridge. The Cambridge Arts Theatre (and The Playroom), by contrast, host more conventional productions and the finest family orientated shows in town as well as more eclectic plays.

For great live music, explore the areas outside the city centre. The Boat Race in East Road puts on live music seven days a week and is completely dedicated to providing local and touring bands with a performance venue. The Portland Arms on Chesterton Road features live bands, including funk, indie, traditional folk and pop. A variety of other venues offer a wide selection of musical tastes. The popular pubs, the Seven Stars on Newmarket Road and the Clarendon Arms in Clarendon Street play modern jazz every Wednesday night. For even more jazz and blues, head for the Cricketers Arms in Claredon Street. Kings College in Kings Parade is popular with choral and classical music fans and attracts many visiting artists.

Festivals

The residents of Cambridge like to party and the areas exciting calendar of festivals and events includes:

• Lent Bumps (February) sees the Cambridge University college boat teams compete on the River Cam.
• Cambridge Science Week (March) features talks, lectures, and demonstrations by leading experts all over Cambridge on a broad range of scientific topics.
• Cambridge Beer Festival (May) is held at Jesus Green and showcases more than 120 real ales, over 60 foreign brews, ciders, English wines and a huge range of food.
• East Anglian Flower and Garden Show (June) features many horticultural displays and events. It is held at Bourne Airfield, nearby Cambridge.
• Cambridge Shakespeare Festival (July), held at College Gardens, has many Shakespeare plays performed in outdoor settings at several Cambridge University college gardens.
• World Pea Shooting Championships (July) is one of the more bizarre events in Cambridge, held in nearby Witcham Village.
• Jazz and Brass in the Parks (August) features outdoor jazz and brass bands performing in several Cambridge central parks.
• Haddenham Steam Rally (September) is a popular steam event, featuring a large number of operational steam engines. It is held at Haddenham, nearby Cambridge.
• World Conker Championships (October) is a curious and enjoyable competition held in nearby Ashton.
• Cambridge Music Festival (November) offers live music and concerts held in central Cambridge.
• Pantomime Season (December) sees Christmas pantomimes staged at a range of theatres in and around Cambridge.