What’s On: ‘PlayTest’ Summer Workshop at Peckover House

Summer holidays are calling and with the school term coming to a close we can be sure that you’re on the lookout for things to do in the coming weeks! We’re excited to share with you this fantastic opportunity for those aged 13-18 who are interested in arts, gaming or heritage. Common Ground is collaborating with theatre-makers Coney for a series of creative playful workshops across heritage sites in East Anglia – including Peckover House & Garden in Wisbech next week, 25-29th July 2022!

Common Ground is a Norfolk and Norwich Festival 250 Project that connects young people with their local cultural and natural heritage through the arts. This Summer, they’re inviting 13 to 18 year olds to join them for workshops in Wisbech, Peterborough, Lowestoft and King’s Lynn for a week of art, gaming and action.

The project, which is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, brings aboard young people from across the East of England as “co-creators” and helps them to discover, define and design heritage in the local area. Common Ground proudly work in partnership with Norfolk Wildlife Trust, the National Trust, the Prince’s Trust, SHARE Museums East, Ipswich & Colchester Museum and Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

Explore creating new ways to experience and use local heritage sites inspired by your own interests. The team says: “What if a park visit didn’t have to be a picnic, but a giant scavenger hunt? Could you tour a historic house through an escape room rather than with a guide? How would you like to see your local heritage used?”

Let your imagination run wild, how would you like to use the site? During the upcoming 5-day workshop at the National Trust’s Peckover House & Garden (Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PE13 1JR), attendees will work alongside the artist collective Coney as well as two young community artists on project PlayTest: Peckover.

PlayTest: Peckover is a free creative workshop aimed at those living in the local area and is running next week, Monday 25th to Friday 29th July from 10.30-4.30PM each day. Lunch and travel will also be covered.

Making play to spark change! Coney are a BAFTA award-winning team who will be sharing their methods of creating interactive theatre, games and immersive adventures that blend creativity and playful activism. Workshop goers can expect to learn how to use physical games, digital platforms, storytelling techniques and the Wisbech heritage around them to create new, exciting experiences that connect people to places.

Participants will learn how they can make a change and will discover and share what matters to them and what they are passionate about, which could be the environment, human rights – or even a favourite food.

Taking part in Common Ground is a great opportunity for young people to shape a project from start to finish, to develop some great creative skills, to build confidence and to meet other young people in their local area. They will get to connect with their community and also make a difference to their local heritage.

Whether a regular visitor to Peckover House & Garden or you’ve never heard of it, if you are aged 13-18 you can get involved – no experience required. For an insight into some of the digital games that will be created throughout this Summer’s workshops click here to try one for yourself – using codeword: Playtest!

To book a space and for more information, including accessibility, visit the website and sign-up page here.

You can also head here for details about Common Ground’s other partnerships this Summer including the workshops PlayTest: Flag Fen in Peterborough running from Monday 1st to Friday 5th August, PlayTest: Carlton Marshes in Lowestoft running from Monday 8th to Friday 12th August, and PlayTest: King’s Lynn at Roydon Common running from Monday 15th to Friday 19th August 2022.

What’s more, the project’s portfolio includes Common Ground Leaders which is a community of 18–25 year olds who are interested in learning more about the arts, heritage, creating, producing and changing the world around them. Do you know someone who might be keen to join? Please share this page with them!

Check out the Common Ground website here – and be sure to follow along on Twitter and Instagram too.

Keep up-to-date with what is happening across Cambridgeshire’s creative scene by subscribing to receive our latest news posts via email – and follow our #CambsCreativeScene tag on Instagram.

If you enjoy content from The Trove Cambridge then please consider supporting what we do by buying us a “coffee” at: ko-fi.com/thetrovecambridge

What's On

Rowan’s Charity Exhibition: The Great Outdoors

We’re honoured to extend an invitation to our audience to attend Rowan’s annual art exhibition, through which all funds raised help the local charity to continue their work supporting adults with learning disabilities across Cambridgeshire to reach their creative potential whilst enabling them to live happy and independent lives. The two-day event is on this coming weekend, Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th February 2022, at Long Road Sixth Form College (Cambridge CB2 8PX).

Rowan is an arts centre and forest school based in the city centre. For their third fundraising exhibition it’s time to explore The Great Outdoors with a display of works for sale from 100+ artists! As well as the artwork on show, there will be live music from local musicians, a pop-up shop of goods handmade by the centre’s skilled artisans and a silent auction featuring works that have been donated by professional artists.

One of the things we love about Rowan’s events is the involvement of the local community. They offer so much to so many by both welcoming external artists, whether amateur or professional, to contribute their creativity and inspiring the public to get creative for a good cause. The Great Outdoors is open from 11-4PM on both days and entry is free. Show your support and head over to the Facebook event here to RSVP now!

Rowan receive some income from student fees but mostly rely on fundraising to cover their costs which total over £430,000 a year. They do incredible work and are very much at the heart of the county’s creative community not only because of what they do to give disabled adults the same choices, opportunities and aspirations as others but because they also provide valuable connections for residents and businesses through their community classes, open studio events, projects and commissions.

All visitors heading to this weekend’s exhibit have the opportunity to purchase original artworks inspired by nature that have been produced by local artists. Every participant was given the same blank canvas and then asked to create a piece inspired by the theme. If you’ve been searching for affordable art for your home, office or school then you won’t want to miss this – all finished canvases will be on sale for £45 each.

Ellie Breeze, Communications & Fundraising Events Manager, says: “After so much time stuck indoors, it feels fitting to celebrate the outdoors with this exhibition.” She also adds: “I love how inclusive this event is – everyone is invited to take part and each artwork is sold for the same price. We’re always blown away by the talent on display at our exhibitions and seeing the work submitted so far, this year will be no different.”

You can expect a mix of musical interludes throughout – with quirky and catchy music from Karmadillo and chilled jazz and blues groove from singer-songwriter Soloman Smith alongside Chris Newman on guitar.

Whether you are able to get along in-person or not, everyone is welcome to go check out the silent auction preview here. Virtual bidding opens on Saturday at 11AM and you can get involved by texting your bids to the dedicated auction mobile number. Just text your name, bid, the artist and artwork you are bidding on.

Since 1984, Rowan have provided a safe, creative, and enriching environment where the arts are used to bring people together and to tackle social exclusion. They develop the skills and potential of their students whilst improving happiness, health and wellbeing. They also deliver respite to both families and carers. As a social enterprise they accept large and small-scale art commissions from individuals and organisations.

Be sure to check out Rowan’s website to learn more and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay informed about future events, current projects, venue hire, opportunities and community classes.

Keep up-to-date with what is happening across Cambridgeshire’s creative scene by subscribing to receive our latest news posts via email – and follow our #CambsCreativeScene tag on Instagram.

If you enjoy content from The Trove Cambridge then please consider supporting what we do by buying us a “coffee” at: ko-fi.com/thetrovecambridge

Bumble & Oak’s Cambridge Chocolate Festival

Cambridgeshire’s first-ever chocolate festival is launching this Valentine’s weekend. The event has been organised by Riadh Falvo of Bumble & Oak, local boutique batch chocolatier and member of #WeAreCambsCreatives, and is being hosted at Histon Smokehouse on The Green. This unique three-day festival adventure will be overflowing with rich decadence – an ideal treat for you and yours to experience as you are immersed in all things chocolate, love and community togetherness.

Cambridge Chocolate Festival, sponsored by Click It Local and Small & Green, kicks off on Friday 11th February 2022 with a date night and the chocolate themed cocktail menu crafted by local mixologist Pawel.

The 2-4-1 chocolate cocktails will be served throughout the weekend and feature single origin chocolate from the cacao belt of South America. What takes your fancy? Will it be the Frisky Fashioned made with bourbon and topped with a Colombian dark chocolate origin truffle, the Choc-T Martini with tequila and dark chocolate from Nicaragua, the Chocolada with Malibu and Mexican single estate dark chocolate, or the Hot Kraken – a dark hot chocolate with rum and raspberry jam. Our taste buds are tingling already!

During the day on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th guests are invited to brunch and then meet the makers alongside touring and shopping between 10.30AM and 2.30PM. Histon Smokehouse also welcome you to join them for their Valentine’s set menu on Saturday evening with the special addition of a chocolate terrarium dessert from Riadh and live music from Hugh Boyde (Jazz) and Sandor (Blues Harmonica).

Get your free festival tickets here and make a reservation for dinner or brunch via the restaurant’s website.

Histon Smokehouse (Cambridge CB24 9JA) are passionate about quality in their business and source fresh and sustainable ingredients from local suppliers. The team will be serving brunch to festival-goers and walk-ins each morning with a very special addition of a savoury chocolate or molé breakfast plate on the menu. There will also be the option to order a chocolate tasting plate which has been put together by the chef, who has 30 years experience cooking in the finest restaurants, and selected local chocolatiers.

Don’t forget your golden tickets! On arrival, you will enter through the “chocolate factory” on your way to the outdoor garden. You will be met by Anisa Ather of Anisa & Chocolate who, alongside Riadh, will be touring attendees through the bean to bar chocolate making process – from roasting and winnowing to cracking and grinding. They will also be covering the more well known processes such as the creation of chocolate bars, truffles and desserts. You will then be directed towards the chocolate shops that will be housed within the smokehouse’s market stalls.

Riadh says: “Make your way through the Chocolate Factory, into the shops area where you can meet the makers, chocolatiers, and bakers themselves who work everyday with the world’s most popular natural aphrodisiac.”

*Get your free touring and shopping tickets here!*

Across the weekend you can expect to see Bitesize Bakehouse (Saturday), Truffles & Chocolates (Saturday & Sunday), Barbarella (Saturday & Sunday), Rachel Bakes (Saturday), Millie’s Hayfield (Saturday & Sunday), Grandma’s Rolling Pin Baking (Saturday & Sunday) and Meadows (Saturday & Sunday) – plus Small & Green will also be popping up on the Sunday in addition to proving a touch of greenery to the venue decoration.

We’re loving following the build up to Cambridge Chocolate Festival here – especially the educational facts. For example, did you know that chocolate’s 4000-year history began in ancient Mesoamerica where the first cacao plants were found? Or that it takes 400 cacao beans to make just one pound of chocolate? No, neither did we – but we are learning lots from Riadh already and can’t wait for the event next weekend.

Shop with Bumble & Oak online at Click It Local and be sure to follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Keep up-to-date with what is happening across Cambridgeshire’s creative scene by subscribing to receive our latest news posts via email – and follow our #CambsCreativeScene tag on Instagram.

If you enjoy content from The Trove Cambridge then please consider supporting what we do by buying us a “coffee” at: ko-fi.com/thetrovecambridge

What's On

Shutter Hub X ARB Present: ‘Postcards From Europe’

We’re excited to be back with our first #CambsCreativeScene online post of the year introducing Shutter Hub’s latest show which is on display until Friday 25th February 2022. On 12th January, the organisation launched their largest exhibition to date – it features 1000+ photographs from across Europe, installed across four floors of the University of Cambridge’s Alison Richard Building.

Shutter Hub provide opportunities, support and networking for creative photographers worldwide. As well as the details of the current exhibit, Postcards From Europe, we are also pleased to be sharing an invitation to photographers from across the county and beyond to put forward their images for the organisation’s second printed publication. It was great to see work by members of Cambridgeshire’s creative community selected for Yearbook 2021 which is out now – get your copy here and head to the end of this post to see the call-out details for Road Trip.

Postcards From Europe has been created from a call for response and collaboration, triggered by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and reflecting on Shutter Hub’s earlier project Postcards From Great Britain. The exhibition is open Monday to Friday from 9-7PM and is free to visit (Art at ARB, Cambridge CB3 9DT).

In a significant time in history this exhibition sets out to share aspects of European culture, spanning all genres of photography, and collating images which include social, political, historical, traditional, and observational responses. Karen Harvey, Shutter Hub Creative Director, says: “It’s been a pleasure to be able to work with so many photographers and share so many fascinating images. It’s been a long time coming, but we are so glad to be back in Cambridge, with Art at the ARB, showcasing this work as a real world exhibition!”

Postcards From Europe, which has been printed by Newspaper Club, marks the 20th and final exhibition in a series of pop-ups as part of a huge five year endeavour from Shutter Hub. Exhibitions were held in 19 locations across Europe, showcasing thousands of postcard-sized images and culminating in this final showcase with Art at the ARB at the University of Cambridge.

Not only is this landmark project a celebration of our everyday lives and culture, it is also the first of its kind. The show brings together a significant selection of images that represent our diverse social history – and they have been printed on reams of newspaper, creating an accessible and communicative exhibition which invites viewers to engage with them as they continue their journey through the building and exhibit.

CALL FOR ENTRIES: ROAD TRIP

Shutter Hub Editions plan to create a collection of beautiful printed publications, featuring themed and solo books for people who love photography to collect. You are invited to be a part of their second edition, which they want to fill with entrants’ images around the theme of Road Trip. Entries are being accepted until 5PM (GMT) on Thursday 24th February 2022.

Shutter Hub says: “There’s something wonderful about a road trip, whether it’s getting the best seat on the bus and going long distance to visit a relative, cycling cross-country up hill and down dale, or driving the backroads on a journey of freedom and exploration through an unknown place, there’s a certain sense of nostalgia and adventure that can’t be matched – but it can be photographed!”

Each photographer can submit up to six single images and it is free to enter. Shutter Hub are supporting the publication themselves so that the opportunity can be offered at no cost unless you wish and are able to make a contribution. All they ask is that entrants send their best work so they can make a significant publication to be pored over and treasured forever! The publication itself will be perfect bound, portrait orientation and printed on 140gsm matte paper at 148 x 210mm with a 350gsm cover.

Entrants do not have to be a Shutter Hub member to take part but if you would like to find out about all the benefits of becoming a Shutter Hub member you can do so here. Has this sparked your curiosity? Click this link to find out more, read the full brief, and apply today! Be sure to also follow for future updates on Twitter and Instagram.

Keep up-to-date with what is happening across Cambridgeshire’s creative scene by subscribing to receive our latest news posts via email – and follow our #CambsCreativeScene tag on Instagram.

If you enjoy content from The Trove Cambridge then please consider supporting what we do by buying us a “coffee” at: ko-fi.com/thetrovecambridge

What's On

#ShopCambridgeshire Week 2021

Calling all Cambridgeshire artists, designers, makers and independent businesses – we invite you to take part in the first #ShopCambridgeshire Week which will be running from Monday 15th to Friday 19th November 2021. Hosted by @TheTrove_Cambridge on Instagram, this community social media event includes a fun 5-day posting challenge with prompts each day.

#ShopCambridgeshire Week aims to connect local creatives and businesses with the wider local community through social media. What types of businesses are we looking to engage in this event? We welcome all small businesses based in Cambridgeshire (or just beyond the border) who are interested in taking part.

This campaign also aims to encourage and inspire residents across the county to think about where they can shop and support local this Christmas time. So, whether you are a shopper or seller – you are invited to join in by sharing to and following along on Instagram throughout next week!

To participate, take inspiration from the post prompts above and then share to your grid and/or story that day. Use the local community hashtag #ShopCambridgeshire in your posts and remember to tag us in any posts, Reels and stories so that we can share with our audience too. There’s no pressure to join in every day, just pick and choose what works for you!

It would be fantastic to see lots of businesses taking part as we enter the Christmas shopping period – so please do help spread the word by forwarding on this post. We will be sharing a round-up each evening on our grid with plenty of opportunities to be featured, make new connections and reach customers.

The response so far has been really positive and we can’t wait to virtually “see” you all there! To find out more about how to participate, or if you have any questions, please fill in the form here: Registration Form

Are you already signed up? Tell your friends, family and followers about the event by saving and sharing the Instagram story prompts template to your stories! You can also click here to edit the feature template and create your own story post to share – use an image of your choice, add your Instagram handle and then download as a .png file. Alternatively, please request a personalised copy to be sent by email.

Want to be featured in the campaign video? Take us behind the scenes, smile and wave at the camera or show you and/or your team “at work”. Please submit a 10-20 second video clip (9:16 format; no text or filters) by Friday 12th November 2021 via email to: hello@thetrovecambridge.co.uk

Be sure to follow @TheTrove_Cambridge on Instagram for further insights and ideas of what to share!

Keep up-to-date with what is happening across Cambridgeshire’s creative scene by subscribing to receive our latest news posts via email – and follow our #CambsCreativeScene tag on Instagram.

If you enjoy content from The Trove Cambridge then please consider supporting what we do by buying us a “coffee” at: ko-fi.com/thetrovecambridge

The Trove Cambridge – Online Shop Launch

The Trove Cambridge is excited to be announcing the launch of an online shop with our lovingly curated range of #CambsCreativeTreasures inspired themed gift boxes that feature high quality prints and products by artists, designers and makers from across Cambridgeshire, UK. We are pleased to be able to support many local creatives and independent businesses through this venture – and with more in the making are looking to grow the shop over the coming year and be able to work with many more!

We hit “go live” on Friday 29th October with four of our boxes which are: The Rest Calmly Box, The Pink Posy Box, The Wildflower Box and our limited edition ’12 Days Of Christmas’ Advent Calendar Box. Later this month you can expect to also find two children’s gift boxes, The Little Explorer Box and The Little Bookworm Box, as well as the first of our seasonal ‘Make Your Own’ crafting kits designed with both adults and kids in mind.

The treasures boxes are perfect for gifting but also make great “self-treat” boxes! As well as shopping the collection here you can also get in touch to “build your own” box – pick and choose or mix and match the items in store. We will check if stock is available and advise on order processing and delivery times.

’12 Days Of Christmas’ Advent Calendar Box | £75.00

Supporting local businesses from across the county and bringing you 12 days of beautiful, consumable, useful and/or edible treasures to unwrap as a countdown to the winter holidays. All items have been carefully sourced and pieced together. The advent calendar is available to pre-order now and will be shipped from Monday 15th November 2021 onwards. Don’t miss out – order yours here today!

From decking the halls and eco-conscious gift wrapping to artisanal sweet treats and festive scents to fill your home – the calendar contains a superb mix of high quality products from 12 local artists, makers and independent businesses. Also included is one of our new seasonal ‘Make Your Own’ crafting kits.

Wrapped in tissue paper, tied with jute twine and finished with a numbered tag (1-12). The items come in a black magnetic gift box complete with black ribbon, a sprig of preserved eucalyptus and gold wax seal. Our luxury advent box is one-of-a-kind and has been envisaged as well as designed to have a fun element of surprise! Keep scrolling to take a look at the full list of featured businesses.

Featured businesses include: Ely Fudge Company, Mystical Sky Studio, Ignium Candle Company, Wooden Treasure, The Cambridge Soap Company, Sue Rapley Art, Abi Stevens Illustration, The Little Fenland Eco Shop, Sewing Daze, Sleepy Bee Studio, Harry Specters and The Trove Cambridge.

It has been an honour to work with and support these local business owners to bring you something truly special this Christmas time. Part of our mission here at The Trove Cambridge is to provide a connection between the local creative community and the wider Cambridgeshire community by promoting the ethos of shopping and supporting local. The online shop launch is another way of aiding us to achieve this aim.

From championing local creatives and businesses for many years across our online platforms the launch of our online shop felt like a natural progression – and with plans to bring something to a physical venue in 2022, we look forward to seeing where this may lead. Not only for us but for the many hundreds of others in our network too!

To celebrate the ’12 Days Of Christmas’ Advent Calendar Box in particular, there is video content to “unlock” over on Instagram and we will be unwrapping a treasure a day from the 13th December 2021 on our Instagram stories – with a giveaway too! Although we have not listed the exact contents of this box in the listing, you can request a detailed product list by emailing an enquiry to: hello@thetrovecambridge.co.uk

If you pledged to support our Bring It 2020 crowdfunding project last year then you can get 10% off your first order using the code you received in your reward package. Not to worry if you can’t find it, just drop us an email and we will send it over. This is valid for use by backers until Monday 31st January 2022.

Subscribers to the hub’s e-newsletter can get £10 off the advent calendar box with an exclusive voucher code valid until 30th November 2021. You can sign up here today – we will be emailing the discoverers code to those on the mailing list this coming Friday, 5th November. In the meantime, please do head over and browse the shop and keep your eyes peeled for new releases coming very soon!

Keep up-to-date with what is happening across Cambridgeshire’s creative scene by subscribing to receive our latest news posts via email – and follow our #CambsCreativeScene tag on Instagram.

If you enjoy content from The Trove Cambridge then please consider supporting what we do by buying us a “coffee” at: ko-fi.com/thetrovecambridge

What's On

What’s On: Pop Up Art Cambridge

An exciting new collaboration between Denis Martin, owner of Minuteman Press, and local artist Jo Clark has seen the transformation of the printer’s Victoria Road location in central Cambridge over recent weeks into a pop-up art gallery. The reimagined indie shop, which is open now until the new year, showcases a wonderful collection of Cambridgeshire based artists’ works for sale.

Pop Up Art Cambridge (154-156 Victoria Road, Cambridge CB4 3DZ) is serving local artists a much sought after opportunity to sell their artwork and wares by occupying prime retail space in the centre of the city. Since launching earlier this month, the shop has been open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 10-5PM but additional opening hours and late night shopping events will be coming very soon!

This community art project has been made possible due to the relocation of Minuteman Press to new premises. Owner Denis Martin has said: “When we relocated our printing business next to the Cambridge Science Park, we left a big, beautiful space which we knew lent itself to being used for something special. Having worked with Jo over several years she was a natural choice to approach with this concept.”

Talking of the project, he adds: “In a short space of time, we have created an oasis of art. We are particularly proud to have the opportunity to highlight the exceptional talents of the Cambridge creative community.”

Pop Up Art Cambridge is proud to be host to over 20 local artists, designers and makers. Jo Clark, who is a local artist herself and whose work is sold in all parts of the UK and beyond, says: “This was something I had been thinking about for a long time. When the opportunity arose, it was too good to miss. This big and bright space has meant that we have been able to assemble a gallery full of the best of Cambridge across a wide range of arts and crafts. The Cambridge creative community has been amazing, and many people helped to get us to this stage. We are now ready to unveil a vast array of original pieces with price points to suit all pockets.”

You can expect to find painting, illustration, ceramics, jewellery and much more from the likes of Lellibelle (@lellibellecards), Silver Spirals (@silverspirals_), Naomi Elstow Ceramics (@naomielstow), Unique Ella Jewellery (@uniqueellajewellery), Sarah Beth Hsieh (@sarahbethhsieh), Abi Stevens Art (@abistevens_art) and Mol & Stitch (@molandstitch).

It is also great to see many of our #WeAreCambsCreatives members represented – including Dario Fisher, Amy Wormald, Mela Jewellery, Karen Jinks, Alison Hullyer and Birgitte Bruun Jewellery. You can head on over to the Pop Up Art Cambridge website here to see the growing list of artists now on show!

With the gifting season just around the corner, the timing for this new independent shopping venue has been perfect. Not only is there is a wide range of original goods available to browse and buy but Pop Up Art Cambridge are also hoping to put on a series of creative and demonstration workshops as we head towards Christmas; providing the local community with further opportunities to meet many of the local working artists in person. We can’t wait to take a trip into Cambridge to check out this new unique space!

For artist news, announcements and to find out more about Pop Up Art Cambridge be sure to follow along on Facebook and Instagram. Don’t forget to also give Minuteman Press (@minutemancambs) a follow if you’re looking for a reliable local design and print service. For all enquiries relating to the shop, please contact Jo and/or Denis by email to: popupartcambridge@gmail.com

Keep up-to-date with what is happening across Cambridgeshire’s creative scene by subscribing to receive our latest news posts via email – and follow our #CambsCreativeScene tag on Instagram.

If you enjoy content from The Trove Cambridge then please consider supporting what we do by buying us a “coffee” at: ko-fi.com/thetrovecambridge

Bleach Box – Exhibiting: Affordable Art Fair, Battersea

Local indie gallery Bleach Box Photography are taking part in this month’s Affordable Art Fair at Evolution London (Battersea Park, Queenstown Road, London SW11 4NJ). Eleanor Jordan and Richard Heeps, members of #WeAreCambsCreatives, would love to see you there and invite you to discover their collections which will be on show alongside 100+ national and international galleries.

Bleach Box is a specialist gallery that works with artists who exploit and experiment with film based photography and traditional printing techniques to create challenging images. It was founded in 2008 by Richard Heeps and Natasha Heidler with Eleanor Jordan joining the team in 2013.

What they create is a conceptual showcase, where one artwork is connected to another in some way, with photographs taken thirty years ago sitting alongside their most recent creations. The gallery works with other photographers to curate exhibitions and art fair booths which really stand out in their environment.

They will be returning to the Affordable Art Fair in London’s Battersea Park next week. You are invited to visit as their guest and can expect to find Richard Heeps, the Heidler & Heeps collaborations and guest artist Poppy Faun. As a guest of Bleach Box Photography you can register for complimentary tickets here!

*Bleach Box – Eleanor Jordan & Richard Heeps*

Affordable Art Fair opens Thursday 21st October 2021 and is running until Sunday 24th. Head down to Battersea to discover the joy of collecting art at a venue packed with works to suit all tastes. There will be thousands of artworks and the organisers say “you’ll be spoiled for choice whether you’re looking for the perfect accent piece for your home, a bold new talking point, or inspiration for your workspace”.

The fairs are part of a mission to democratise the art world and make art accessible to all. Affordable Art Fair say: “We love nothing more than helping people learn about and fall in love with art, so each of our fairs are filled with a creative smorgasbord of artist performances, innovative talks and tours, hands-on workshops, kid’s activities, live music and irresistible restaurants and bars; making them an ideal day out with family and friends.”

Since starting out in excess of 2.8 million people around the world have visited an Affordable Art Fair with more than half a million pieces of artwork having found loving new homes. Click here to see a full list of participating galleries for the London event – you can also find two other Cambridgeshire based exhibitors taking part, Byard Art and Linton59.

*Eleanor hanging ‘Heidler & Heeps’ at Milan Art Fair*

*Visitors to Bleach Box at Battersea Art Fair 2020*

*Get your complimentary art fair tickets here!*

For those interested in shopping online, we are really pleased to be collaborating with Richard and Eleanor to offer Cambridgeshire residents a special offer. You can use code CAMINDIE20 to get a 20% discount at checkout on Richard’s website from now until 31st January 2021. Click here to get started on your Christmas shopping early and brighten up your home for the new year!

Find out more about Bleach Box and the collections on show over on their website – and be sure to follow on Facebook and Instagram. You can also visit the Cambridge studio by appointment and sign up to their mailing list or subscribe to YouTube to stay up to date with all of their goings on including future events.

Keep up-to-date with what is happening across Cambridgeshire’s creative scene by subscribing to receive our latest news posts via email – and follow our #CambsCreativeScene tag on Instagram.

If you enjoy content from The Trove Cambridge then please consider supporting what we do by buying us a “coffee” at: ko-fi.com/thetrovecambridge

PR Reviews

‘Cambridge Punting’ – A Phonics Based Children’s Book*

Be inspired by Cambridge Children’s Books’ new adventure! We were delighted to receive a copy of the newly published children’s book entitled ‘Cambridge Punting’, written by local primary school teacher Pip Barber. This beautiful book illustrated by Charlie Spurrier has been cleverly designed to encourage children to read with phonics and is a great introduction to both reading and punting.

Cambridge Children’s Books is a small independent publishing business that creates meaningfully crafted picture books. Their books are aimed to reach those who are at an important stage in developing their literacy and comprehension, targeting children aged up to 8 years old.

The publisher notes the importance of picture books in helping children to read and interpret images as well as strengthening the bonds between caregiver and child. They are particularly interested in working with illustrators and are currently open for submissions.

As they say: “Reading is so important for children’s learning and growth, and we are not just talking about basic literacy here. Reading can help us to learn about ourselves and the world around us. It can help in our relationships with others, and can provide children with the tools for dealing with difficult issues in life.”

*Click to buy a copy of ‘Cambridge Punting’ here!*

*Picture Book Illustrations by Charlie Spurrier*

Focusing on phase 4 phonics, ‘Cambridge Punting’, will help your child to read and they’ll have some fun on the way too! Phonics is a method of learning to read that is taught from the start of Reception, it involves matching the sounds of spoken English with individual letters or groups of letters.

Reading is a key part of development and can really make a difference to a child’s confidence when exploring and learning about the world around them. Pip Barber loves living in Cambridgeshire and has found it’s cities, towns and villages fascinating places to learn about. Having taught in infant and primary schools for several years, she is excited about teaching phonics and early reading – and after noticing a gap in the market, decided to create an educational story based around Cambridge.

The university city and river are so recognisable to children and full of iconic buildings and interesting history. The book has been brought to life by London-based illustrator Charlie Spurrier, whose colourful and classic illustrations are full of playful little details. His watercolour and ink drawings seek to capture a story in which elements of humour and nostalgic childhood innocence are key.

Get your copy of ‘Cambridge Punting’ for just £5.99 from the Cambridge Children’s Books website today!

You can also find other locally produced titles ‘A Melting Planet’ by Yasmin Kinsey and ‘The Little Lotus Flower’ by Gregoire Hodder’ – as well as browse a great range of hand-picked classics; two of my childhood favourites being ‘Elmer’ by David McKee and ‘The Jolly Postman or Other People’s Letters’ by Janet & Allan Ahlberg. Shop the full range here and follow Cambridge Children’s Books on Facebook and Instagram.

*Ad | PR Product & Affiliate Links – please note that this article contains affiliate links and we will make a small commission on any sales made. A copy of the book was sent for us to review and use to create content. We will only ever promote products we believe are of exceptional quality and fit with our ethos.

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What's On

What’s On: St Paul’s Arts Festival 2021

St Paul’s (Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 1JP) welcomes you to their bi-annual arts festival showcasing live music, first-rate comedy and an art exhibition alongside a programme of creative workshops and thought-provoking talks. St Paul’s Artsfest aims to bring together people from across the city and beyond for a celebration of both community and the arts. Find out more about the jam-packed programme below!

Running from Wednesday 15th through until Saturday 18th September, this event is sure to spark the curiosity of many and bring together creative minds from both the local area and further afield. You are invited to come “get your hands dirty, to sing, to listen, to see, to participate in Artsfest 2021 and to recognise and celebrate the business of being ‘us’, of being ‘we’, and above all to have fun.”

Head down for the opening show tomorrow from 7.30PM and enjoy a comedy evening, drinks and nibbles featuring Juliet Meyers, Peter Holloway and Rev. Ravi Holy. From Thursday onwards you can expect to find all day activities such as the Café Hub and Art Exhibition plus on Thursday and Friday there will be lunchtime concerts starting at 12.30PM.

Take a look at the full events programme over on the festival website here – and keep reading to find out more about the upcoming concerts and evening events as well as the creative daytime workshops being run by some of the leading lights in the creative industry!

The festival committee says: “The 2021 St Paul’s Artsfest is a new beginning as are most things in the Covid and post-lockdown age. In common with many activities at the moment, it is a re-start, a re-invention and a re-examination of something that the mind already knows.” They add: “Our Artsfests have always been a celebration of the creative power of our community in all its manifestations. They have been an attempt to show the ‘we’-ness hidden under the surface.”

DAYTIME WORKSHOPS

Book your tickets here for ‘Silk Screen Printing’ with Off The Press Collective (@offthepresscollective), ‘Bend It Like Quilters’ with Sue Calverley and Kip Gresham (@theprintstudio_cambridge), ‘Self Portraits’ with Liz Diamond, ‘Kickstart Your Creative Writing’ with Jo Browning Wroe, ‘Look & Draw’ with Steve Russell, ‘Breakdown The Elements Of Art’ with Annabel Lee and more!

Multi-award-winning dramatist, Nick Warburton will be taking participants through the creation of character, voice and narration, and structure in ‘Writing Drama’. Nick has written scripts for stage, television and radio. Alongside his many national radio dramas, Nick has written TV scripts for Doctors, Holby City, Born and Bred as well as EastEnders.

*St Paul’s Artsfest: Book Workshop Tickets*

‘Electronic Music’ sees Drum & Bass producers and DJs from Cambridge, Logistics & Nu:tone (@nutone), taking workshop participants through the process of writing, recording, and mixing a piece of electronic music in this four-hour workshop. Logistics and Nu:Tone are signed to Hospital Records and have been working in the music business since the early 2000s. Between them, they have released 16 albums and countless singles and remixes.

We are looking forward to joining Off The Press Collective, a printmaking collective based in Bury St Edmunds, for their printing workshop on Friday. They specialise in the production of quality prints and are passionate about keeping traditional processes alive. The workshop will be an introduction into the silk screen printing process or a refresher for those who would like to revisit it. Hope to see you there!

There will be a children’s art workshop running on Saturday from 10AM suitable for those aged 5-11. This workshop will be lead by Mary Saldanah, an experienced primary school teacher who now runs the online art project, Startle Art (@startleartroom), producing materials for primary school children. Mary has been particularly busy during the recent periods of lockdown helping parents provide quality art activities for their children.

EVENING TALKS & SHOWS

Alongside these daytime workshops, there are a series of talks tackling a wide range of topics, including political activism, contemporary feminism, the information age, religion, and poetry, which includes a reading from the world poetry slam champion, Harry Baker.

Other performances include music from Martyn Joseph, jazz with award-winning British saxophonist Tony Kofi and multi-instrumentalist Tim Boniface, and songs from well known musicals with the ‘Scratch Choir’. Head down to rehearse and perform songs with local music teacher and musical theatre composer Simon Humphreys, who will lead the choir, and lecturer in music and tenor Larry Zazzo, who will perform some beautiful counter tenor solos.

Book your tickets for the talks, workshops and performances here and follow Artsfest on Twitter and Facebook. St Paul’s Cambridge is a part of the Church of England in the diocese of Ely. The church and their staff are dedicated to providing a thriving community space open to all. They provide opportunities for local, national and international organisations and rooms for hire for meetings, special occasions and celebrations.

Keep up-to-date with what is happening across Cambridgeshire’s creative scene by subscribing to receive our latest news posts via email – and follow our #CambsCreativeScene tag on Instagram.

If you enjoy content from The Trove Cambridge then please consider supporting what we do by buying us a “coffee” at: ko-fi.com/thetrovecambridge