Cambridge Edition May

Cambridge MAY 2016

Your monthly fix of local life www.cambsedition.co.uk

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

ARTS

MAGAZINE

CULTURE

NIGHTLIFE

CAMBRIDGE EDITION APP NOW AVAILABLE!

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CONTENTS

Welcome

It’s been a pretty exciting few weeks for Team Edition, celebrating our fifth birthday with a cocktail and cake-filled party at Novi (pics on page 49 if you fancy a look) and the long-awaited launch of the Cambridge Edition app. The downloads have been coming in thick, fast and fascinatingly, from all corners of the globe – we’re currently quite the hit in both Portugal and Vietnam! I love the idea that we’re now able to showcase all the great stuff we love about Cambridge not only to locals but to all the thousands, potentially millions, of visitors and tourists coming into the city too. You can download it yourself for free in both the iTunes app store and Google Play. Here’s to a new era of Edition!

May is an excellent month for indulging in Cambridge, with both the Beer Festival and Eat Cambridge hosting their brilliant annual events, plus this month sees the re-opening of the Jesus Green Lido for its summer season (hooray!) and, of course, there’s double bank holiday fun to get stuck into too. There’s also some great cultural happenings on the cards, with Watch Out hitting the Junction (a festival of “dangerous theatre”, more on page 27) and the rather lovely Museums at Night event – details on page 33. Enjoy the issue and have a great month!

NICOLA FOLEY, EDITOR IN CHIEF

33 • MUSEUMS AT NIGHT Join in fun activities, have a drink and enjoy some aweinspiring collections minus the crowds 5 • REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL Here’s why you should be happy now May’s here!

34-35 • DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL The action-packed river race is back – get involved!

7-9 • NIGHTLIFE Live comedy, music and more

37-40 • FAMILY We round up the best local events, workshops and activities for families this month

EDITORIAL

43 • COMMUNITY The latest news from your neighbourhood

Senior sub editor Lisa Clatworthy

11 • MUSIC BLOG The best live gigs in the city this month 12-13 • FESTIVAL SEASON Our pick of the most fantastic, fun-filled festivals from the local area 15-25 • ARTS & CULTURE Exhibitions and concerts around Cambridge, including our monthly film and arts insider columns 27 • WATCH OUT FESTIVAL A festival of dangerous theatre is Cambridge-bound and we’ve got the low-down 29 • COMPETITION Win tickets to fabulous al fresco theatre productions at Knebworth House this summer!

30-31 • LISTINGS Check out our calendar of highlights for what to do in Cambridge this May

Cover Art

Andy Spencer is a Londonbased graphic designer and illustrator. This image is taken from his Life of King’s collection, available exclusively at King’s College Visitor Centre and online at shop.kings. cam.ac.uk. You can see more work and contact Andy at andyspencerdesign.com

49-55 • FOOD NEWS Your essential guide to the Cambridge food scene 57 • FOOD COLUMN Up your barbecue game with chef Alex Rushmer 58-59 • ASPARAGUS SEASON SPECIAL Those scrumptious spears of spring are back! Here’s where to buy them and what to make with them 61-64 • LOOKIN’ FOR SOME HOT STUFF Food writer Andrew Webb is on the hunt for the ultimate hot sauce around Cambridge 67 • RESTAURANT REVIEW Editor Nicola pays a visit to the latest restaurant from the Cambscuisine group, The Crown & Punchbowl 68-69 • INDIE OF THE MONTH Under the spotlight is the lovely Chocolat Chocolat 70 • BID UPDATE The latest news from the Cambridge Business Improvement District team 73 • FASHION Our favourite spring pieces from local independent fashion boutiques 76-77 • BEAUTY Daisy Dickinson of The Day’s Eyes beauty blog shares her advice and highlights top products

Editor in chief Nicola Foley 01223 499459 nicolafoley@bright-publishing.com Sub editor Catherine Brodie

ADVERTISING Senior sales executive Natalie Robinson 01223 499451 natalierobinson@bright-publishing.com Key accounts Maria Francis 01223 499461 mariafrancis@bright-publishing.com

CONTRIBUTORS Vanessa Blackledge, Angelina Villa-Clarke, Ruthie Collins, Daisy Dickinson, Alex Rushmer, Zena Toscani, Jordan Worland, Andrew Webb

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Designer Emily Stowe 01223 499450 emilystowe@bright-publishing.com Ad production Lucy Woolcomb 01223 499468 lucywoolcomb@bright-publishing.com

MANAGING DIRECTORS Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck 01223 499450

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/CambsEdition FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @cambsedition

www.bright-publishing.com

81• EDUCATION Cambridge International School consider the future of work in a world of robots

CAMBRIDGE EDITION MAGAZINE • Bright Publishing Ltd, Bright House, 82 High Street, Sawston, Cambridgeshire CB22 3HJ, 01223 499450, www.cambsedition.co.uk • All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of the publishers. • Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Cambridge Edition or Bright Publishing Ltd, which do not accept any liability for loss or damage. • Every effort has been made to ensure all information is correct. • Cambridge Edition is a free publication that is distributed in Cambridge and the surrounding area

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NEWS

REASONS TO BE Cambridge Beer Festival returns The UK’s longest-running beer festival resumes its place on Jesus Green from 23 until 28 May, offering up a superb selection of real ales, foreign beers, local craft beers and more. The CAMRA-accredited event is one of the social highlights of the Cambridge calendar and always serves up a fantastic selection of local and national beers, plus cider, perry, mead and wine.

There’s also gourmet pork pies, scotch eggs, ham and cheese platters and more to soak up some of the booze.

Bottoms up!

The lido is open again!

Eat Cambridge Cambridge’s biggest foodie happening returns this month and we can’t wait!

Taking place 7-22 May, there’s secret supper clubs, chocolate tastings, wine festivals, pop-ups aplenty, street food markets and so much more to get stuck into. Visit www.eat-cambridge.co.uk for the full programme and remember to come and say hello to Team Edition at the main food and drink fair (7 May, Corn Exchange), where we’ll be handing out magazines and treats.

Turn to our food news pages to see some of our fringe highlights.

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© Charlotte Griffiths

Cambridge’s huge open air pool on Jesus Green re-opens for the summer season on 14 May. It’s one of the longest lidos in Europe at 91 metres, but a very long, narrow shape – designed to mimic swimming in the nearby river. Anyway, come the sunny days, this little corner of Cambridge feels like a secluded summertime paradise. Pack a book and your shades and pitch up by the side for a sunbathe, hopping in for an occasional dip to cool off (of course, it’s more than suitable for doing actual exercise in too, we hear).

Follow @JesusGreenLido on Twitter for opening times, pool temperature and panini updates.

Double Bank Holiday Two long weekends in one month? Yes please!

Now you just need to figure out how you’re going to spend them.

Keep it wholesome by making the pilgrimage to Wandlebury Country Park for sunrise at 5.30am on 1 May to watch the Morris dancing and grab a bacon roll and a coffee. On 2 May, visit the historic Reach Village Fair, which features food, drink, entertainment and rides.

There’s also the Duxford Air Show, 28-29 May, which always offers an action-packed day out.

Of course, you could always just pitch up in a pub and get stuck into some bank holiday boozing and pub grub. Our recommendations?

Pint Shop, The Kingston Arms or, weather permitting, the patch of grass by the Mill Pond.

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NIGHTLIFE

MAY CHECK OUT LOCAL EVENTS ONLINE cambsedition.co.uk

STRAWBERRIES AND CREEM 2016 You’ve heard of the Folk Festival and Secret Garden Party, but did you know that Cambridge has another music festival this summer? Strawberries and Creem, rising up out of the peaceful Cambridge countryside with a stonking selection of grime and roots music, takes place on Saturday 11 June at Haggis Farm. A day-long event, the line-up features East London grime star Kano, reggae DJ and festival fave David Rodigan and rapper Big Narstie. Headlining, impressively, is US rapper Nelly, who brought us hits like Country Grammar, Hot in Herre and Dilemma, featuring Kelly Rowland.

Running 12pm until 11pm, tickets cost from £35. strawberriesandcreem.com

EDDIE IZZARD Comedian, actor, writer, political activist and undertaker of extreme running missions (earlier this year he completed 27 marathons – that’s 707 miles – in 27 days across South Africa for Sport Relief), Eddie Izzard is not a man to shy away from a challenge. Which might explain his latest show, Force Majeure, in which he will perform his latest stand-up routine in three separate, back-to-back one-hour blocks.

No biggie? Oh yeah, he’ll be doing it in three different languages too.

The show is touring in support of the Stronger in Europe campaign, for which Eddie is a passionate spokesperson, and it comes to Cambridge on 19 May, when you can catch it in German (7pm slot), French (8pm) and English (9pm).

There’s no danger of relying on the multilingualism as a gimmick though: the comedian has drawn widespread praise for this politically charged, often surreal, romp through British and European history. Pick your language de choix and join him at Cambridge Junction, tickets are £17. www.junction.co.uk

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NIGHTLIFE

GRAEME OF THRONES Struggling to sate your Game of Thrones thirst with one paltry episode a week? Head to Cambridge Junction on 13 May for a theatrical romp through the Seven Kingdoms, led by avid Thrones fan Graeme. Created by a team of comic writers, Graeme of Thrones has enjoyed sold-out runs in Australia and the West End, and whilst it may not have the gigantic budget of HBO’s international sensation, we’re assured that George R R Martin would approve.

As the show's blurb suggests, we recommend checking this one out ‘before the inevitable lawsuit’… www.junction.co.uk

HACKNEY COLLIERY BAND Putting their own tongue-in-cheek spin on the great tradition of British brass bands, with a bit of New Orleans swagger thrown in, Hackney Colliery Band know exactly how to get a party started. Front runners in the current brass revival which has seen groups like the Hot 8 Brass Band, Brass Funkeys and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble come to the fore, the group was founded in 2008 in the borough which gave them their name.

Featuring trumpets, trombones, saxes, sousaphone and marching percussion, the group serve up deliciously unexpected covers of artists including Kanye West, The Prodigy and Toto, all delivered with an energy so infectious you can’t help but groove along with them.

See them on 21 May at Cambridge Junction. Tickets are £16. www.junction.co.uk

FRED’S HOUSE Surely one of the most prolific bands on the local scene, Fred’s House have racked up some 400 gigs in the last five years, gaining a reputation which reaches far beyond Cambridge. Fronted by the very watchable Vix Gavin, they’re a folky five-piece with a retro, 70s-inspired sound who offer gorgeous harmonies and an easy-listening, West Coast vibe.

The group are touring in support of their latest album, Faultlines; the followup to their 2014 debut Bonnie & Clyde.

Catch them at Cambridge Junction on 7 May. Tickets are £11. www.junction.co.uk

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NIGHTLIFE

DAVE GORMAN 25-30 Sept, Cambridge Junction J2, £16 In preparation for his upcoming TV series, innovative comedian and author Dave Gorman is on the road testing out new material. www.junction.co.uk

MYSTERY JETS

LONELY THE BRAVE Cambridge band done good Lonely the Brave have enjoyed a dream couple of years, ascending from playing local pubs to achieving chart success and critical acclaim. As well as supporting rock royalty like Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen, their debut album, The Day’s War, hit the top of the rock charts.

Catch them for what promises to be a homecoming gig and a half at the Corn Exchange on 20 May, when they’ll be celebrating the launch of their brand-new album Things Will Matter, described as “an explosive return” by Clash.

Tickets are £17.50 and the show starts at 7.30pm. www.cornex.co.uk

12 Oct, Cambridge Junction J1, £17 On the heels of their fifth album, Curve of the Earth, the Mystery Jets are back on the road. Join them for a good old indie-pop bop to tracks from this album, as well as older faves like Two Doors Down and The Boy Who Ran Away. www.junction.co.uk

SON OF DAVE Son of Dave, aka Benjamin Darvill, pays a visit to the Cambridge Junction on 23 May at 8pm for an evening of great covers, done his way (that’s with a dose of gutsy blues, tough harmonica and impressive beatboxing, in case you were wondering).

Canadian born but residing in the UK, Darvill was previously a member of Grammy Award winning folk rock band Crash Test Dummies, creators of kooky 90s mega hit MMM MMM MMM MMM. Since going solo under the moniker Son of Dave, he’s racked up seven studio albums – the most recent of which, Explosive Hits, features a mad collection of cover tunes which span a century.

Daft Punk, Lead Belly, AC/DC and Rudimental all get the energetic Son of Dave treatment on the album, and that’s exactly the kind of barmy, bluesified melting pot of great tunes you can expect from his show. Tickets cost £13.50. www.junction.co.uk

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JAMIE LAWSON 24 Oct, Corn Exchange, £20.50 Maker of hits including Wasn’t Expecting That, Jamie Lawson’s selftitled debut album hit the number one spot and enjoyed a heap of radio play.

Catch his sweet acoustic sounds in Cambridge in October. www.cornex.co.uk

JOOLS HOLLAND 29 Oct, Corn Exchange, £39.50 Joined by his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, Jools Holland visits Cambridge in October. Expect a boogie-woogie extravaganza with loads of special guests. www.cornex.co.uk

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MUSIC

Jordan Worland from local music website Slate the Disco selects his must-see gigs in Cambridge this month

ay promises to be a varied and exciting month for live music here in Cambridge. Our mustnot-miss recommendation this month is Tindersticks on 6 May at the Corn Exchange, which sees the band bring their tenth record The Waiting Room to Cambridge. Two decades into their musical voyage, the established masters of restraint and poetic human emotion are a band now creating the best songs of their career.

Also at the Corn Exchange is Tipping Point by Ockham’s Razor (13-15 May).

Whilst being a contemporary dance piece the whole show is a multilayered surround sound musical landscape especially composed by Adem Ilhan and Quinta who have previously worked with Radiohead, Hot Chip and Bat For Lashes.

5 May sees Flemmings in town to play the Blue Moon. Flemmings make an awesome, excitable racket and will be supported by three-piece fuzzy pop band Mammoth Penguins and new Cambridge outfit, The Baby Seals, who make head bopping pop punk songs.

Barns Courtney brings his eclectic mix of US blues rock, hip hop and grunge with

British indie melodic sensibilities to The Portland Arms on the 5th, whilst everyone’s favourite two-hit wonder John Otway makes a very welcome return to the same venue the following evening. Expect all the usual wit and shambling charm.

Cambridge folk-pop outfit Fred’s House are back with a new album launch party at the Cambridge Junction on the 7th, whilst Hackney Colliery Band play the same venue on the 21st – definitely a feel-good group to check out.

Another not to miss is Three Trapped Tigers and their incendiary live show at The Portland on the 10th. For the unacquainted, Three Trapped Tigers are a band for which genres and labels struggle to keep up. They move – often at breakneck speed – from screeching, effect-laden guitars to an arsenal of glistening sci-fi synths, pummelling sub-bass, colossal riffs and audacious drum patterns that both underpin and define their unique sound. As anyone who has seen their live shows will know, trying to pinpoint what makes the group such a force is a difficult thing to do.

The Portland also hosts Dan Owen (16th), anti-folk legend Adam Green (19th)

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and the returning Michael Kiwanuka (18th), who could easily fill much larger venues, so expect an intimate evening as he brings his new album to town.

Former frontwoman of The Long Blondes, Kate Jackson releases her debut solo album this month and backed by her band The Wrong Moves will play The Portland on the 17th. The album takes in eclectic musical styles, from synth driven glam rock to Blade Runner electronica, faded piano allure to sweeping strings alt-country all tied together by Jackson’s unique vocal top line.

Our new band tip this month is FEWS, a Swedish/American four-piece who specialise in bold and contorting guitar lines. They play The Portland on the 24th.

Our final tip for this month is obvious. As Lonely The Brave release their sophomore record, they celebrate this with their biggest home town show to date, at the Corn Exchange on the 20th. Both anthemic and immediate, they come into their own in the live setting, this is one not to miss.

Tell us about your gig at www.slatethedisco.com

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FESTIVALS

MUSIC

Fancy some fun in a field? We've got a rundown of the best music festivals within a short hop of Cambridgeshire Secret Garden Party

explosion of colour and craziness of the Sunday paint fight or just relax and soak up the glorious surroundings and great food. Either way you’ll have a weekend to remember. www.secretgardenparty.com

CAMBRIDGE FOLK FESTIVAL

LOCATION: Abbots Ripton DATES: 21–24 July Secret Garden Party, or SGP as it’s affectionately referred to by those in the know, takes place between 21 and 24 July.

Wild, wonderful and doused in glitter, this hedonistic party in the Cambridgeshire countryside lays claim to the most beautiful festival site of them all, boasting lakes, woodland and incredible art installations dotted around every corner.

This year’s headliners include Caribou, Air and Primal Scream, but as anyone who’s experienced this dazzlingly creative festival will tell you, there’s far more to SGP than the main stages. Have a rave on the floating dance floor on the lake (the Pagoda stage), play daft games in a huge straw amphitheatre, be wowed by the

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WYSING POLYPHONIC LOCATION: Wysing Arts Centre DATES: 2 July Namechecked as one of Vogue magazine’s best independent festivals, the annual Wysing Arts Centre music and arts extravaganza is building a reputation as one of the hottest tickets in town. Taking place on 2 July at the centre’s sprawling rural site in Bourn, the event features a diverse, genre-spanning line-up of innovative acts.

Uniquely, this year’s event will be fully acoustic, with no microphones, speakers, backing tracks, laptops or electronics. Performances will include abstract sound experiments, drone, choral ensembles, improvised jazz, whistling, song, spoken word and performances using ancient instruments. Be sure to check the Wysing Arts Centre website for the full line-up. www.wysingartscentre.org Folk Festival

SECRET GARDEN PARTY

LOCATION: Cherry Hinton Hall DATES: 28–31 July This is a gorgeous little festival and it’s been around for a long time unlike so may of festivals that seem to launch yearly. The Cambridge Folk festival is in its 52nd year, and way back in 1965 a young Paul Simon played there, just after the release of Like a Rock. More recently the festival has seen performances by Emmylou Harris, Kate Rusby, Laura Marling, Joan Baez, Beth Orton and Frank Turner.

This year’s line-up features Christy Moore, KT Tunstall and the gypsy punk band Gogol Bordello who will have your feet dancing before the rest of your body

even knows what’s happening. It’s become a stop on the road to stardom for many up-and-comers so take some time to explore those further down the line-up.

You’ll find some treasures, and many artists will perform more than once over the course of the weekend.

If you’re not into the whole camping thing, then the festival offers glamping for full ticket holders, and it’s also one of the more child-appropriate festivals, with some very well-organised activities. Top marks for civility go to the Cambridge Folk Festival, but then we’d expect nothing less. www.cambridgelivetrust.com

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FESTIVALS

LOCATION: Henham Park DATES: 14-17 July Latitude is one of the big ones now. In fact it’s run by the same people who used to run Glastonbury and now run Reading and Leeds. Aside from the music, it’s got a lot to offer, placing much emphasis on dance, literature, poetry, comedy, theatre, art and even politics. This year’s line-up sees old favourites The Maccabees headlining on the Friday along with Beirut and British Sea Power. The National take the top spot on the Saturday night and New Order will be winding things down on Sunday. On the comedy front things are looking good, with Russell Howard as the big name and Reggie Watts not far beneath him. This is a good place to catch comedians on the rise, so if that’s your thing it’s worth spending some time trawling the names and doing a bit of research in preparation. www.latitudefestival.com

Latitude

LATITUDE

Latitude

STANDON CALLING

Red Rooster

LOCATION: Standon Lordship DATES: 29–31 July It’s a small festival but therein lies its beauty. The name throws out images of The Clash and Luton, but that couldn’t be further from the festival’s vibe and it’s a great one for the kids. This year’s theme is Legend of the Lost Sea – and there’s a swimming pool too.

The festival started when a bloke threw a barbecue. Well, that party got out of hand and today this unsponsored festival can boast alumni including Florence and the Machine and Mumford and Sons.

This year you can catch Suede, Jess Glynne, The Hives and… Kelis! Yes, really.

Supporting them will be the usual calibre

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of rising and established talent from across the globe. There’s something about the way Standon Calling is run that makes it a breath of fresh air; it’s managed to stay just small enough to avoid drowning the magic in mud, pathetically annihilated adults and backed-up Portaloos… standon-calling.com

RED ROOSTER LOCATION: Euston Hall DATES: 2–4 June A rhythm and blues festival? In Suffolk?

It’s true. Couldn’t be more different to America’s deep south, but when the music’s this smooth and you’re licking fired chicken off your fingers, you won’t even notice the twee landscapes.

The other great thing about this one is that it’s still a really young festival, which means that you can be there in the glory days, before it gets too hectic. Its prices are also pretty reasonable, so worth taking advantage of because no doubt they’ll rise before long.

Aside from the Rhythm and Blues you can expect to hear a fair amount of country music and general Americana too, so dig out those cowboy boots (we know you’ve got some). This year features performances from King Khan and The Shrines, The Handsome Family, The James Hunter Six, Tav Falco & The Panther Burns, Big Joe Louis, Flats & Sharps and Daddy Long Legs. www.redrooster.org.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE

We explore the arts and culture scene in Cambridge, showcasing some of the many exciting exhibitions and shows taking place around the city

TIPPING Point Aerial theatre company Ockham’s Razor bring their new production Tipping Point to Cambridge Corn Exchange this month. Taking place 13-15 May, the show features five performers, enclosed in a circle in the middle of the audience, using just their own bodies and a set of simple metal poles to weave their narrative.

The metal poles become aids for jaw-dropping gymnastic feats: climbed on, hung from, lashed, leapt between and balanced from fingertips; becoming forests, crossroads and

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pendulums – with the performers ever tilting towards the tipping point.

The show, described as “physically thrilling” by The Sunday Times, features a multilayered surround sound musical landscape especially composed by Adem Ilhan and Quinta, who have previously worked with Radiohead, Hot Chip and Bat For Lashes.

Tickets are £17.50 and family tickets (4 people) are £37.50. www.cornex.co.uk

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© ÀLEX PRUNÉS

© ÀLEX PRUNÉS

ARTS & CULTURE

© GERDINE DUIJSENS

EXHIBITION OF INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS Between 28 April and 29 May, pay a visit to King’s Parade gallery Byard Art for a display of works inspired by the international roots of the participating artists. From paintings to beautiful ceramics and spellbinding sculptures, there will be lots to enjoy at the exhibition, which features a total of ten artists.

Among those showing their work are Spanish artist Àlex Prunés, who paints spectacular cityscapes and landscapes, blending reality and the imagined. Also on display are works

by French artist Elisabeth Lecourt, who’s known for her eye-catching map dresses, as well as Dutch artist Gerdine Duijsens, who paints dining scenes filled with bon vivants in vibrant colours. www.byardart.co.uk

Brideshead REVISITED This month at Cambridge Arts Theatre, English Touring Theatre and York Theatre Royal present a world premier of a brand new adaptation of Brideshead Revisited, running 17-21 May. The year is 1943 and Charles Ryder finds himself back at Brideshead Manor, at one time the palatial home of the wealthy and charming Flyte family. As he recalls the heady days of his youth spent with the house’s eccentric inhabitants, Lord and Lady Marchmain re-emerge along with their offspring, Julia, Cordelia and Sebastian Flyte, and the past and present begin to blur in this sparkling reimagining of Evelyn Waugh’s classic novel.

Tickets are priced £18-£33 and performance times vary. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

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ARTS & CULTURE

CHOIR OF THE YEAR

Auditions

Get set for the X Factor of the choral world on 8 May when the Choir of the Year competition hits Cambridge. Choirs from across the region will battle it out during morning and afternoon auditions, and you can be in the crowd at the Corn Exchange to enjoy the sweet sounds of their attempts to win the judges over.

It’s the biggest contest of its kind in the UK, in which singers of all ages take to the stage to impress a panel of experts.

For the audience, there’s something for all tastes, from classical to contemporary, as well as a big sing at the end which everyone can join in with.

More than 170 choirs from around the country will be taking part this year – to follow the competition, visit www. choiroftheyear.com.

The Cambridge auditions take place at 9.30am and 2.30pm. Tickets are £12. www.cornex.co.uk

Alice Thomson AT HOT NUMBERS

Local artist Alice Thomson, whose colourful depictions of Cambridge life and landmarks we’ve featured in Edition many times, will this month show her work at Hot Numbers on Gwydir Street.

Working in pen, ink, pastel and collage, Alice creates lively and fresh artworks, featuring bursts of vibrant colour and charming details of Cambridge.

The exhibition, which runs 6-24 May, presents a variety of her pieces which are inspired by our city, specifically, capturing the essence of Cambridge and surrounding areas, focusing on movement, colour and atmosphere. www.alicethomson.co.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE

Riverdance

CAMBRIDGE Comedy

Festival

Still going 21 years after the debut performance, international Irish dancing phenomenon Riverdance hits Cambridge this month for a show at the Corn Exchange.

This quick-footed, shimmery shirtwearing Celtic posse first originated as part of the interval entertainment at the Dublin-hosted 1994 Eurovision Song Contest. Shortly after, it was expanded into a full stage show which has now visited more than 450 venues worldwide and been seen by more than 25 million people, making it one of the most successful dance productions in the world.

An energetic celebration of Irish dance and culture, the show has lost none of its magic to this day and continues to tour around the world.

“We always look forward to our dates in the UK and these shows are sure to be very special,” says producer Moya Doherty. “To celebrate our anniversary we have enhanced the production with new lighting, new costumes and a new number. The best of Riverdance with new energy from a stunning young cast of dancers many of whom were not yet born when the show started!”

Riverdance runs 3-5 May, with four performances. Tickets start at £33. www.cornex.co.uk

Cambridge Comedy Festival, now in its tenth year, is gearing up for its 2016 outing with a fresh look and a new venue: Jesus Green. Cambridge Edition is a proud partner of the festival, and we’ll even be hosting our own Fringe Tent!

Tickets are on sale now for the event, which takes place from 20-24 July and is seen as a great chance for stand-ups and acts to hone their gags before heading to Edinburgh.

The Jesterlarf Comedy Club Marquee will host big-name headliners, Cambridge Junction brings you the Edinburgh Preview Tent (which includes several family-friendly shows), and your own Cambridge Edition brings you the Fringe Tent, where a host of Edinburgh Comedy Award winners and hot new talent will feature in a packed programme.

Richard Herring – a veteran of Edinburgh success over the years – will be selecting favourites from his 12 one-man shows and cramming them into an hour when he performs on the opening night, 20 July. Stephen K Amos and Seann Walsh are other big names, but wherever you look there are quality performers, with the vast majority having featured on Live at the Apollo or elsewhere on TV’s numerous homes for funniness.

Check out the festival’s website for full listings and be sure to exercise your laughter muscles in July’s fun fest. Get your tickets pronto. www.cambridgecomedyfestival.com

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ARTS & CULTURE

Random acts of wildness Unless you actually work outdoors, it can be a struggle to connect with nature on a regular basis, or even think about it very often.

Even when you take a trip to the country park at Wandlebury or Milton, meander through Grantchester Meadows, visit Anglesey Abbey, Wimpole Hall or Audley End for a pleasant stroll, how often do you stop and look, really look and think about where you are and what you are actually seeing?

30 Days Wild aims to redress the balance a little and allow our minds to wander and be inspired by what’s around us. Devised by the Wildlife Trust, 30 Days Wild suggests daily activities and actions for the whole of June, to create a month-long nature challenge. This year 30 Days Wild takes Random Acts of Wildness as the theme, and for anyone registering for 30 Days Wild in advance, there are posters, leaflets, wall charts and stickers which will aid your inspiration.

Actions and activities can be for a second, a minute or an hour a day, and packs will bring encouragement and ideas for Random Acts of Wildness.

It’s well known that the great outdoors can lower stress and anxiety levels, boost motivation, improve moods and increase our interactions.

So why not get involved and reap the benefits this June? www.wildlifebcn.org/30DaysWild

Ideas for inspiration • Follow a bee and see where it goes • Feel the grass between your toes • Plant native wildflowers in your garden • Use an app to identify bird calls • Have a work meeting outside

• Get a worm’s-eye view – lie on the grass • Listen to the wildlife around you • Have a brew outdoors • Share a wildlife fact with a friend • Get up for the dawn chorus

HAMMER & TONGUE Live slam poetry sensation Hammer & Tongue hits Cambridge Junction on 6 May, promising to dazzle audiences with an evening of impressive spoken word artistry. On the night, which is hosted by Cambridge poet Fay Roberts, a line-up of performers will pull out their best wordplay to impress the judges (that’s you!).

Headlining the event is the inimitable Thick Richard, a Mancunian punk poet who, by his own admission, “sifts through the sh!t so you don’t have to”. Doors open at 7.15pm; ‘slamming’ starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £7.50 – unless you fancy getting up on stage yourself, in which case you’ll pay the slammer’s rate of £4. www.junction.co.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE

Goodnight MISTER TOM

MOSCOW STATE SYMPHONY

Orchestra

Founded in 1943 by the Kremlin, the globally renowned Moscow State Symphony Orchestra is one of the oldest symphony orchestras in Russia, boasting a reputation for its high standards of technical skill and imaginative programming.

Join them on 18 May at Cambridge Corn Exchange for an evening of classical music by some of Russia’s greatest composers, conducted

by Pavel Kogan. The event is the penultimate concert in the 2015/16 Cambridge Classical Concert Series, and will be preceded by a pre-show talk at Heffers on Trinity Street (free to ticket holders).

From Prokofiev’s folk-inspired Russian Overture at the opening of the performance to a triumphant dénouement courtesy of Rachmaninov’s Symphony No. 2, via talented soloist Nikita BorisoGlebsky giving a performance of Shostakovich’s fiery Violin Concerto No. 1, it promises to be a must-hear for local classical music fans.

Be sure that you mark the final concert in the series on 9 June in your diary too, which will see Corn Exchange Artist in Residence Dame Evelyn Glennie play alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Tickets for the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra are £28.50£38.50, students and under 16s £12.50 and £17.50 for groups of 20 or more. www.cornex.co.uk

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From 3 until 7 May, the acclaimed Chichester Festival Theatre bring their awardwinning production of Goodnight Mister Tom to the Cambridge Arts Theatre.

The play is adapted by David Wood from the original heart-warming novel

by Michelle Magorian, a treasured modern classic which continues to enchant audiences all around the world.

The story follows the fate of William Beech, a young evacuee who finds himself in the idyllic English countryside following the outbreak of the Second World War. He strikes up an unlikely friendship with his temporary carer, Tom Oakley; an elderly recluse regarded by many as bad tempered and unfriendly.

On learning of William’s troubled upbringing, Mister Tom softens considerably towards the boy, helping to educate him and providing him with a caring new life. Everything is turned upside down when William is suddenly summoned back to London by his deranged mother, forcing him to head off on a journey which threatens his bond with Mr Tom. Described as “Spellbinding. Magic. Tender and traumatic, poignant and powerful” by the Sunday Express, this production stars David Troughton (The Archers) and received the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award for Best Entertainment in 2013. Remember to pack your tissues!

Tickets start from £18. Performance times vary so check the website. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

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ARTS & CULTURE

movies

WORDS ZENA TOSCANI

NIGHT AT THE

Pro Moviemaker magazine’s Zena Toscani suggests some al fresco cinema events to get you in the mood for summer There’s nothing quite like sitting outside on a warm summer’s day with a glass of something cold, watching a feel-good movie with your favourite people and maybe even a picnic.

While we can’t guarantee the weather or that you have these kind of facilities at home, we can guarantee a great line-up of al fresco films at iconic local venues this summer. Kick-start your summer of cinema with this month’s two classic choices:

WHAT: THE BLUES BROTHERS (15) WHERE: The Red Lion, Grantchester WHEN: 29 May, 7.30pm PRICE: £12.50 This 1976 classic kicks off the ever-popular Enchanted Cinema line-up of movies this summer. If you’ve never been to an Enchanted Cinema screening, you’re in for a treat. Expect a healthily stocked bar and popcorn kiosk along with live music from local musicians before the screening at sunset. Seating is not allocated so arrive early to pick your deckchairs. And if the heavens open, waterproof ponchos will be provided.

WHAT: HAIRSPRAY (PG) WHERE: Market Square, Saffron Walden WHEN: 28 May, 7.30pm PRICE: Free To celebrate Saffron Screen’s tenth birthday a large outdoor screen will be erected in Saffron Walden’s Market Square for a free, family-friendly screening of John Water’s muchloved classic Hairspray. Dressing up, singing and dancing are encouraged, and if that’s not enough entertainment for you, the screening will be followed by 1960s music and dancing in the square. Better get practising your beehives now…

Cinema Purist

If you’re a cinema purist and prefer to watch your movies in a dark room with uninterrupted surround sound, we suggest you check out some new releases at the Arts Picturehouse. Exact dates and screening times are yet to be confirmed but we do know that everyone’s favourite leading lady, Meryl Streep, will be gracing the screens in Florence Foster Jenkins in the week beginning 6 May, while the John le Carré adaptation, Our Kind of Traitor, is anticipated the following week. Also, Reel Women are back at the Picturehouse with a night of short films celebrating women in cinema on 19 May, 9-11pm – keep an eye on their Twitter @ReelWomenUK for more information on their upcoming events.

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r © Louisa Taylo

ARTS & CULTURE

© Fitzwilliam Museum

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© Loukas Morley

ne of the things you may love about Cambridge is our huge, thriving cultural assets. They’re right on our doorsteps, or not far off, providing a rolling programme of high-quality shows throughout the year – many of them free! From the grand elegance of the Fitzwilliam Museum to the cerebral brilliance of Wysing Arts Centre, right the way through to Kettle’s Yard and the Cambridge Junction – a hotbed for performing and live arts.

But what of the artist and its impact on the institution? This hot topic defined a recent conference called Working Together: The Impact of Artists on the Institution, which took place at Focal Point Gallery in Southend-on-Sea and was hosted by the East Contemporary Visual Arts Network and chaired by Wysing Arts.

Nefariously described throughout one talk as a ‘horror’, the institution here in Cambridge nonetheless adds vital cultural infrastructure to our city. However, as cuts kick in and art slowly vanishes from schools (alarming!), my take on all this is that we are all in it together. To fight this somewhat

bizarre, slow death devaluing the arts, why not make the most of what we have? Buy from your favourite artists, writers and musicians and appreciate their work. Fight for the arts by encouraging engagement.

So head over to the Fitzwilliam Museum before 22 May to catch its first keynote show of its bicentenary year, Death on the Nile, which showcases the museum’s own collection of Egyptian coffins, as well as those on loan from the Louvre and the British Museum. The Egyptian collection is one of the biggest assets to the Fitzwilliam.

Yes, it might be about the ancient funeral

industry, but Death on the Nile delivers a heady mix of opulence, mystery and scholarly relevance – this is the first time a live conservation lab has been set up in the museum. “To us, for whom death is a taboo subject, this seems like a morbid preoccupation. In fact, it was an obsession with life and an urgent wish to ensure its perfected continuation,” says exhibition co-curator, Egyptologist Helen Strudwick.

Parents will be delighted with their familyfriendly resources, catering for babies with play mats and picture books, as well as fun, discovery-style Fitz Kits boxes, for children

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of all ages, which will bring the show to life for little ones. Just ask at reception, as you go in, for the resources.

The flipside of our institutional-rich art scene in Cambridge, of course, is that the vibrant flowering of DIY, independent art spaces that help keep any cultural scene fresh, diverse and interesting are much rarer because of the cost of property here (and lack of rent controls). Such spaces tend to vanish after short bursts, or survive through close institutional legitimisation here in Cambridge. But artist-led, grass roots or national, grandiose treasures alike – they are all vital. Art initiatives like SHINDIG have survived by spinning carefully crafted, hipster-friendly, intelligent art events in multifarious locations, are a massive asset to Cambridge – check out www.shindiggig. com to see what’s coming up.

This month we also have our new independent art space from Cambridge Art Salon at 1 Thrifts Walk, launching an ‘art shop’ on 21 May, home to milliner Karen Lewis, as well as artists Peter Sutton, Lucy Parnell, Sukey Sleeper and Sa’adiah Khan.

Plus, check out Aid & Abet’s space, ELAN, which houses inventive, cutting-edge artists such as David Kefford and Sarah Evans (aidandabet.co.uk).

Lovers of independent art will also adore STRAY, a Cambridge-based artist collective, made up of established artists who ‘stray’ from strict, fixed disciplines. A dynamic powerhouse of talent, STRAY’s new show, Beneath The Surface, part of the Norwich and Norfolk Festival, appears on 14 May at Norwich’s Undercroft Gallery, a huge space which allows the artists to show large-scale, ambitious work. “We live in a world of fact and fiction. What is beneath the surface of life?” asks curator Gennadiy Ivanov. Expect anything from huge bog-oak sculptures to a catwalk of kimonos as a contrasting range of voices explore this compelling theme.

As in life, or the creation of any art piece, “the truth is not on the surface, it is hidden,” Ivanov says. Go to scratch the surface, seeking the truth, and come away telling your own (#straynorwich).

Finally, parents, snap up a copy of UNIT 13-based Hrefna Bragadottir’s Baxter’s Book. Says Hrefna, “I feel very lucky to have Baxter’s Book published both in the UK and several other countries. It’s been an absolute dream come true and I can’t wait to see what’s next.” To many, this is what art is – both a nurturer of dreams and a dream come true – so let’s fight to keep these dreams alive.

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© Deanna Tyson

© Hrefna Bragadottir

ARTS & CULTURE

IMAGES Far left Wooden model of a brewing and baking workshop, circa 2010-1950BC Left Loukas Morley from STRAY Top Hrefna Bragadottir’s Baxter’s Book Above A kimono by Deanna Tyson from STRAY

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WATCH OUT

WORDS NICOLA FOLEY

Cambridge Junction’s showcase of experimental theatre and dance returns for its second year orget any misconceptions you might have about Cambridge being a bit on the staid and traditional side, we’re about to welcome one of the edgiest arts events around to our city. Taking place at Cambridge Junction on 28 May, WATCH OUT is a daylong festival of experimental theatre and dance which is geared towards showcasing ‘dangerous ideas from some of the country’s leading theatre-makers’.

Featuring contemporary performances from regional and national artists, the event will be serving up 12 shows in total – seven premieres, two shows on tour and three works-in-progress – all taking place across Cambridge Junction’s spaces and beyond.

This year’s festival has a special focus on Cambridge itself, with many pieces made by artists who live in the city. On the lineup you’ll find former Hills Road student Andy Field, who’s premiering Lookout, a new piece developed with the help of local schoolchildren who were tasked with imagining the future of their city. Another local talent, Stefanie Mueller of Cambridge’s Hoipolloi will be delving into the choices we make and why in Prelude to a Coat.

Feeding brave? Join Cambridge-based artist Anna Brownsted for the intriguing Marginalia. Designed to be experienced by just one person at a time, this immersive sound installation involves the audience member lying in complete isolation and enveloped in darkness, not knowing what’s

about to happen. Duo Hunt & Darton, residents at the Junction and well known in the city for their colourful pop-up cafés, will also be representing Cambridge talent with a new work in development about being local.

Artist Christopher Brett Bailey will be taking over the Junction’s large gig space, J1, with his music project THIS MACHINE WON’T KILL FACISTS BUT IT MIGHT GET YOU LAID. Performed by his experimental guitar quartet THIS MACHINE (yep, he really likes caps), this full-throttle performance promises ‘a sonic battlefield of feedback, chord clusters and maximum aural overload’.

Other highlights include a work in progress developed as part of The Spring Festivals Commission 2016 from Jamal Harewood and Sh!t Theatre, as well as TheatreState’s part documentary, part surreal theatre piece Tribute Acts.

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“I’m delighted to announce the programme for the second WATCH OUT festival, though it’s many more years than that of our annual festivals of experimental performance,” says Daniel Pitt, arts producer at Cambridge Junction.

“Year round, we support and commission new projects from the most exciting artists we can find, with something to say about the world and a relevance to our audiences in Cambridge. This year’s programme features shows made with Cambridge academics, with Cambridge children, from Cambridgedwelling artists, and made in our J3 studio – all of it in some way, made with Cambridge.

All we need now is the inquisitive people of Cambridge to come and see the shows!

You’re in for a treat.”

Festival passes are £15 (£10 concessions) which includes a full day of experiences and shows. www.junction.co.uk/watch-out

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COMPETITION

MILY O A F T 10 ETS K C I T O N! W E B

WIN TICKETS TO A MAGICAL EVENING OF OPEN-AIR THEATRE AT KNEBWORTH HOUSE his summer, Chapterhouse Theatre Company will bring three stage productions to the stunning gardens of Knebworth House, the famous gothic mansion located in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. Taking place in June, July and August, the shows will be performed in the spectacular setting of the Sunken Lawn, right in front of Knebworth House.

Guests are invited to bring along a picnic and relax under blankets while they soak up the atmosphere – then as dusk falls, the magic begins!

We’re giving away ten family tickets to the al fresco theatre productions at Knebworth House this summer, and winners can choose between the following productions: SHAKESPEARE’S A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Thursday 23 June A thrilling journey to the most magical of forests, where you will meet starcrossed lovers, playful fairies and hilarious travelling players. Beautifully designed Elizabethan costumes, a wonderful new musical score and enchanting woodland creatures will make this a wonderful informal theatre experience.

THE RAILWAY CHILDREN Thursday 21 July The unforgettable and heart-warming story of adventure and family, as three children find a new home in a beautiful village. The children make new friends and discover the wonders of the Yorkshire hills and the railway lines scattered throughout them. Stunning period costume, traditional music and songs and a whole host of characters will make this production unforgettable.

To be in with a chance of winning a family ticket to one of these three wonderful productions, head to the Cambridge Edition website at www. cambsedition.co.uk.

Info: Gates to the gardens open at 6pm and shows begin at 7pm. If you aren’t selected as a lucky winner, you can purchase your tickets via the Knebworth House website. Tickets: adult £14, child (3-16 years) £10, family £42 (two adults, two children).

PETER PAN Thursday 18 August The unforgettable story of Peter Pan, the boy who wouldn’t grow up. Join Wendy, Michael and John Darling on their adventures with Peter far away on the magical island of Neverland. There they encounter enchanting mermaids, magical fairies and the cruellest pirate of them all, Captain Hook.

Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French and in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, J M Barrie’s timeless classic is brought to life in a brand-new adaptation by award-winning writer Laura Turner, with original music and songs and beautifully designed costumes.

Knebworth House, Knebworth, Hertfordshire SG1 2AX (Direct access Junction 7, A1M) www.knebworthhouse.com 01438 812661

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LISTINGS CHECK OUT LOCAL EVENTS ONLINE

cambsedition.co.uk

A ROUND-UP OF EVENTS IN AND AROUND CAMBRIDGESHIRE THIS MAY

compelling programme including Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No.3 and Britten’s Phaedra with mezzosoprano Alice Coote. www.saffronhall.com

2 MAY ANIMAL FUN DAY Time: 10am Location: Wood Green, Godmanchester Price: £2 adults/children free Description: The annual Animal Fun Day featuring activities, stalls and the chance to meet lots of animals. Dogs welcome. www.woodgreen.org.uk

17 MAY #JC4PM Time: 7.30pm Location: Corn Exchange Price: From £7.50 Description: A tour in support of Jeremy Corbyn’s bid to be prime minister, featuring comedians, singers, poets, campaigners and speakers. www.cornex.co.uk

6 MAY JESTERLARF COMEDY CLUB Time: 7.45pm (doors) Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £13 Description: A night of laughs with stand-up comedians including Joe Bor, Ali Cook, Darius Davies and Debra Jane Appleby. www.junction.co.uk 6 MAY TINDERSTICKS Time: 8pm Location: Corn Exchange Price: £21 Description: Alt rock outfit Tindersticks hit Cambridge following the recent release of their tenth studio album The Waiting Room. Songs will be accompanied by specially commissioned films. www.cornex.co.uk 7 MAY FAMILY GAMING NIGHT Time: 6-10pm Location: Centre for Computing History Price: £6 child/£8 adult

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Description: An evening of gaming fun featuring old favourites such as Space Invaders, Pac-Man and Tetris, plus modern classics for all the family. www.computinghistory.org.uk 9-14 MAY CLYBOURNE PARK Time: 7.45pm, plus 2.30pm Thursday and Saturday Location: Cambridge Arts Theatre Price: From £18 Description: Bruce Norris’s hilarious satirical play that lifts the lid on race and real estate in a fictional Chicago neighbourhood. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com 13 MAY GRAEME OF THRONES Time: 8pm Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £19 Description: A critically-acclaimed

theatrical parody of international sensation Game of Thrones. See it before the inevitable lawsuit. www.junction.co.uk

11 MAY RAW FOOD TASTING EVENING Time: 7-9pm Location: Hot Numbers, Gwydir St Price: Prices vary Description: Three courses of delicious plant-based, gluten-free and dairy-free dishes, including soups and curries, chips, brownies and more, courtesy of the Rocking Raw Chef. www.hotnumberscoffee.co.uk

14 MAY GORGEOUSLY GLUTEN FREE! Time: 10am-2pm Location: Cambridge Cookery School Price: £149 Description: A crash course in creating delicious gluten-free food, featuring recipes for sea salt and chocolate brownies, crusty pizza and handmade pasta. www.cambridgecookeryschool.com 15 MAY BRITTEN SINFONIA Time: 3pm Location: Saffron Hall Price: From £10 Description: The pioneering chamber orchestra perform a SIGN UP TO THE EDIT NEWSLETTER AT CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

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LISTINGS

20 MAY RICHARD HERRING: HAPPY NOW? Time: 8pm Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £16 Description: After years of drifting aimlessly, the comedian finds himself settled down with a wife and baby – but is he finally happy? www.junction.co.uk

21 MAY HACKNEY COLLIERY BAND Time: 7pm Location: Cambridge Junction Price: £16 Description: East London’s favourite brass band hit Cambridge for another roof-raising night of quirky covers. www.junction.co.uk 21-22 MAY CWM WINE FESTIVAL Time: 5.30-7.30pm Saturday/ 3-5pm & 6-8pm Sunday Location: Cambridge Arts Theatre Price: £7.50 entry Description: A wine-based extravaganza with local favourites Cambridge Wine Merchants. Part of the Eat Cambridge festival, there’s a free cheese, meat and bread plate and a tasting glass included too. www.cambridgewine.com 22 MAY SIZZLING SUNDAY! Time: 10am-4pm Location: Burwash Manor Price: Free Description: A celebration of Burwash’s rare-breed pork, featuring butchery demos, chilli tastings, a beer festival, pulled pork and Burwash Bangers. www.burwashmanor.com SIGN UP TO THE EDIT NEWSLETTER AT CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

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23-28 MAY SHADOWLANDS Time: 7.45pm, plus 2.30pm Thursday and Saturday Location: Cambridge Arts Theatre Price: From £18 Description: A moving drama about the real-life love story of one of our country’s most treasured authors, C S Lewis. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com 24 MAY LIONEL SHRIVER IN ELY Time: 7.30pm Location: St Peter’s Church, Ely Price: £6/£7 Description: Join the Orange prizewinning author of We Need To Talk About Kevin as she discusses her latest novel, The Mandibles, about a family in near-future America battling financial meltdown. www.toppingbooks.co.uk 26 MAY-4 JUNE LEGALLY BLONDE Time: 7.45pm Location: ADC Theatre Price: £11/£14 Description: A musical adaptation of the hugely popular film, join Elle Woods – sorority queen turned sharp lawyer in the making – on her hilarious journey of self-discovery. www.adctheatre.com Cambridge Edition | May 2016 | 31

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MUSEUMS

AT NIGHT Go on an after dark adventure at Cambridge University Museums this month ancy a night out with a difference this month? On 12 and 13 May, Cambridge University museums will open their doors after hours for a series of exciting events including talks, performances and late-night bars, as well as the chance to explore some awe-inspiring collections once the crowds have gone.

Part of Culture 24’s national initiative, the event sees hundreds of museums, galleries and heritage sites hosting special events up and down the country every year in a huge celebration of local arts, culture and history.

Here in Cambridge, The Polar Museum, The Fitzwilliam Museum, Sedgwick Museum and University Library will all be welcoming visitors – here’s what’s in store.

12 MAY THE ART OF PURE OBSERVATION OF THINGS AN EVENING OF DRAWING AT THE SEDGWICK MUSEUM OF EARTH SCIENCES, 7-9PM Feeling creative? Spend a night in the inspiring surroundings of the Watson Gallery, housed beneath the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences on Downing Street. Following in the footsteps of 17th century renaissance artist Agostino Scilla, who pioneered the study of fossils, guests will test their observational skills by sketching some of the museum’s most beautiful objects.

Free but booking required. All materials provided. Late-night cash bar. www.sedgwickmuseum.org

for safe keeping, have been locked away: it’s your job to find them! Can you and your team crack the codes and solve the puzzles, aided by the Library’s collections and a few famous figures, to be crowned victors?

50-minute game for teams of 2-8 players, £10 per team, booking required, tickets available from the University Library. www.lib.cam.ac.uk AFTER-HOURS OPENING THE FITZWILLIAM MUSEUM, 5-9PM Celebrating its bicentenary this year, the Fitzwilliam is surely one of Cambridge’s most revered cultural landmarks – and this is the perfect chance to enjoy it in a whole new light. During this late-night opening you’ll be able to enjoy cocktails and Mediterranean nibbles, catch a jazz performance in the Courtyard, and of course, explore the collections.

Free, just drop in. www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk WRITING LIVES: DEATH ON THE NILE WITH NOVELIST SOPHIE HANNAH

THE FITZWILLIAM MUSEUM, 6.45-7.30PM TALK AND BOOK SIGNING OPTIONAL EXHIBITION VIEWING, 6-6.45PM Delving into the ancient Egyptians’ fascination with the afterlife, The Fitzwilliam Museum’s Death on the Nile exhibition is being celebrated with a visit from local crime novelist and poet Sophie Hannah.

She’ll be discussing the writing process behind her new Poirot murder mystery, The Monogram Murders, and what it was like to be given permission to write it by the Agatha Christie estate. Plus, hear about her latest novel A Game for all the Family.

Free, booking advised www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk LUCKY 13 THE POLAR MUSEUM, 7-9.30PM In the very capable hands of our local collective of raconteurs, Cambridge Storytellers, hear tales of adventure, glory, Inuits and trans-Antarctic expeditions at The Polar Museum.

Costs £6, booking advised. Late-night cash bar available. www.spri.cam.ac.uk

13 MAY CLUESCAPE: THE HUNDEN GAMES CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, TIMED SLOTS UNTIL 9.30PM May the odds be ever in your favour during this interactive escape game at the 600-year-old Cambridge University Library.

The year is 1416 and the Wills of Mr Loring and Mr Hunden, bequeathed to the library

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DRAGON BOAT

IS A PROUD PARTNER OF THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

GET SET FOR THE 2016

Dragon Boat Festival Teams are invited to apply for the 12th Dragon Boat Festival, set to take place in September aking place each year on the River Cam at Fen Ditton, the Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival is one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the local calendar. There’s food, drink, rides and entertainment on the banks, but the real action takes place on the water, where crews battle it out on a 200m racecourse.

Now in its 12th year, the 2016 Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival is supporting Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT), and as ever will feature teams comprised of clubs, companies and organisations from around the region and beyond.

If you fancy getting a team together, you don’t need any previous experience – just lots of team spirit and enthusiasm! The dragon boats, qualified helms and all racing equipment are provided and each crew is guaranteed a minimum of three races.

One of the early entrants into the Festival, which takes place on Saturday 10

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September in Fen Ditton, is Cambridgebased Kerio Technologies UK Ltd. 2016 will mark the fifth time that Kerio have taken part in the Festival and they are entering two crews this year owing to the worldwide interest the Dragon Boat Challenge generates amongst its employees.

“Our HR tag line is people first, and we have colleagues from the USA, Australia,

You don’t need any experience – just team spirit and enthusiasm!

Russia and the Czech Republic join the UK office to have some fun,” says crew manager, Tracy Shepherd. “One of our colleagues from Prague has said it is the best team-building event he has been to.”

With participants coming from all corners

of the region (and around the globe!), the inter-company rivalry is definitely building – and other early entrants include Festival charity Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, Riverside Care and Support, Kings Removals, Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre, Thomas Ridley Food Service, Granite Transformations and Ardex.

Ardex in Haverhill is the UK arm of an international family-owned business based in Germany. Crew manager and sales Administrator, Matthew Hardy highlights the enjoyment employees get from the day.

“It’s a really great day out providing the opportunity for our staff to interact more informally and release some competitive energy. We know that all of our team who attend will come away from the event with a smile.” Similar to Kerio Technologies, Ardex will be represented by a range of employees from across the company, with Matthew adding “our teams will be made up from a cross-section of our entire business, with

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a fantastic day for competitors and spectators alike

Images courtesy of Vanessa Barton Photography

some participants travelling down from as far as west and east Scotland just to take part.”

The Festival promises a fantastic day for competitors and spectators alike with Chinese-themed entertainment, children’s rides, inflatable activities and plenty of food and drink for all the family on the bankside.

The top fundraising crew for ACT will also

patients at Addenbrooke’s and Rosie Hospitals. Whether it’s treatment for an emergency, acute condition, pregnancy or long-term illness, they believe that every patient deserves the highest quality of care available. The aim of the charity is to continue to support the hospitals, by raising funds for cutting-edge technology, additional specialist services, vital research and extra comforts for patients over and

receive a delicious prize meal courtesy of recently refurbished Café Rouge Cambridge.

Best of all, it’s all in aid of a fantastic local cause: Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT), which is the only charity dedicated to making a difference for

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above what would be possible through NHS funding alone.

Carla Brown, corporate fundraising manager, says, “We are delighted to be the Festival charity once again. In 2016, Addenbrooke’s Hospital celebrates its 250th anniversary and we welcome your support during this very special year.”

For further information and an entry form, call Gable Events on 01780 470718 or visit the website. To find out more about the services of ACT call 01223 217757 or visit www.act4addenbrookes.org.uk.

See www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/ cambridge or call 01780 470718.

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FAMILY

ANIMAL CARER EXPERIENCE DAY The Wood Green Animal Centre in Godmanchester will host an Animal Carer Experience day on 31 May, giving animal lovers aged seven to 11 the chance to get hands-on with essential duties, whilst having loads of fun.

Taking place 10am-3pm, activities on the day will include health checking the guinea pigs, making enrichment toys, visiting the vet surgery and even having a go at dog training! The ticket price of £75 includes one free space for an accompanying adult, plus a goody bag and vouchers for lunch and the Wood Green shop. www.woodgreen.org.uk

If you’ve got a budding Jamie or Nigella on your hands but dread the mess that arrives whenever you let the kids loose in the kitchen, listen up! On 31 May, Cambridge Cookery School will host a morning of making and mastering the perfect macarons. Creating these delicate sugary globes in the prettiest of colours might seem ambitious for younger kids (and adults, frankly, if we’re being honest), but you’ll be in safe hands at Cambridge Cookery School. The talented team reckon they’ve created a foolproof recipe for these notoriously tricksy, but melt-in-the-mouth delicious little sweet treats.

There will be coffee, soft drinks and cake to enjoy at this hands-on class, and everyone will receive plenty of cake boxes to take home.

The class is suitable for parents and kids or teens and takes place from 10am to 12.30pm. Priced at £36.87-£77.87. www.cambridgecookeryschool.com

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SPACE JAM KID’S CLUB SCREENING Combining dance with puppetry, projection, stories and audience interaction, this colourful and quirky show explores the micro world of grass and all its wriggly inhabitants. It comes our way courtesy of Second Hand Dance, a company which works with artists from a variety of disciplines to produce participatory and interactive dance experiences.

With just the right balance of silly fun and educational, insect-related facts, the show is designed for younger children and features worms, slugs, snails, dancing ants and more to inspire children to look closely at the world around them, get mucky and play.

It takes place on 8 May, at 11.30am and 2.30pm and costs £10 per adult and £6 per child. www.junction.co.uk

With a bargain ticket price of just £1.50 (for adults and children), the Kid’s Club screenings at the Arts Picturehouse are great value, as well as being a chance to introduce your little ones to some classic films on the big screen. This month it’s the turn of 90s basketball romp Space Jam, which plays on 28 May at 11am. Combining live action with animation, the colourful comedy tells the story of NBA star Michael Jordan teaming up with the Looney Tunes to play a basketball game against aliens to determine their freedom. Nostalgia guaranteed. www.picturehouses.com

CAUTION – SAFETY GOGGLES REQUIRED! Answering all life’s big questions (such as why do beans make you fart? Why do our fingers go all wrinkly in the bath?), this science-tastic show will delight inquisitive minds, young and old. Taking place at Cambridge Junction on 12 May, Caution – Safety Goggles Required!, is presented by Greg Foot, celebrity scientist and regular on Channel 4’s Saturday Brunch.

The format of the show is decided by the audience, who are invited to bring along their science questions or tweet them in advance to @gregfoot.

He’ll then stop at nothing to give answers, be it creating an indoor rainbow, launching a space rocket or using a giant flamethrower!

Suitable for all ages, the show starts at 7.30pm and costs £17. www.junction.co.uk

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FAMILY

MUDDY FINGERS Got little ones that love nothing more than getting mucky in the great outdoors? We’ve got just the thing! On 31 May, wander over to Wandlebury Country Park where they’re hosting a morning of fun for kids, taking place from 10am to 12pm. Suitable for ages from three to six years, accompanied by adults, the activities will include den building, basic tracking and making tree faces.

Bring along a snack and drink and dress for being outside and getting muddy! Costs £8 per child and £6 for members. www.cambridgeppf.org

Join the mischievous Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company this month for a performance of The Three Little Pigs at Cambridge Junction on 22 May. Through physical action, fantastic puppetry and a good dollop of imagination, they’ll be discovering that building your own house isn’t as easy as it looks. What’s the best material to use? Will it keep out the rain? And most importantly, can it withstand the huffing and puffing of a big bad wolf?

Designed for ages two years and up, there’s also a drop-in arts and crafts session just before the show free of charge.

Tickets are priced at £10 per adult and £6 per child. The show takes place at 11.30am and 2.30pm. www.junction.co.uk

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FAMILY

PAST TIMES DOWN ON THE FARM Step back in time to the 1940s at Denny Abbey Farmland Museum, with the return of their celebration of the era on 29 and 30 May. Re-enactors will be dressing up as members of the British and American armies plus the Home Guard, to bring the era back to life, and children can get creative with 1940s crafts and handle some of the museum’s objects from the decade.

There will be 40s tunes performed by Mike Ruff, plus vintage cars and vehicles.

Don’t miss this chance for a fun and informative look at the past. www.dennyfarmlandmuseum.org.uk

SOUTH SUFFOLK SHOW The South Suffolk Show promises a relaxed rural family day out on 8 May at Ampton Racecourse, near Bury St Edmunds.

It’s the 128th edition of the agricultural show that features sheep, pigs, horses, cattle and a whole host of attractions. There will be a craft marquee, food hall, countryside area, vintage farm machinery, trade stands and plenty of children’s entertainment.

Gates open at 8.30am and pre-show discounted tickets are available. www.southsuffolkshow.co.uk

TRUCKFEST Celebrity guests, thousands of monster motors and live bands are just some of the highlights of Truckfest, which returns to Peterborough’s East of England Showground on 1 and 2 May. The showground will be home to truck races and a motorcycle stunt team for the weekend. Among the celebrity line-up will be Lisa Kelly and Todd Dewey from TV’s Ice Road Truckers stars and Amy and Ronnie from American TV series Lizard Lick Towing Krew.

There’s an extensive funfair featuring dodgems, zip wires, go karts, big wheels, zorbing and ghost trains. A Back to the Future star car and Star Wars characters will also be at the event. www.truckfest.co.uk

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Three arenas and a huge range of animals make Burghley Game and Country Fair an event that is not to be missed.

On 29 and 30 May at Burghley House, near Stamford, you can see disobedient ducks shepherded into a pen by sheepdogs, enjoy an impressive falconry display and be thrilled by the heats of the 2016 horseboarding season.

Dogs can take part in chase the bunny contests (not a real bunny!) and there’s an arena dedicated to our four-legged friends, with a huge range of pooch displays. Meanwhile children can meet alpacas and hamsters, ride a donkey and even pan for gold! www.livingheritagecountryshows.com

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COMMUNITY

Community news

BELLY TO BABY

show

May

Mums- and dads-to-be, listen up! On 14 May, Cambridgeshire Doulas will present the Belly to Baby show at Trumpington Meadows Primary School. Taking place from 10am4pm, the show is designed to showcase the local doula community and its partners, and help you to find out what kind of support is available to you during your childbearing year.

A doula is there to provide continuous help, support and advice for the whole family, from pregnancy through to the early days of parenthood. Their role is that of a non-judgemental companion, providing emotional and practical support and advising on everything from breast or bottle feeding right the way through to simply being a helping hand to facilitate the transition to motherhood and make it as smooth and positive as possible.

At the Belly to Baby show, expectant and new parents can find out about the support available to them, get lots of advice and discover more about local ethical pregnancy and birth initiatives in and around Cambridge. Learn about everything from hypnobirthing and yoga to birthing for blokes and baby wearing – plus enjoy lots and lots of cake, in a friendly, supportive environment.

Cambridge Birth Choices, run by local doulas Becky Talbot and Ellie Cook, will also be at Strawberry Fair in June. Pop into their bell tent, have some tea and cake and chill out with the doulas, asking any questions you have, before you head back out to enjoy Local doula Becky Talbot the festival. cambsdoulas.co.uk/belly-baby-show

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Swim the Channel

FOR HEART RESEARCH UK! Heart Research UK are inviting members of the community to swim the channel this month – from the comfort and convenience of their local swimming pool!

The visionary charity, which has been helping hearts since 1967, funds groundbreaking medical research and seeks to help people live longer and happier lives. Get involved by gathering a team together or go it alone if you’re feeling brave: you have 12 weeks to complete the 22-mile challenge and you can do it all in one go, or take longer and do it at your own pace. Either way, you’ll be doing your bit to help this fantastic charity, which, uniquely, spends money where it is given, meaning your effort will be directly helping our Cambridge community.

To sign up to the Heart Research UK Swim the Channel challenge, go to the website. www.heartresearch.org.uk/events/ swim-channel

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FOOD DRINK A N D

GET THE INSIDE TRACK ON CAMBRIDGE’S FOODIE SCENE WITH EDITION’S MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT

ASPARAGUS SEASON SPECIAL

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FOOD

FOOD NEWS A MONTHLY ROUND-UP OF GASTRONOMIC GOINGS-ON IN CAMBRIDGE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA IMAGES DAISY DICKINSON

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US! Last month we saw in Cambridge Edition’s 5th birthday in style, hosting a party at Novi on Regent Street. As well as a gigantic salted caramel and brown sugar sponge cake from the very talented Jo Kruczynska (owner of King Street café Afternoon Tease and baker extraordinaire), there was street food from Guerrilla Kitchen. Guests tucked into mac and cheese pots, steamed pork bao and spiced lamb with hummus and pomegranate molasses and we also devised our very own cocktail, the Cambridge Edition, which featured mango juice, rum, lime and muddled chilli.

Thanks to all who joined us and helped to make the event such a success!

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FOOD

EAT CAMBRIDGE After many months of anticipation, Eat Cambridge is finally upon us! Taking place 7-22 May, the event includes a large food and drink fair at the Guildhall which showcases some of our area’s finest foodie enterprises: expect plenty of deliciousness to try and buy, as well as talks and demos throughout the day. On the line-up for the fair, taking place on the 7th, are The Gog Farm Shop, Kandula Tea, Jack’s Gelato, Cambridge Artisan and plenty more great local foodie companies. That’s before we even get to the Fringe line-up, which features a fortnight of fabulous foodie fun across the city.

THE GOG AND GUERILLA KITCHEN SUPPER CLUB Street food faves Guerrilla Kitchen, headed by chef Jay Scrimshaw, will be returning to The Gog for a supper club style feast as part of Eat Cambridge. Taking place on both 13 and 14 May, the event will take place in The Gog’s super cool outdoor space, The Shack, and feature a sensational six-course supper. Though they’re keeping shtum about the exact menu, we do know it’s going to feature lots of lovely seasonal ingredients, as well as produce from The Gog’s grocery, deli and meat from the butchery. Places at the supper are £45 per person. www.gogmagoghills.com

SUNDAY BEST Who doesn’t love Sundays, with their hearty lunches, country walks and endless lazing about? We know we do, which is why we’re completely head over heels with the idea of Sunday Best, taking place on 22 May as part of Eat Cambridge.

A celebration of all Sunday’s ‘best bits’, the event takes place in a beautifully restored church in Swaffham Prior, and will feature delicious food, live music, Bloody Marys, great wine, board games, Sunday papers, comfy sofas and even a walk in the country!

It’s hosted by Guerrilla Kitchen together with the My Little Festival team, who have bags of experience working on major festivals such as Secret Garden Party and Glastonbury, as well as putting on brilliant local events like the Gogs’ Giant Sundowner, and they’re promising to give you the ultimate Sunday.

Guests will be entertained by Cambridge’s coolest choir, the Dowsing

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Sound Collective, who always serve up an eclectic set. They’ll be stripping their sound back for an acoustic afternoon of chilled grooves, Scandi sounds and mellow indie pop.

The centrepiece, of course, will be that all-important Sunday feast, which is in the capable hands of Guerrilla Kitchen’s chef Jay Scrimshaw. As you relax in the cosy, shabby chic surrounds, he’ll be preparing a sumptuous three-course lunch for everybody to enjoy at the feasting tables.

Heaven!

There are just 60 places so you’ll need to move fast to bag your space. Tickets are £35 for adults (and £15 for children under 12 years), and the cost includes all food and a guided walk. If you fancy getting stuck into the Bloody Marys, there will be a ‘Sunday School Bus’ toing and froing between the venue and Cambridge. The event runs from 1pm until 5.30pm. www.mylittlefestival.uk

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22/04/2016 12:58

FOODPARK NIGHT MARKET Taking place on 21 May, 5-10pm, the Eat Cambridge edition of the much-loved foodPark night market looks set to be a total winner. The location, once again, is Gravel Hill Farm, and as always there will be great food, a fully stocked bar, music and plenty of areas for cosying up.

Expect appearances from heroes of the local street food scene like Wandering Yak, Jalan Jalan, Steak & Honour, Churros Bar and more. Tickets are £5 per person. www.foodpark.com

THE GARDEN KITCHEN: IN BLOOM Serving up delightful cakes, great coffee, top salads, savoury bites and more, Mill Road’s Garden Kitchen has quickly cemented itself as a favourite in the area.

This month, as part of Eat Cambridge, they’ll be taking their name more literally than usual by transforming into a flower themed café serving lunch and treats for one day only on Sunday 8 May. Open 10am-6pm, The Garden Kitchen: In Bloom will serve up a delicious menu exploring the vibrant and aromatic flavours of botanicals. Expect edible flowers, infused drinks and treats aplenty.

The event will help to raise funds for the Mill Road Midsummer Fair on 2 July, and follows on from the success of the Garden Kitchen’s 1940s pop-up last May. “We’re so excited to be bringing the look and taste of a beautiful spring garden to Mill Road,” says event coordinator Laura Matthews.

“The team and I are thrilled to be working with The Garden Kitchen again and hope we raise plenty of funds for the Mill Road Summer Fair!”

Search Facebook for details. www.thegardencafecambridge.co.uk

WINE FESTIVAL Cambridge Wine Merchants will host a large wine festival at the Arts Theatre, 21-22 May, featuring loads of fantastic tipples to try and buy.

There are three sessions to choose from, each lasting two hours and featuring more than 100 wines to taste.

Sip your way around reds, whites, pinks, champagnes, ports and sherries, and snack on cheese, bread and meat platters.

The entrance fee is £7.50 (includes a platter), and you’ll also be given a free branded glass and tasting brochure. The festival will work on a pay-as-you-taste voucher system, costing £1 for a strip of three (the more expensive the wine, the more vouchers required), so you’ll get to sample loads of top tipples! www.cambridgewine.com

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FOOD

RED COW MOOSIC FESTIVAL Head over to the Red Cow in Chrishall this late May bank holiday for a day of great food, live music and family-friendly fun as they present their fifth annual Moosic festival. Taking place on 29 May from 3pm-12am, the festival will feature performances from a range of artists, which span the musical spectrum from funk to jazz and even a bit of glam rock.

The event attracted around 1000 guests last year and they are hoping to lure in even more revellers this time around with a mini beer festival, wood-fired artisan pizzas from street food outfit Fired Up, ice cream from Saffron Walden Ice Cream Company, popcorn, candyfloss and facepainting. Entry is free. www.theredcow.com

WIN A SUNDAY LUNCH FOR TWO! To celebrate its newly launched Sunday lunch menu, Hilton Cambridge City Centre on Downing Street is giving Edition readers the chance to win a delicious three-course Sunday lunch for two.

Based in the heart of Cambridge, Hilton Cambridge City Centre opened its doors for the first time last December.

The mouth-watering Sunday lunch for two will be served in the stylish Book Room Restaurant within the hotel. You’ll get full VIP experience with drinks on

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arrival before enjoying a leisurely and indulgent dinner, courtesy of the hotel’s new executive head chef, Kiran Selvarajan.

Choose between starters like walnut and blue cheese tart with rocket and mustard dressing, and slow-roasted salmon rillettes and smoked salmon, served with dill crème fraîche and micro herbs.

For mains, you can enjoy roasted topside of beef, pan-fried cod with samphire and fennel or wild mushroom

ravioli with delicious sides including duckfat roasted potatoes, honey-glazed roast parsnips and toasted broccoli and mange tout. There’s plenty of tempting sweet treats on offer to enjoy too.

To be in with a chance of winning Sunday lunch for two, visit the Cambridge Edition website at www.cambsedition. co.uk and head to the competitions page.

The expiry date for using the prize is 27 November 2016. Subject to availability. www.hilton.com

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THIRSTYFEST Independent drinks shop and bar Thirsty, located on Chesterton Road, has quickly established itself as a destination for local food and wine fans since opening last summer. As well as stocking great wines, craft beers and ciders and spirits, they also host a fantastic line-up of street food pop-ups with some local favourites like Provenance Kitchen and Wandering Yak. We’re big fans of the set-up, their fun approach and the events they host, so it’s with great excitement that we bring you news of the inaugural Thirstyfest: a day of drinks, street food, music and art coming our way on Saturday 4 June.

Taking place at the Bodywork dance studio (Glisson Road), the event will feature wine producers from around Europe, craft breweries and a range of artisan spirit producers. Guests will be able to wander around the stands, decide on their favourites and then head downstairs to one of the bars where there will be tables and seating for up to 200 people. Kind of an Oktoberfest vibe, but cooler. There will also be expert-led seminars throughout the festival, plus live music and artworks from local artists will be on display. On the foodie front, there will be a mini street food market outside where you’ll be able to grab tasty bites from mobile restaurant Provenance Kitchen, Austrian delights from Holy Schnitzels, steamed buns and more from Guerrilla Kitchen and Cambridge’s most sought-after gourmet burgers from Steak & Honour.

“It’s all about taking what we’ve done at Thirsty and supersizing it in an awesome new venue,” says Sam Owens, founder of Thirsty. “We didn’t want to run a typical old wine tasting with lots of old farts sniffing and swilling their way from one claret to another. We wanted to replicate the fun and conviviality that people tell us we’ve created on Chesterton Road – and bring the wine side together with craft beer, spirits, coffee and food. I live just along the road from Bodyworks, so we’re keen to bring Thirsty over to the community around here.”

Elsewhere, there will be fringe events taking place at pubs, restaurants and bars across the city, and in case you need any more reason to get stuck in, they’ll be donating 20% of profits to local causes.

Search Thirstyfest on Facebook for more info and keep up to date on Twitter @ThirstyCamb.

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FOOD

WORDS ALEX RUSHMER

BEYOND THE BURGER MASTER YOUR OUTDOOR KITCHEN AS THE WEATHER WARMS WITH ALEX RUSHMER'S GUIDE TO RAISING YOUR BARBECUE GAME

he fuzz of happy potential hangs in the air at this time of year. There is a full summer ahead of us and if the Met Office is to be believed, it’s destined to be a good one. Appetites are always different when doors and windows can be left open, and become even more altered when the kitchen ceases to be the central focus of either culinary output or meal times.

Whilst I love spending time at the stove, for me the real excitement comes when the weather allows your garden to become an understudy kitchen for at least a few weeks – and hopefully a lot longer.

Cooking outside presents unique opportunities. There is something elemental about the lick of flame and the smokiness of wood and charcoal. It is real cooking with nowhere to hide – harsh and unforgiving – but it also yields flavours beyond anything achievable indoors.

It connects us with our ancestors, who didn’t have the luxury of thermostatically controlled ovens or adjustable induction hobs. They had to learn how to harness

the raw power of flame in order to transform their ingredients into food.

The whack of smoke, the unmistakable flavour of flame-charred meat or fish or vegetables – for me, these really do represent the tastes of summer.

My early experiments involved the overly optimistic use of garage forecourt disposable barbecues. The paper-thin foil containers held enough chemicallyenhanced charcoal to char a packet of sausages at best, and anything more adventurous involved careful use of the

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oven as backup and a short visit to the coals for appearance’s sake only.

Now, there are many more ways to become a master of the outdoor kitchen that go far beyond the pathetic efforts of the past. Recent years have seen significant developments when it comes to barbecues and other outside cooking facilities, which makes it far more realistic to transform your patio or garden into an area that will rival your own kitchen.

Heavy-duty ceramic barbecues such as the legendary Big Green Egg enable you to carefully control the temperature of your al fresco cooking facilities, giving a degree of versatility that rivals any oven. A chunky T-bone steak can be grilled to perfection in just a few minutes over raging hot coals or a whole chicken can be slow-cooked to deliciousness over an hour or so. Adding wood chips gives gloriously different and smoky notes and the whole thing can be transformed into a slow cooker to render a hunk of pork shoulder or beef brisket to a mass of pulled perfection overnight.

A pizza oven is another way of turning your outdoors into a culinary playground.

For those who don’t have the patience, budget or engineering nous to build one for yourself, Uuni have built an ingenious stainless steel alternative that runs on wood pellets and can be up to temperature and ready to cook in under ten minutes. The furnace-like oven cooks at a ferocious 300-350° and will cook a pizza in around two and a half minutes.

What’s more, you can now add a stone base to it for that superauthentic Italian experience.

With so many options available, including the trusty old traditional charcoal-fired barbecue, there really is no excuse not to get out there and flex your culinary muscles in a whole new arena at every available opportunity.

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FOOD

Your window for enjoying the fleeting British asparagus season is all too short: here’s some inspiration to help you make it as delicious as possible

HOW DO YOU EAT YOURS? #1 Asparagus with fried duck egg, prosciutto and sourdough soldiers Jo Kruczynska, owner of King Street café Afternoon Tease “My favourite way to eat asparagus would be blanched for four minutes in salted boiling water and served simply with a beautifully rich fried duck egg from Rattlesden Farm Foods (www.rattlesdenfarmfoods.com), prosciutto and Dovecote Bakery sourdough soldiers dripping in salted butter.” afternoontease.co.uk

ASPARAGUS FEAST AT BURWASH MANOR Burwash’s annual asparagus extravaganza is back on 14 May, and as ever it promises to be an unmissable event for any lovers of those tasty spring stems. Celebrate asparagus season in style from 10am until 4pm with cooking demos, tastings aplenty and tractor trailer rides out to Burwash’s own asparagus fields. There will also be yummy food on offer from mobile restaurant Provenance Kitchen, as well as liquid treats from The Juice Box and wine merchants Cozzi & Boffa, who’ll be hosting tastings. www.burwashmanor.com

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FOOD

#3 Charred asparagus and sweetcorn in a peanut and chive dressing Nazima and Pierre Corne of Franglais Kitchen offer up a delicious barbecue asparagus recipe

ingredients:

2 corn on the cobs; 50ml olive oil; juice of 1 small lemon; juice of half a lime; 1tbsp tamari soy sauce; 1tsp soft brown sugar; pinch of salt; ½tsp chipotle chilli powder (or hot paprika); 1tbsp chopped chives; 50g roasted unsalted peanuts; 20 asparagus spears; salt, pepper and a little olive oil to coat the vegetables before cooking

Step-by-step instructions:

#2 Roast asparagus with Parma ham and poached eggs Michelle Alston, author of The Last Food Blog

ingredients:

1. Steam the sweetcorn until the kernels are soft.

2. Prepare the dressing by mixing the oil, lemon and lime juice, soy sauce and then season with sugar, salt and chilli powder.

3. Chop the peanuts and stir in the dressing.

4. Coat the asparagus and corn with a smear of olive oil, some salt and pepper.

5. Cook the vegetables on a preheated grill or barbecue until they are browned.

6. Remove the kernels of corn from the cobs using a sharp knife.

7. Lay the cooked asparagus on the serving dish.

8. Layer the sweetcorn, peanuts and chives on the top.

9. Serve warm. www.franglaiskitchen.com

8 asparagus spears; 2 slices of Parma ham; 2 large free-range eggs; zest & juice of half a small lemon; Parmesan cheese; 1tbsp olive oil; 1tsp vinegar (I use malt vinegar); freshly ground black pepper

Step-by-step instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4.

2. Wash and shave the asparagus, trim off any hard woody ends.

3. Place four spears of asparagus on one slice of Parma ham and place on a foil-lined baking tray, repeat.

4. Drizzle a little olive oil and lemon juice over the asparagus then wrap the Parma ham around the spears.

5. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes.

6. While the asparagus is roasting poach the eggs.

7. Bring a medium saucepan of water to the boil, reduce the heat until the water is barely simmering. Whisk the water until there is a vortex, add a small teaspoon of vinegar, break one egg into a ramekin dish and then pour gently into the saucepan. If you want a runny poached egg let it cook for three minutes.

Remove egg, place on kitchen paper to dry off a little.

8. Serve asparagus topped with egg, some Parmesan shavings, a little lemon zest and some black pepper. www.thelastfoodblog.com

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local asparagus stockists: Bushel Box Farm Shop Bury Lane Farm Shop Burwash Manor Radmore Farm Shop

www.bushelboxfarmshop.co.uk www.burylanefarmshop.co.uk www.burwashmanor.com www.radmorefarmshop.co.uk

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WORDS ANDREW WEBB

I like chilli; a jalapeno, a dash of chipotle sauce or slices of bird’s-eye chilli on a Thai curry. Anything hotter though, and I’m in all sorts of bother internally. There are those who do like things hotter, much hotter.

Welcome to the secret world of chilliheads.

In search of the sauce

Tim Murphy used to work for an engineering company, but when his son was born, he wrote his resignation later whilst still on paternity leave – a move which signalled the beginning of The Cambridge Chilli Sauce Co.

“I was good at growing plants, but couldn’t make a living out of that,” says Tim. “But I had a quarter of an acre and I also love hot sauces, so I started growing chillies.” It then took several months for him to refine both the recipes and the production process. “How we got from those early prototypes to where we are now is a total blur, there was a lot of trial and error involved.”

Tim is a big fan of using other local ingredients in his sauces. “We use cider vinegar in our recipes, and we’re lucky enough to get it from a local cider producer, Cromwell Cider, based in Hemingford Grey. If I can get it local, I will.

Sugar comes from Bury St Edmunds and our onions and tomatoes are from within 40 miles of our doorstep.”

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Tim believes there’s more to chilli than simply assaulting your digestive system with heat. “People who eat a lot of chilli, they might try the really hot Americanstyle sauces, but pretty soon they get bored and start looking for flavour. So we

Welcome to the secret world of chilliheads have to diversify. Our mildest product, for example, is a raspberry and chilli jam.

People try it and say ‘where’s the chilli?’ as it’s a good 15 seconds before the gentle heat comes through. It’s using chilli almost as a seasoning.” He also spends a lot of

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FOOD

time being mindful of how a sauce is used. “When we make a product, we think about what people might eat it with. So that jelly is designed to go with pork; if it was super hot, you wouldn’t really get the taste of the pork.”

Tim’s sauces and many others in the UK use tomato and onion as a base, while American sauces don’t tend to.

US chilli bloggers who review UK sauces often find them perplexing. “Perhaps it’s because we have a lot of things like brown sauce and tomato ketchups that most UK producers use onion and tomatoes?” wonders Tim. When I asked if he has a favourite, he said, “It’s got to be the smoked Scotch

I think my food is lacking without it bonnet and pepper sauce. I think it’s the finest sauce I’ve ever made. Now every new sauce has to live up to that.

It’s also the most labour intensive sauce.

We have to smoke the red peppers and smoke the Scotch bonnets, that’s a two-day process, but it’s an incredibly popular sauce.”

As for why he’s a self-confessed chillihead, he replies with, “I just think my food is lacking when it doesn’t have it. In my fridge I have over 50 open

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sauces, I have my own shelf and space in the door. I’ll gear my meal around what sauce it goes best with. When I talk to fellow chilliheads their eyes light up, you can see them think, ‘so it’s not just me’!”

Tim’s keeping things steady in his plans for the future. “We don’t want to expand beyond what we’re doing. I don’t want to be stocked in supermarkets; they wouldn’t pay the price we’d have to charge them for a start. But more than that we like it as it is, it’s just me making the sauce. As crazy as it may sound, it’s not just about the money. I’m lucky enough to put my boy on the school bus in the morning and be here when he gets off. This business fits our lifestyle and a big factory unit doesn’t interest me,” he tells me. “It’s taken seven years to get to this stage. When we started we began with just £2000. A lot of companies start with the marketing, the labelling, the website and such, then they forget about the product! We’ve always concentrated on what’s in the bottle.” www.cambridgechilli.co.uk

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FOOD

Cambridge Cheese Company Jade Thomas and her business partner David Wilshin manage the Cambridge Cheese Company on All Saints Passage, Cambridge. Here, amongst the stunning selection of artisanal cheeses, Italian olive oils and handmade chocolates, is a shelf containing their hot sauces.

As well as stocking a range of Tim’s products, they also have a fine collection of US sauces available. Many of the US labels feature skulls, coffins, flames and scatological names such as Ass Reaper and Colon Cleaner; one actually bears the phrase ‘hate in a bottle’. Others are more South American in tone, and feature Mexican imagery and ingredients.

So what’s the attraction of hot sauce? “It’s endorphins, you just get this sudden rush,” says Jade. “Key for me though, is a sauce made with real peppers that has flavour. CaJohns are my favourite US sauces; they don’t just use capsaicin extract, it’s all done with natural peppers. The trouble with the sauces made with extract is that all you get is heat,” says Jade. We start talking peppers, and she says, “Naga’s not my kind of chilli, it’s hot and peppery and gets you in the back of the throat. I’m more hot and fruity, think Habanero or moruga scorpion.”

Perched on the highest shelf sit two bottles of Mad Dog 357. If the sauce doesn’t make your eyes water, the cost will – £125 – and you have to sign a health and safety disclaimer when you buy it. “David tried a tiny amount of this on the very tip of a cocktail stick once and he had to go home, he said he felt like he’d been shot!” says Jade.

So is there a thriving chilli scene in Cambridgeshire? “I think so,” says Jade.

“We sell loads of these sauces because most chilli sauces in supermarkets are just a bit insipid – to me, that’s not hot.” www.cambridgecheese.com

Last man standing

If you’re a fan of hot sauces, chilli and competitive eating, you can take part in a chillieating contest held at Skylark Garden Centre in Wimblington, near March, on 18 June.

Be warned though, chilli-eating competitions are not for the faint-hearted. The idea is simple; each contestant is presented with a chilli they must eat completely. In front of them is a glass of milk and often a bowl or bucket. Reaching for either of these results in disqualification. Things start off fairly mild, before rocketing up the Scoville scale like a shuttle launch. I’ve attended a few of these competitions over the years (as a spectator) and they’re great fun to watch. To register for a place, see the website. www.skylarkgardencentre.co.uk

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The scoville scale

The ‘heat’ of chilli is measured in Scoville Heat Units, or SHUs, named after the American pharmacist Wilbur Scoville who invented it in 1912. What gives chillies their heat is the amount of capsaicin present. A red pepper has a SHU of zero, while the Carolina Reaper, which holds the current world record for the hottest chilli on the planet, comes in at between 1,400,000 and 2,200,000 SHUs. To put that into some sort of perspective that’s hotter than pepper spray (yes, it gets its name because its made with capsaicin). SHUs are not a truly accurate way to empirically measure spiciness, as a panel of tasting experts determines the results. Other variables such as cultivar, humidity and even soil condition mean that chillies from the same species can have slightly different ratings.

CAROLINA REAPER

1,400,000-2,200,000

TRINIDAD SCORPION

1,200,000-2,000,000

GHOST PEPPER

855,000-1,041,427

speedy ,n, spicy

Another venue offering a chilli challenge is SmokeWorks on Free School Lane, Cambridge. The ‘University Chillenge’ saw teams of four people attempt to eat 32 chicken wings in the fastest time. They’re coated in a sauce made with the scorpion moruga chilli that ranks at an average of 1,200,000 SHUs. Their most recent event, the ‘Ultimate Chillenge’, saw contestants eat a chilli dog in Scotch bonnet sauce, 32 chicken wings coated in ghost chilli sauce and a scorpion chilli corn on the cob – ouch.

“We’ve had 30 people take part in this latest Chillenge,” says Jessica Donnithorne from SmokeWorks. “The best time so far was two minutes 18 seconds. Everyone who takes part gets their photo put up on our wall of flame/shame downstairs.” The latest Chillenge menu for the summer months was still being worked on at the time of writing so check the SmokeWorks website for details. One thing’s for sure, it’ll be spicy. www.smokeworks.co.uk

CHOCOLATE HABANERO 425,000-577,000 RED SAVINA HABANERO

350,000-577,000

FATALI

125,000-325,000

HABANERO

100,000-350,000

SCOTCH BONNET

100,000-350,000

THAI PEPPER

50,000-100,000

CAYENNE PEPPER

30,000-50,000

TABASCO PEPPER

30,000-50,000

ARBOL

15,000-30,000

SERRANO PEPPER

10,000-23,000

HUNGARIAN

5,000-10,000

JALAPENO

2,500-8,000

POBLANO

1,000-1,500

ANAHEIM

500-2,500

PEPPERONCINI

100-500

BELL PEPPER

0

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WORDS NICOLA FOLEY

CROWN & PUNCHBOWL HORNINGSEA , RESTAURANT GROUP CAMBSCUISINE STRIKES GOLD AGAIN WITH THEIR LATEST OFFERING

eeing the Cambscuisine logo on a menu is a definitive seal of approval for discerning diners: you just know, without even tasting the food, that a good meal is pretty much a dead cert. This reputation is well deserved – after all, Cambscuisine is one of, if not the, most successful independent restaurant groups in the region.

They consistently hit the mark, whether in the form of top-quality steaks and elegant British fare at the Chop Houses or their hip city centre barbecue joint SmokeWorks. That’s before we even get to Whittlesford’s charming Tickell Arms or Hemingford Grey’s multiaward winning The Cock.

A fan of all of the above, I couldn’t wait to eat at The Crown & Punchbowl, which re-opened following an extensive refurb in February. Set in the chocolate box village of Horningsea, this country pub and restaurant has had a solid reputation on the foodie front for a long while, but the arrival of Cambscuisine promises to have elevated that.

A Grade II listed building which dates back to the 17th century, the pub’s interior has been refreshed and brought up to date whilst retaining appealing original features such as the timber beams and fireplaces. There’s now also a lovely bright, airy conservatory, which leads on to a rather sumptuous looking semiprivate dining room, whilst upstairs has had a facelift too, now offering five smart bedrooms.

The menu, pleasingly indulgent, offers up a series of hearty, modern British dishes which feature lots of seasonal ingredients.

FIT FOR A 19TH CENTURY BANQUET THIS , DECADENT DISH WAS A SHOWSTOPPER My eye was caught by the asparagus with poached duck egg and capers, but in the end I couldn’t pass up the lamb scrumpets to start.

It’s not a large dish, but it makes an impact with its smoky, melty lamb encased in crispy fried breadcrumbs and served with a roast aubergine dip. The pulled meat, the waiter tells me, is brought over from SmokeWorks, where

they take their barbecuing incredibly seriously, cooking the lamb low and slow for hours and hours in an oven especially imported from the barbecue motherland, America. It’s worth it – the perfectly tender consistency and intense flavour are unbeatable.

My dining partner went for the slightly more sophisticated duck parcel, which was delicate to look at but packed a serious flavour punch. Rich soy and ginger sauce joined by piquant pickled cucumber and tender confit duck, this artfully arranged little package was a lesson in balancing flavours.

It was the main course however, that earned the prize for dish of the night. We went for the beef Wellington for two, which came served with Jersey Royals, buttery cabbage and roasted heritage carrots.

Fit for a 19th century banquet table, this decadent dish was a showstopper and no mistake. Encased in light-as-air puff pastry (no soggy bottoms here – impressive), the star is the butter soft, luxurious fillet of beef,

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perfectly pink in the middle and the ideal bedfellow for the rich red wine sauce it arrives with. The dish, with its irresistibly juicy beef, whisper of Dijon mustard and hit of pepper, is a dream when paired with the full-bodied, aromatic glass of red I was recommended (the Pech Mege).

Utterly defeated by the scale of the Wellington but determined to soldier on into the dessert menu, we opted for the sticky toffee pudding. Light and fluffy and doused in scrumptious salted caramel sauce, it was the perfect end to a great meal.

With its excellent standard of food, knowledgeable staff (a signature for Cambscuisine restaurants it has to be said) and sophisticated but not stuffy approach, I can see The Crown & Punchbowl becoming a firm favourite on the local dining circuit, and rumour has it we won’t be waiting long for the next Cambscuisine outpost… www.cambscuisine.com

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INDIE OF THE MONTH

In the spotlight this month is Chocolat Chocolat, one of our city's most treasured independents WORDS VANESSA BLACKLEDGE

emember in the year 2000 when Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp upturned an uptight village with the ‘loose morals’ inspired by the pushing of that most wicked substance… chocolate? Now imagine the little shop in that wonderful film, but times two, and you get Chocolat Chocolat. Situated on St Andrew’s Street near the entrance to the Grand Arcade, this real-life chocolate factory is the sweet baby of Isabelle and Robin Chappell who set out their stall in 2009 and haven’t looked back since.

Head chocolatier Isabelle was excited by the burgeoning food scene in the city, so it was an easy decision to pick Cambridge as the location for this delicious project.

“I’ve always loved chocolate and when I lived in Paris I fell in love with a little chocolate shop and I just knew I wanted to bring something similar to the UK,” says Isabelle, who trained as a chocolatier in Paris and Belgium.

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Prior to that she worked for some of the largest fashion labels in the world, and the understanding of aesthetics she developed in that industry runs through her chocolate-making, and its design. “I always put the taste of our chocolate first, but we try to make the shop and our products as attractive as possible,” she explains, “as they say, ‘you eat with your eyes!’ Our

We design it both to taste and look good customers always tell us that the shop is beautiful, and that’s because I use all the techniques I learnt at Laura Ashley and Monsoon to make the product look good.

What we do is chocolate making, but we design it both to taste and look good!”

And good-looking it is, packed to the rafters with multicoloured loot, and yet it’s the smell that will get you. Or, we

should say, has already got you, because Chocolat Chocolat has already been voted Cambridge’s favourite chocolate shop.

(Don’t you love living in a city where there is a range of chocolate shops?) Part of this success must surely be due to the mouth-watering spectacle of watching the chocolatiers at work, creating the sheetchocolate they make daily. Any chocolate they don’t make on site themselves comes from small and well-loved chocolatiers that the owners have chosen for their quality.

Like wine, Isabelle explains that chocolate can be assessed for its quality by looking out for a few telltale signs.

“There are three ways to know a good chocolate: the first is the smell, good chocolate should smell of chocolate; and then it should snap when bitten into; and it should have a good shine.”

If you want to know more about chocolate tasting, or indeed making, the shop runs its own courses, and Isabelle’s enthusiasm for her medium must be the inspiration behind many sign-ups.

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INDIE OF THE MONTH

EVENTS Chocolat Chocolat will be launching a new BEAN TO BAR CHOCOLATE MASTER CLASS during the Eat Cambridge Festival this month.

They are also working with Hotel Felix on their CHOCOLATE AFTERNOON TEA parties for the Eat Cambridge Festival – book yourselves in, quick! www.eat-cambridge.co.uk

When asked what the best thing about her training was she doesn’t hesitate: “That’s easy: the chocolate! Working with luxury Belgian chocolate was amazing and learning how to turn it into delicious bars and chocolates was rewarding.”

But beware, because when asked what the most difficult thing about making chocolate is, her answer is bafflingly the

A little, high-quality chocolate can help your health same: “The chocolate! I kept on tasting it; warm melted chocolate is the best food in the world! I had to work hard to develop my self-control, at first that was difficult!”

And she’s still working on that to this day. Her top recommendation and

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personal favourite is the caramel, praline and sea salt sheet chocolate. “I first made it as a limited edition four years ago and our customers loved it so much that it’s become a firm favourite and with me too.”

Before diving in and gorging ourselves we had one last question for Isabelle, and it’s a big one, age-old in fact… Is chocolate good or bad for us?

“There is a simple answer to this question, too much is bad for you, but a little, high-quality chocolate can help your health in many ways and it tastes so good as well!” But then when it comes to some chocolate, a little just isn’t ever going to be enough, so we prefer Katherine Hepburn’s take on things: “What you see before you, my friend, is the result of a lifetime of chocolate.” We’ll take it. www.chocolatchocolat.co.uk

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NEWS

What is the Cambridge BID? Launched in April 2013, Cambridge Business Improvement District (BID) is funded by businesses and organisations in the city to deliver a range of projects and events that enhance and promote Cambridge, encouraging people to visit and enjoy our fabulous city. Find out more at www.cambridgebid.co.uk Follow us on Twitter at @cambridgebid

Eat Cambridge

EACH volunteering day We were thrilled when East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) invited us to join them at the Milton Hospice for a Corporate Volunteer Day and delighted to be joined by staff from Hotel Felix, Ta Bouche and CAMBAC. The day started with a briefing by their fundraising manager, Karen Newton who gave us a little bit of background about the charity, how they support children and families in the region and also how the Duchess of Cambridge came to be the patron.

We were then given a tour of the grounds and introduced to the garden shed which soon became our home from home! We split off into two groups and were given free rein to tidy up the garden area, playground and car park.

We raked, dug, swept and swept a bit more! The time flew by and by the end of day we had made quite a difference to the outside area of the hospice.

We found it a really incredible experience and one that we would recommend to any individual or business. It really shows what can be achieved when you take time out from the normal everyday to do something for other people. For more information about EACH or to donate please visit their website. www.each.org.uk

A huge showcase of Cambridge’s thriving food and drink scene, Eat Cambridge returns this month for a packed fortnight of events around the city.

Taking place 7-22 May, the festival boasts a vast line-up of fringe events as well as a large food and drink fair at Cambridge Corn Exchange on 7 May. From the wine festival on 21-22 May at the Arts Theatre to taster menus, debates, cooking classes, pop-ups, supper clubs and more, there’s plenty to enjoy. Visit the Eat Cambridge website for the full programme. www.eat-cambridge.co.uk

Sign up to the Cambridge BID Newsletter Interested in finding out about all the exciting things going on in Cambridge? Sign up to the Cambridge BID monthly newsletter. Packed with useful information about what’s going on in our city, it’s the email you don’t mind landing in your inbox!

Be the first to hear about all the exciting events, offers, competitions and fantastic promotions that are happening on your doorstep. www.cambridgebid.co.uk/signup

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FASHION NEWS COSMOS NECKLACE £15 ARK, PEAS HILL

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL INDIES! TENNESSEE DRESS

BY SIXTON LONDON £67.99 LILAC ROSE, BRIDGE STREET

OTTOD’AME PALAZZO PANT £99.95 CUCKOO CLOTHING, ST MARY’S PASSAGE & BURWASH MANOR

SILK BLEND TOPS £140 EACH BOUDOIRFEMME

LUNA SILK FRILL PRINTED BEACH DRESS £189 BOUDOIRFEMME

Step into spring with our top picks from local independent boutiques

EMILY AND FIN LUCY DRESS £70 LILAC ROSE, BRIDGE STREET

BRETON SMOCK TOP £75 ARK, PEAS HILL

SELECTED FEMME MIFA KNIT DRESS £49 ANNA, HIGH STREET, SAFFRON WALDEN

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BEAUTY

WORDS & IMAGES DAISY DICKINSON

GET AN Step 1

FO LLOW THE B LO G thedayseyes.com @thedayseyesuk

@daisyduked

One of the most feared applications in beauty: putting on liquid eyeliner. If you manage to get one eye right, it’s sadly no guarantee the other will follow suit. Daisy Dickinson shares her top tips for eyeliner victory – steady hands at the ready!

I’ve been painting on my cat flicks since I was a teenager – over a decade ago – and have dabbled with plenty of brands and products; the messy, the crumbly, the kind that just won’t come off. Now that I’ve nailed the application, I’ve a few tips and tricks to pass on that I wish I’d had when starting out.

Most make-up tutorials will tell you to leave your mascara until last.

After a ton of trial and error I’ve found my own trick, in that applying one coat of mascara can actually help keep a steadier hand, improving the overall eyeliner application process. I love Essence’s Lash Princess Volume Mascara (£3.30, Wilko, Ely), which is a real bargain.

Once you’ve applied your mascara, allow it to dry properly, this is so that the stiffening of the product on your lashes will form a little shelf – of sorts – on which to rest your eyeliner brush, as you guide the product along.

I prefer a brush and bottle option – and a firm sponge bristle brush over the paintbrush type. Sleek’s Dip-It liquid eyeliner (£4.49, Superdrug) is amazing, and it’s super affordable too. The thick, dark formula comes with a sturdy felt applicator brush which makes for forgiving application. Bristle brushes are great for a more advanced hand, but can unexpectedly flick the liner where you don’t want it if you’re a newbie.

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BEAUTY

Step 2

Now you’re ready to apply. Using a handheld mirror, look down into it while carefully pressing the flat side of the brush along your eye line, from inner corner, out and along. Rather than using the tip, or art-school-style brush strokes, it can actually be easier to get your first guide line by pressing in this manner, making thin marks (like a dotted line) along the eye each about 5mm apart. Once you get to the outer most corner of the eye, stop. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect at this point, we can tidy up later.

Step 3

Now, rather than continuing the line out for the flick, try reversing the direction you’re painting in and start from the farthest point away, drawing a thin and careful line back to join up at the bottom corner of the eye. I find that the brush travels more successfully across without getting stuck on any uneven skin.

I visualise around a 40° angle between the liner and my eye crease, which is a good reference to providing a flattering angle for your flick. You can extend the flick as long as you like, remembering that it’s easier to increase it to add length than take it away. Once you’re happy with the appearance, repeat on the other eye, then come back to tidy any top lines until smooth.

Step 4

If you make any awful mistakes, use a cotton bud to tidy up and start that section again – keeping calm! If you make any minor mistakes such as the lines not appearing quite equal to the other eye, rather than scrubbing off your hard work instead take a soft eyeshadow brush and blend a little eyeshadow under the eye and into the flick – this can work to blur the harsh line and give the illusion of evenness. I love Real Techniques Bold Metals brush in 201 (£12, Boots) for this.

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TOP 3 PRODUCTS FOR SASSY CAT FLICKS 1. Kiko Cosmetics Precision Eyeliner (£6.90, Kiko, Grand Arcade) This rich black and longlasting product comes with a super easy-touse, long felt applicator making it easy to apply thin, long flicks.

2. Sleek Dip-it Eyeliner (£4.49, Superdrug) My absolute fave for the deepest black colour, this thick formula will last all day and night without flaking out.

3. Essence (from £2, Wilko, Ely) I love Essence for affordable products and their eyeliner range does not disappoint, including liquids, kohls and felt tips like the 2in1 eyeliner pen.

If you’re still struggling or don’t have time for liquid eyeliner, there’s an easier way of lining your eyes using a kohl pencil and a bit of smudging, and it’s oh-so forgiving to a shaky hand. Take a pencil like Kiko Cosmetics Fine Art Eye Pencil in Black (£5.90, Kiko, Grand Arcade) and trace a line close to your lashes, extending to a little flick, then using a brush like the vegan-friendly Nanshy Pencil Makeup Brush (£5.95, nanshy.com), or your fingertip, gently smudge the line for a softer edge. For an even more subtle look, go for a brown shade like Stylish Ebony.

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Helping you smile for less National Smile Month 2016 (16 May-16 June) is the perfect time for you to get the smile you’ve always wanted – and this year it couldn’t be easier Anglia Orthodontics, one of Cambridgeshire’s orthodontic practices, is offering an exclusive deal during the month-long event in May and June – which could save you up to £300*.

Invisalign is one of the world’s best alignment treatments and, because of its state-of-the-art design, it’s virtually invisible. This makes it very popular with adults and teenagers who would prefer not to have the more noticeable orthodontic braces. They can even be removed when you want to eat, making them the perfect low-fuss option.

Every Invisalign aligner is custom-built to your exact specifications and, because of this, they are incredibly comfortable to wear. The Anglia Orthodontics team make sure of this by taking highly accurate 3D scans of your teeth using one of their futuristic scanners, which are then used to design and build an aligner that is tailormade just for you!

Indeed, with Anglia Orthodontics, the Invisalign process simply could not be simpler. With their seven straightforward steps you can achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of: 1. A FREE adult assessment and quote 2. A FREE records appointment with an oral scan 3. A FREE treatment plan 4. At this stage you can commit financially to the treatment 5. Your Invisalign aligners are fitted and treatment commences 6. Regular visits every six to ten weeks (dependent on your treatment plan) to change your aligners 7. At the end of your treatment, Anglia Orthodontics will give you complimentary tooth whitening so you can show off your dazzling new smile with confidence!

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You can also be sure of Anglia Orthodontics’ absolute dedication to your care – the team will do everything they can to accommodate your needs. They also appreciate how important your smile is to you – knowing just how much it can affect your confidence – which is why they have a 100% commitment to making sure that you receive the results that you are looking for.

Put this together with their team of highly skilled and recognised orthodontic specialists, Dr Francis Scriven and Dr Paul Williams, and their state-of-the-art practice in Cambridge, and two practices in Huntingdon and Ely, and it’s easy to see why you should make Anglia Orthodontics

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your first choice for orthodontic treatments in East Anglia.

To book your free adult Invisalign assessment with Anglia Orthodontics, call the friendly team on 01223 305526 or go on their website www. angliaorthodontics.co.uk today!

Two of last year’s satisfied customers with their great new smiles

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EDUCATION

The future of work in a world of robots AND WHAT SCHOOLS CAN DO ABOUT IT! WORDS TOM CASSIDY

Tom Cassidy, head of sixth form at Cambridge International School (CIS), considers how to equip students with future-proof skills s parents and educators, we all know how fast the world is changing and that none of us can predict the future, yet we can be fairly sure of two things: 1. The future is going to be different.

2. Anything that can be done by robots, will be. And by robots, we don’t mean the 1950s humanoid-type-brandishing-trays-of-ginand-tonics, we mean any system that runs an automated process: machine, computer, device or application.

Do we think there is going to be the same demand for accountants, lawyers, politicians, journalists, teachers, architects and engineers over the next 50 years as the last 50? It’s likely that much of the routine side of even these professional occupations will be taken care of by technology.

So, what can we do about this, as educators? We can choose not to rail against this change, but instead to anticipate the characteristics needed to be future-proof and to deliberately inculcate these in our students.

Most schools today are preparing students perfectly for a job in 1970, despite the overwhelming evidence that a traditional education is no longer enough. Students still need academic qualifications of course, but these become no more than the table stakes for entry into the market. You’ll need much more than a good degree to thrive over the duration of your career in an evolving world.

In order for students to become futureproof, they need to become entrepreneurial;

creative, big-picture thinkers, risk-takers and fast learners.

Humans will always be valuable when applying their creative genius to situations which are uncertain, indeterminate or unpredictable. Mankind will continue to have the edge over robots in the creation of a new solution, the design of a new product, the implementation of a new approach: all of which are trademarks of the entrepreneur.

Students will need to be entrepreneurial, but not necessarily entrepreneurs. They can still practise medicine, but be doctors with an entrepreneurial mindset, always looking to do new things, to develop, to grow, to change and to improve.

Whatever their path, in order to be successful students will need to have tremendous self-discipline, highly developed powers of discernment and the ability to effectively communicate.

They’ll need to be masters of their thoughts, and captains of their actions.

They’ll need to assimilate new information rapidly and connect the dots, see the bigger picture, and go beyond a specific specialism to ‘see how it all joins up’.

They’ll need to be comprehensivists, not specialists as specialists will become increasingly replaced by technology, since their function is so tightly defined.

The people who prosper will be those who can see things at a higher level, who can anticipate the implication of all these seemingly unrelated phenomena.

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The future belongs not to those who know current things best, but to those who can learn new things the fastest.

Our role as educators must be to teach these characteristics deliberately, rather than just hope students learn them by osmosis, and one of the ways we teach entrepreneurial skills at CIS is through implementing the Agile approach to project management.

Agile promotes starting before you’re ready, failing quickly, learning from your mistakes and reflecting continually to see how you can improve both your results and your processes.

It is essentially the way humans naturally learn; by doing, by exploring, by trial and error, by learning as you go along.

The Agile methodology has become hugely popular over the last 30 years and most start-up companies follow agile practices.

Google, Microsoft, Salesforce and Spotify are all notable exponents, since Agile appears to be the most effective way to work in teams.

Agile approaches are especially valuable when applied to learning, since the feedback loop is very short, so students learn immediately what to change in order to improve and flourish in a results-based environment. It’s a powerful preparation for the modern world of work and it helps students get better results, with less effort and with more enjoyment.

To find out more, please email Tom tcassidy@cischool.co.uk or have a look around here: http://bity.ly/cambridgeinternational-school.

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