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Bookings open on Monday 17 August, offering a choice of over 80 free events, including walks, talks, guided tours, demonstrations and exhibitions that showcase the rich historical and cultural diversity of Cambridge, its buildings, landscape, art, history and people. Open Cambridge is for anyone keen to explore and learn more about this thriving, vibrant city, from a peek behind the scenes at John Lewis and the Cambridge fire station, to guided tours of Cambridge ̽��ֱ�� College’s exquisite gardens, museums and libraries. There is even the chance to meet Oliver Cromwell, warts and all, and discover where his head is buried – the exact location is still a secret.

Cambridge is a city of contrasts; medieval spires intermingle with fresh, new architecture; tradition, legacy and heritage complement the cutting-edge research and technological advances that the city is internationally renowned for. Steeped in history yet fast-paced and modern, it is a city that has evolved and adapted for hundreds of years.

For many, Cambridge is synonymous with science and technology. However, art is also a prominent feature of the city and a range of events will showcase examples of artistic expression. This year, Wolfson College celebrates its 50th Anniversary. As part of the celebrations, the College is launching a world-class exhibition, ‘This is where ideas come from’, highlighting the artistic process of one of the most important British sculptors of the 21^st century, Richard Deacon. In 2002, Richard Deacon, winner of the Turner Prize in 1987 and one of the world’s greatest abstract sculptors, delivered a lecture entitled ‘Where do ideas come from?’ Just over a dozen years later, this exhibition will provide an answer.

Another sculpture tour encompasses a walk around the historic courts and well-tended lawns of Jesus College, looking at some of their most exciting and remarkable permanent sculpture collection.

̽��ֱ��rich history of the city will be brought to life through a series of walks, introducing visitors to some of the people and places that have made the city the powerhouse it is today. Visitors will be able to learn about Cambridge’s contribution to the world of espionage; journey through the religious history of Cambridge churches and chapels; uncover the architectural significance of the city’s buildings; and discover intimate aspects of the Bloomsbury Group – where they lived, studied and performed.

Mill Road, a thriving, multi-cultural part of the city, has a fascinating history. A part of that history will be explored during an event at Ditchburn Place – Mill Road's oldest surviving building and the former Cambridge Union Workhouse built in 1838. ̽��ֱ��Mill Road History Project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, will host a special programme of tours, exhibitions and an archaeological dig during the event, Ditchburn Place: from the cradle to the grave. Visitors will be able to discover how the site has cared for local people for almost two centuries.  

̽��ֱ��history of Cambridge is further explored by Dr Rosemary Horrox during the talk, ‘A cuckoo in the nest? Medieval Cambridge and its ̽��ֱ��’, which delves into the centuries-old tensions between town and gown that developed as the ̽��ֱ�� established itself within an already thriving and long-established administrative and trading centre.  

Another talk not to be missed is ‘ ̽��ֱ��History of rowing in Cambridge’.  Chris Dalley, businessman and former Varsity rower, asks how did rowing go from being an artisan profession, to a past-time for gentlemen and then on to an Olympic sport the UK excels at? He will also talk about the sport’s history and Cambridge’s part in its past, present and future.  

Words such as majestic and iconic are often used to describe Cambridge ̽��ֱ�� Colleges – a constant attraction for visitors from far and wide as many are open to the public. However, during the Open Cambridge weekend there will be a series of special events, during which the curious and the inquisitive will be able to discover areas they may never have had the opportunity to explore. Highlights include the opening of the famous Great Court and Chapel of Trinity College –a place of learning for princes, spies, poets and prime ministers since 1546. Sidney Sussex College will also provide a tour of its courts and gardens, including an opportunity to view the fine plaster ceiling in the historic hall and the splendid neo-Baroque chapel where Oliver Cromwell’s head is buried.

Oliver Cromwell is the star of another event, ‘Oliver Cromwell: warts and all’. This event brings the Lord Protector gloriously and uproariously to life. Visitors will learn more about the revolution that swept through the country in the 1640s and Cromwell’s importance as a key figure in one of the most troubled periods of British history.

Talking about this year’s Open Cambridge, Coordinator Sue Long said: “For residents and visitors alike, there is a particular magic about Cambridge that is sometimes impossible to describe. ̽��ֱ��Open Cambridge weekend is a fantastic opportunity for the community and visitors to enjoy this magic; the ancient Colleges, the picturesque ‘backs’ leading to the tranquillity of the river and the exquisite architecture, all combine to create an extraordinary city we are very proud of.

“Alongside the events taking place throughout the city, such as the open day at the Abu Bakr Mosque and a backstage tour of the ADC, there is range of fantastic events at the various libraries and museums. These include the treasures of the Queens’ College Old Library and St John’s College Library, the remarkable collections at the world-famous Pepys Library and Wren Library, or the Cabinet of Curiosities at the Museum of Cambridge. There’s just so much to see and do at this year’s Open Cambridge, people will be spoilt for choice.”

Open Cambridge is part of the national Heritage Open Days scheme. Designed to offer special access to places that are normally closed to the public or charge admission, the initiative provides an annual opportunity for people to discover the local history and heritage of their community. For more information please visit:

̽��ֱ��Festival sponsors and partners are Kier, Cambridge Bid, Cambridge ̽��ֱ�� Press, Cambridge City Council, Carter Builder and Heritage Lottery Fund.