💬 Hello from the Spotlight!

Welcome back! We’ve had a rest for Easter, but the mission stays the same — to shine a light on the best of Cambridgeshire each week.

Whether you're strolling through Ely, brunching in Huntingdon, or hiding from the rain in Cambridge with a coffee and a crossword — we’ve got a newsletter full of stories, ideas and events just for you.

Let’s get into it 👇

Interesting Local Facts 

The town of St Neots in Cambridgeshire is named after the legendary Welsh monk Saint Neot.

 The city of Cambridge has the highest concentration of Nobel Prize winners per square mile than any other city in the world.This is primarily due to its excellence in science and innovation and relatively small size. compared to US cities. Ironically Harvard which has the most Nobel prizes in the world is located in Cambridge Massachusettes

The Cambridgeshire Spotlight Wants To Connect With Business Owners Across Cambridgeshire 

Click Here For More Information

❤️ Community Spotlight: Boats, Books & Belonging on the River Cam

This month, a new floating library set sail in Cambridge — and it’s not just about books.

The Read & Float project offers free reading sessions, tea, and well being support aboard a converted narrowboat docked near Jesus Green. It’s part of a grassroots mental health initiative reaching those who find traditional support hard to access.

💬 “We wanted to create a space where people could breathe, talk, read and just... be.”

Open twice a week, supported by local volunteers — and stocked with everything from poetry to comics.

Tell us about your favourite charity, a local community event or just a shoutout to someone who goes above and beyond in our city for our weekly community spotlight! 

"We are not put on this earth for ourselves, but are placed here for each other. If you are always there for others, then in time of need, someone will be there for you".

Local Business Spotlight: The Old Butcher’s Coffee Shop, Ely

Don’t let the name fool you — there’s not a sausage in sight.

Housed in a former 19th-century butcher’s shop, this tiny indie café has become an Ely favourite for its strong coffee, stronger sourdough toasties, and community vibes.

Run by sisters Liv & Hannah, the shop keeps it simple: locally sourced ingredients, a wall of books to borrow, and the best chai in the Fens.

🧡 Closed Mondays. Open hearts the rest of the week.

Local Dining Spotlight - The George at Spaldwick: A Dining Delight

The George at Spaldwick is the kind of place that turns a casual meal into an occasion. Nestled in a picturesque village, this gem blends rustic charm with a touch of elegance. The menu is a celebration of British cuisine with a contemporary twist—think perfectly cooked lamb shank and golden fish and chips that are anything but ordinary. Vegetarians, rejoice: the options are just as inspiring.

Drinks? You’re spoiled for choice, with everything from local ales to a wine list that oozes sophistication.

Pair that with the warm ambiance—cosy nooks, roaring fireplaces, and a sunny beer garden—and you’ll never want to leave. The staff are attentive and welcoming, making every guest feel like a regular.

Whether for a special celebration or a casual lunch, The George delivers on every front. Book a table, and prepare to savour every moment.

Nominate Your Favourite Local Business

We love to work with local Cambridgeshire Business Owners 

Take The Quiz 

Do you have a favourite business in Cambridgeshire that deserves to be celebrated? We want to shine a light on the hardworking local businesses that make our community special! Whether it’s a cosy cafe, a dedicated service provider, or a unique boutique, we want to hear about it.

Submit your nominations for our "Local Business Spotlight" section in The Cambridgeshire Spotlight! Help us recognize the businesses that bring energy, creativity, and warmth to Cambridgeshire. Tell us what makes them exceptional and why they deserve the spotlight!

Reply to this email with your nominations and a brief description to  – let’s lift up local Businesses!

Just In Case You Missed Them - Bank Holiday Events Across Cambridgeshire 

Ely Eel Festival Weekend

• 📅 Date: 3–5 May 2025

• 🕒 Time: Various times across the weekend

• 📍 Location: Ely, Cambridgeshire

• 🎟️ Admission: Free

• 📄 Details: Celebrate Ely's unique history with a weekend of festivities including the famous Eel Parade, live music, food stalls, and family-friendly activities.

• Reach Fair

  • 📅 Date: 5 May 2025

  • 🕒 Time: From 12:00 PM

  • 📍 Location: Reach, Cambridgeshire

  • 🎟️ Admission: Free

  • 📄 Details: One of England's oldest fairs, dating back to 1201, featuring traditional ceremonies, fairground rides, and community stalls.

  • Newmarket 2000 Guineas Horse Race

    • 📅 Date: 3 May 2025

    • 🕒 Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

    • 📍 Location: Newmarket Racecourse, Suffolk (approx. 20 mins from Cambridge)

    • 🎟️ Admission: Ticketed event

    • 📄 Details: Experience the thrill of one of the UK's premier flat races, with a vibrant atmosphere and activities for all ages. ​

    • VE Day 80th Anniversary Celebrations

      • 📅 Date: 5 May 2025

      • 🕒 Time: Various times

      • 📍 Location: Various locations across Cambridgeshire

      • 🎟️ Admission: Free

      • 📄 Details: Commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day with community events, including street parties, exhibitions, and remembrance services.

      • Cambridge Makers Market

        • 📅 Date: 3 May 2025

        • 🕒 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

        • 📍 Location: St. Paul's Church, Hills Road, Cambridge

        • 🎟️ Admission: Free

        • 📄 Details: Discover a variety of handmade crafts, artworks, and local produce at this vibrant market showcasing local artisans.

        • Viking Festival 2025

          • 📅 Date: 3–5 May 2025

          • 🕒 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily

          • 📍 Location: Flag Fen Archaeological Park, Peterborough

          • 🎟️ Admission: £8.50 Adults, £4.25 Children, £21.25 Family (2 adults + up to 3 children), Under 5s Free

          • 📄 Details: Experience a living history weekend with authentic Viking camps, have-a-go archery, battle re-enactments, and more. Witness the Battle of Ringmere 1010 and explore Viking life through various activities.

          • Menopause The Musical 2 – Cruising Through Menopause

            • 📅 Date: 4–5 May 2025

            • 🕒 Time: 5:30 PM

            • 📍 Location: The Cresset Theatre, Rightwell, Bretton, Peterborough

            • 🎟️ Admission: Ticketed event

            • 📄 Details: Join Carli Norris, Maureen Nolan, Rebecca Wheatley, and Daniele Coombe in this hilarious musical that celebrates women and the change.

            • Soul & Motown Night – Featuring Madison Avenue

              • 📅 Date: 3 May 2025

              • 🕒 Time: 7:30 PM

              • 📍 Location: St Ives Corn Exchange, 5 The Pavement, St Ives, Cambridgeshire

              • 🎟️ Admission: Ticketed event

              • 📄 Details: Dance the night away with live music from Madison Avenue, bringing you the best of Soul and Motown classics.

What’s On: Cambridgeshire Picks

• 🐶 Fenland Country Fair – May 12, Stow cum Quy Park
  Falconry, vintage cars, dog shows and wild food demos. One for the country set.

• 🧭 Saffron Walden Maze Festival (Teaser) – Details TBC
  It’s not until summer, but whispers are out. Expect trails, treasure hunts, and all things twisty.

• 🎨 Cambridge Festival of the Arts – All month, various venues
  Small but mighty — gallery trails, pop-up poetry, open studios, and buskers galore.

  🧱 Cambridge Brick Festival

  📅 Saturday, May 17 | 📍 Burgess Hall, St Ives

  LEGO enthusiasts, rejoice! The Cambridge Brick Festival returns with a day packed full of creative builds, rare sets, and interactive fun for all ages. Whether you're a seasoned builder or just love the bricks, there's something for everyone. ​Eventbri

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  🍻 Eddington Beer Garden

  📅 May 9–11 | 📍 Eddington Square, Cambridge

  Kick off the weekend with a pint at the Eddington Beer Garden. Enjoy a selection of local brews, live music, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for catching up with friends. ​eafn.co.uk

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  🐴 Cambridgeshire County Show

  📅 Saturday, May 31 | 📍 Abbots Ripton Estate, near Huntingdon

  Experience the charm of the countryside at the Cambridgeshire County Show. This traditional event showcases local agriculture, crafts, and family-friendly activities, offering a delightful day out for all. ticketebo.co.uk​

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  🎭 Cambridge Fringe Comedy Festival

  📅 May 24–25 | 📍 Various venues, Cambridge

  Laugh your way through the weekend at the Cambridge Fringe Comedy Festival. Featuring a lineup of emerging and established comedians, it's a must-attend for comedy lovers.

Did you know Ely was once an island?
The name comes from “Isle of Eels” — and yes, eel fishing is still celebrated every May.

Keep an eye out for Eel Day in Ely (first Saturday in May) — where you might spot an eel-throwing contest, a parade of eel costumes, and more smoked fish than seems strictly necessary.

🐟 10/10 local weirdness. Would recommend.

📣 Community Bulletin

🎭 Arts in Huntingdonshire CIC Launches Micro-Grants

Calling all creatives! A new fund is offering micro-grants to artists and community groups in Huntingdonshire. Whether it's paints, props, or pop-up galleries — small ideas can go far.

📚 Cambridge Central Library Now Open Sundays

Need a quiet corner and a good book on the weekend? You're in luck — the Central Library is now open on Sundays. Extra hours, extra reading, no overdue judgment.

🐝 Bee-Walk Season Begins at Wandlebury

Pollinator patrol, anyone? Spring means bee-walks are back at Wandlebury. Volunteers track bumblebees and get some fresh air doing it. Full training (and buzzing banter) provided.

🥖 New Bakery in St Ives?

There’s a new bakery in town — or at least that’s the word on the cobbled street. We’re investigating. If you've seen suspiciously good pastries in St Ives, report immediately.

Got something to shout about in Cambs? Hit reply — we love a local tip.

See You Next Tuesday…

Coming up soon ...

• 🛍️ The shopping village hidden in the Cambridgeshire countryside (and it’s not your average farm shop).

🐊 The family-run farm where you can buy steak and meet a crocodile — yes, really

• And a very heated debate: best village tearoom in Cambs — GO.
  
  

Stay curious, Cambs 👋

Do You Know Someone In Cambridgeshire Who's Making A Difference?

Here’s your chance to celebrate them! Whether it’s a friend, neighbour, teacher, or local hero, we want to feature their story in the "Local Hero Shout Outs" section of The Cambridgeshire Spotlight! Submit your nominations, share inspiring stories, and help us recognise the amazing people who make Cambridgeshire the place we all love living in.

Submit a brief story and their name — let's spread some positivity together!