We’re more than ready for summer and The Cambridge Club clearly feels exactly the same. Probably this year’s most disco-infused family festival, it starts 7 June and here’s why you need tickets, now.
Entertainment everywhere, The Cambridge Club © Garry Jones Photography
The Cambridge Club is billed as the ‘feelgood festival of music, arts & culture’, which turns out to be a bit of an understatement. Clearly those in the know already know to expect a lot more than the low key description suggests, as 85% of the festival tickets are already sold, and gates don’t open until Friday 7 June.
But, if you’re not familiar with the festival – now in its 12th year – we’re happy to fill you in on why you want to snare yourself and your kids the last few remaining tickets.
Space Hopper race, The Cambridge Club
The Cambridge Club saves the fiercest fun for little festival goers
Since this year’s festival is in partnership with Visit The USA and there’s a powerful seam of Americana running through the whole weekend, you won’t be surprised to find a sunny, kid-size West Coast vibe in The Ultimate Playground presented by Visit California.
No surprise either that the youngest festival goers have plenty of opportunity during the weekend to show off their singing and dancing chops. Circus skills are up for grabs too, and the littlest festivaleers will be enchanted by the circus acts on walkabout. Young artists also get to unleash their creativity at The Revolting Arts Club or vent their competitive spirit at anything from Frisbee Golf to pick-up-play lawn games.
There’s no missing the sweet nostalgia of Bedtime Raves and Space Hopper Races – feel free to indulge, it’s all just fun to your kids. And naturally, they’re taking quiet time seriously too, so don’t be shy about slowing the pace and just listening to a story, Tootles + Nibs and Patchlarks are doing the telling.
Alternatively, hit the Imagination Station for some sit-back-and-enjoy of a more raucous variety, another one not to be missed!
Kool & the Gang, The Cambridge Club 2023 © Garry Jones Photography
This one goes out to disco divas, soul sisters and lovers of a glitter ball
If you need a clue as to how much clout The Cambridge Club has, a look at its line-up should fill in any blanks.
Disco with a drizzle of funk and soul is the musical mood this June and none other than Chaka Khan is headlining. Keeping company with The Queen of Funk herself, are the likes of Soul II Soul, Sister Sledge, Gabrielle, The Family Stone, Earth Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay and too many more to namecheck.
Needless to say, dance is another big mood and Discovery Den is where DJs are manning the decks from morning ‘til night all weekend long. And for those of us who can’t resist a stadium vibe, the After Dark stage is all about bangers and anthems until the wee small hours.
Civilised Saturday afternoon, The Cambridge Club © Garry Jones Photography
Bibs at the ready, Visit The USA are bringing BBQ
You might have sensed a slight retro feel so far – space hoppers and veterans like Al McKay were a bit of a giveaway. So what better fit than some classic eats?
Visit The USA have teamed up with some of the stateside greats to deliver the best of Kentucky and Texas ‘low and slow’ BBQ to The Cambridge Club this year. The ultimate soul food proves the smokehouse rules from pulled pork to jackfruit burgers, and it’s all washed down with Californian Wines, Kentucky Bourbons and speakeasy cocktails. Speaking of which, you can drop by Club USA hidden speakeasy for a bourbon masterclass, while your kids are taking dance workshops, learning how to sing or knocking out the competition at dodgeball.
However, should you want to add some English country traditions to the mix – it’s summer and Cambridge after all – you could always pre-book a Fortnum & Mason picnic hamper. Then of course there’s street food, because it’s a festival and you can’t have a festival without getting good and messy on the food front.
Pre-pitched bell tents, The Cambridge Club
How to get your hands on The Cambridge Club tickets?
Now you know why you should go, let’s get down to practicalities.
Yes, 85% of The Cambridge Club is sold out, but that leaves 15% up for grabs and 3-day weekend tickets as well as day-tickets are still available.
Campers still have quite a few options too, from self-pitch to The Palatial Package and over 10 pre-pitch choices in between, including the temptation of some seriously decadent glamping for up to eight people (hint of how vast the tents are).
Last, but not least, The Cambridge Club kicks off on Friday 7 June and runs all over gorgeous Childerley Orchard until Sunday 9 June. So come hungry, bring your kids and be ready to boogie like it’s 1977.
Don’t miss out! Book your tickets for The Cambridge Club here