Cambridge's beloved Strawberry Fair is fighting for its future, and the city's music scene is rallying with an extraordinary fundraising effort this November. A major music festival featuring 33 bands across four venues over three weekends will help secure the event's return for June 2024.
A Musical Marathon for a Cambridge Institution
The fundraising blitz begins on Sunday, November 16, at the Six Six Bar on East Road. Doors open at 1.30pm for a ten-hour musical extravaganza starting at 2pm. For just £10, attendees can enjoy nine local acts including the wonderful Mr Griff, former Cambridge Band Competition finalists For the Hornets and Kissed by Vultures, and Cleen, the fresh young talent who won Cambridge Radio's "one to watch" award. The lineup is completed by Local Hotels, Lorenza Wildcard, Iona Sky, Fenland Booty, and Devil City.
The following weekend delivers a double punch of musical action. On Saturday, November 22, the Earl of Derby on Hills Road hosts a full day event managed by Strawberry Fair's Flying Pig Stage Crew. This showcase features nine acts with a distinct Americana flavour, including Stateline Sinners, Opaque, The Pillars of Creation, and The Benson sisters with Johnny Wright.
Flagship Event with International Stars
The festival's centrepiece occurs on Sunday, November 23 at the Junction, starting at 6pm. This flagship event headlines international reggae stars Zion Train and 13th Chime, who are set to tour Mexico in early 2026. Cambridge favourites Colonel Hathi and the Lonely will rock the stage alongside last year's Under 18s Cambridge Band Competition winners Hardrive and the enigmatic Theo Sayers. Tickets for this premier event cost £23.
The final chapter of this musical rescue mission unfolds on Saturday, November 29 at the Cambridge Tram Depot. Curated by the Revolting youth stage team from Strawberry Fair, this all-day event runs from 1.30pm to 11pm and features another nine fantastic acts for just £10. The lineup includes previous Cambridge Band Comp finalists Bin Weasel and The Routine, alongside I thought I told you, Clean up on isle 5, and Torino Green.
Secure the Future of Strawberry Fair
While Strawberry Fair is planning to return on Saturday, June 6 next year, its future remains uncertain. These fundraising events are crucial to getting the iconic community festival "over the line." Music lovers can support the cause by purchasing individual day tickets or a Full Festival ticket for £40 (plus booking fee), which grants access to all four events including the prestigious Junction gig.
Tickets are available through WeGotTickets or the Junction's website. For the complete lineup and further details, visit the official Strawberry Fair website or their social media pages. This is more than just a concert series – it's a community coming together to preserve a cherished Cambridge tradition.
