Cambridge is a lovely place to stay with lots to see and do in the town. However for a special occasion there are many events and festivals in the town and surrounding areas to make your stay even more memorable. Some of these events are so unique that it is worth making a special visit just to enjoy them.

One of the most famous is the Cambridge Folk Festival. Held every year since 1965 and going from strength to strength, this festival attracts an audience and artists from all over the world. It lasts over a long weekend in summer and is widely televised due to its mixture of performers, some of whom are traditional folk artists but many of whom are internationally famous, such as Mumford and Sons and Beth Orton. Many of these use their performances at the Cambridge Folk Festival to make live recordings for sale, such as Joan Baez. The ambience is friendly and it is wise to book early for this festival due to its immense popularity.

A different type of musical entertainment is available at Cambridge’s Rock Festival. Usually held after the Folk Festival, the Rock Festival specialises in Rock and Blues, and advertises great food as well as real ale. This festival has been running for seven years now and also has international appeal, partly due to the proximity of Stansted Airport which means that Cambridge and its events and festivals are easy to get to from almost any part of the world. It is a family friendly rock festival with lots of activities such as face painting for the kids to do.

If you prefer your real ale without music, try the Cambridge Beer Festival. This is a regular event in May and you can enjoy your real ale with nibbles of cheese and pickles. The emphasis is on the British real ale and nibbles, but in summer there is a European Market where you can try some continental delights, from bratwurst to Belgian chocolate. This is a superb treat for food lovers of every nationality.

For something different, there are a range of summer events on in Cambridge with an artistic and educational theme, as befits this stunning cathedral city. The Cambridge Shakespeare Festival is an outstanding example and features the plays of William Shakespeare performed in full Elizabethan costume staged outside in private gardens which are attached to the colleges of Cambridge University. The plays are accompanied by authentic Elizabethan music and include a variety of plays, from comedies to tragedies. Over 25,000 people usually attend this festival which began in 1987 and provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the works of Shakespeare in the incomparable settings of the private gardens.

Cambridge’s unique and historical settings provide the perfect background for all kinds of entertainment, both modern and traditional.