💬 This Week from the Cambridgeshire Spotlight Team

Hello, Cambridgeshire!

Mid-June has arrived — longer days, warmer nights, and a gentle hum of summer across the county. From garden fetes to riverside gigs, Cambridgeshire’s bubbling with things to see, do, and smile about.

This week, we’ve pulled together a fresh mix of local stories, brilliant people, and events worth your time. Whether you're reading this with a morning brew in the garden or catching up on the train — we're glad to be with you.

Refugee Week Circus & Music – March

🗓 Date: Thursday, 19 June | 🕠 Time: 5:30 PM
📍 Location: March Library, Cambridgeshire

Picture this: acrobatic flips, bağlama strings, and a guitar strum weaving into a community celebration of strength and story. Refugee Week kicks off here with an intimate, uplifting performance by Amin — a former fostered care leaver — followed by acoustic folk fusion from Burhan & İnan. It’s a joyous celebration of “community as a superpower,” right in your local library.

🌹 Wisbech Rose Fair – Georgian Elegance Meets Floral Flair

🗓 Date: Saturday, 28 June
📍 Location: Wisbech town centre

Head northeast to Wisbech for their long-running Rose Fair—a weekend bloom of Georgian grandeur. Think processionals, petal-inspired crafts, and a warm community buzz against historic backdrop buildings. It’s a floral feast with that timeless Fenland elegance

Angles Theatre Summer Show – Wisbech

🗓 Period: Throughout June
📍 Location: Angles Theatre, Alexandra Road, Wisbech

One of the UK’s oldest Georgian playhouses is back in action. The Angles Theatre is brimming with community performances this summer — from heartfelt dramas to musical finales. Support local arts, catch something unexpected, and stroll into history with flair.

Wicken Fete & Dog Show

🗓 Date: Saturday, 28 June
📍 Location: Wicken Road, Wicken

Yes — a fete, and a dog show. Expect homemade cakes, pick-your-own produce stalls, live music, games on the green, and dogs in bow ties. It’s a classic village summer event where tail-wagging meets tea and tidy bunting.

Shelford Feast Week – Great Shelford

🗓 Period: Saturday, 5 – 12 July
📍 Location: Great Shelford

Dating back centuries and revived in the 1990s, Shelford Feast Week brings the whole village together — charity runs, tug-of-war, pancake flips, and fireworks. Raised nearly £400k for good causes since the 90s already, and this year’s festivities look set to top it again. Book your spot.

Picnic in the Park – St Ives

🗓 Date: Sunday, 22 June
📍 Location: Warners Park, St Ives

Grab a blanket, your favourite snack, and a summer playlist — St Ives invites you to chill and listen. A relaxed al fresco concert with local lip-smacking food stalls, acoustic sets, families on deckchairs, and a backdrop of leafy parkland. Not quite Glastonbury, but beautifully local.

Star Shine Night Walk – Walking with Love, One Step at a Time

There’s something quietly powerful about walking into the evening with hundreds of strangers who somehow feel like friends.

This Saturday, 21st June, the fields and footpaths around Shelford Rugby Club will gently glow with fairy lights, head torches, and the soft crunch of trainers on tarmac. It’s the Star Shine Night Walk — a beautiful, community-led evening raising funds for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.

People walk for all sorts of reasons: for the dad who cracked terrible jokes, for the friend who always turned up, for the neighbour who once dropped off soup when it mattered most. Others walk simply because they can — in solidarity with those who can’t.

You can choose a 5- or 10-mile route, both winding through peaceful Cambridgeshire villages as the sun goes down and the stars come up. There’s something about that shared silence, the flicker of lanterns, and the odd laugh breaking through that makes it feel more meaningful than your usual fundraiser.

Everyone gets a T-shirt and a medal, but more importantly, every step helps fund compassionate end-of-life care for families across our county. And at the end? A cup of tea, a biscuit, and probably a lump in the throat.

It’s not a race. It’s not loud. It’s just love, laced up in a pair of comfy walking shoes.

📍 Where: Shelford Rugby Club, Cambridge
🗓 When: Saturday 21 June, from 7:00 PM
🎟 Sign up: Star Shine Walk – Arthur Rank Hospice

So if your weekend needs purpose, peace, or just a reason to walk a little slower — this might be it.

A Pint, a Roast, and a Warm Cambridgeshire Welcome

We popped into The White Swan in Conington on a sunny Sunday—expecting a quiet drink, but discovering something much richer.

Soft afternoon light filtered through the windows onto a low-beamed pub that’s actually been doing real ale justice since 1850.The locals greeted us warmly—no airs, just honest welcomes.

We kicked off with a warming soup of the day, thick, full of flavour, and matched by their crisp Adnams Southwold Bitter.

When sirloin steak appeared—charred mushroom, triple-cooked chips and all—it hit the spot: simple, solid, and cooked with respect for the ingredients.

Next, we couldn’t resist heading straight for the sticky toffee pudding—oozing caramel, rich, and exactly the level of indulgence every sunny pub lunch deserves.

The White Swan doesn’t shout about itself. It just pours good well kept beer, serves proper food, and fosters that feeling of belonging. By the time we left, we’d lingered long enough to feel like part of the place—and that, for us, is what pub Sundays are all about.

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Local Hero: Andrew King – From Telecoms to Transforming Mental Health Care

Meet Andrew King, a St Ives dad whose life transformation is one we couldn’t stop thinking about. After 35 years in global telecoms—traveling the world for work—Andrew reached a defining moment when his son, Alex, faced mental health challenges. And in stepping forward to support him, Andrew discovered his own new calling.

Earlier this year, Andrew joined the Volunteer to Career scheme at Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust. Starting out helping patients with employment skills, he’s now a full-time Mental Health Employment Specialist—a role he never imagined before. Walking the talk, his son Alex also transitioned into a peer-support role at the same trust, offering hope and insight to others facing similar struggles.

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What makes Andrew’s journey truly special:

• A family-led mission: Every step he’s taken has been inspired by Alex—and now, they both work day to day to support others in similar situations.

• From volunteer to valuable: Travis from telecoms? Yes. But Andrew says it’s the conversations with patients and the progress they make that keep him going.

• A scheme that works: The “Volunteer to Career” path has already helped hundreds into lasting NHS roles—and Andrew’s story shows it isn’t just a strategy—it’s about real people finding purpose and stability.

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In short? Andrew’s doesn’t wear a cape, but he’s walking the corridors of change—showing us all how compassion, courage, and a willingness to pivot can rebuild someone’s life…and maybe spark a new career in the process

Cambridge Innovation Capital Launches £100M Opportunity Fund

The VC big league just came to Cambridge. Cambridge Innovation Capital unveiled a hefty £100 million Opportunity Fund, investing in ambitious deep-tech and life sciences firms emerging from the university ecosystem. With high-impact deals already under its belt—including quantum computing and semiconductor startups—this fund could anchor cutting-edge Cambridge companies right here, instead of chasing investment overseas. It’s another step toward building Europe’s answer to Silicon Valley, without the commuter chaos.

Next Phase Unveiled for Cambridge Business Park

Ever wondered what the future of work looks like in Cambridgeshire? The Crown Estate has launched a second-round consultation on transforming Cambridge Business Park  into a mixed-use innovation district—packed with clean-tech hubs, green space, 5,000+ jobs, and even homes. Phase two includes public exhibitions and a Science Showcase in early June, inviting local voices to shape what could become a future spine of community and startup energy.

Let’s Get South Cambs Active—£500 Grants Now Available

Here’s a nudge to get moving—but without hefty upfront costs. South Cambridgeshire District Council has launched a new funding pot offering up to £500 for local groups or small fitness businesses to create sports, wellbeing classes, or equipment in rural villages. Already in motion: Parkinson’s-strength sessions were supported earlier this year—now the call is out to groups across the district.

Whippet’s Electric Coach Rolls Between Cambridge & London

On the move sustainably? Whippet has just launched one of the UK’s first 100% electric long-distance coaches on the Cambridge–London route,  under the FlixBus banner. Powered by Yutong, this route is a green leap—cutting carbon, not commuters—and making intercity travel cleaner, quieter, and kinder to the planet.

East West Rail’s Bedford –Cambridge line approved!

East–West Rail Moves Closer with Cambridge South Station

Not a business story in the shop-front sense, but worth shouting about: funding for East West Rail’s Bedford–Cambridge line has been confirmed, including work on the new Cambridge South station.

Expected online by Spring 2026, this station—near the Biomedical Campus and Addenbrooke’s—could reshape commuting, boost connection, and help bring jobs and innovation closer to home

Harry Specters – Sweet Social Change from Ely

You know how hitting a perfect fondant centre in a chocolate can feel like finding hidden treasure? That’s exactly how Harry Specters operates—except their hidden treasure is all heart, purpose, and community tucked into every bite.

Mona and Shaz Shah started this artisan chocolate business in Ely back in 2012, inspired by their autistic son Harry. Today, it's one of Cambridgeshire’s most innovative social enterprises—and not because the flavours are brilliant (they are), but because every bar, every bonbon, carries a purpose.

They weren’t just launching another chocolate brand. They built Harry Specters so that autistic young adults—who often struggle to find work—could have solid, paid employment and training right in their hometown.

When we popped in recently, the place hummed with purposeful energy. One chocolatier, shy at first, carefully piped ganache into molded shells, their focus shining. Another was reading packaging labels aloud—checking spellings, brands, and measurements—just as they’d been trained to do.

The results speak for themselves. Over 350 autistic people have been supported through work experience and paid roles so far. Their chocolates regularly win in taste tests—and in awards, like the Guild of Fine Food’s Great Taste stars. But the real victory? The fact that independent living, confidence, and workplace inclusion come wrapped up in every beautiful box.

What stayed with us:

• Every role matters. No dawdling in the background—each person is needed for production, packing, or customer shipments.

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• Real change, right here. You don’t have to leave Ely to find meaningful, socially-minded innovation.

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• Their success is local success. 60 % of profits go right back into charity work supporting autistic people—so every bite helps more than just your sweet tooth.

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Stepping out with a small bag of hand-crafted chocolates, we didn’t just taste caramel or fruit ganache—we tasted purpose. And that’s something Cambridgeshire should be genuinely proud to call our own.

Pedal Power at Ely & District’s 10‑Mile Time Trial

Just last weekend, Ely & District Cycling Club hosted their 10‑mile time trial—a proper test of grit against the clock. The route snakes through Cambridgeshire lanes, and it was Nicholas Trbovic who took the top spot in a speedy 20:30 finish, followed by clubmate Darran Bennett instagram.com

We spotted solo riders pouring every bit of energy into each mile—the kind of individual effort that leaves you both exhausted and exhilarated. Local thank‑yous went round for marshals and residents who stood by the lanes, cheering every cyclist on.

Touch Rugby Kicks Off at St Ives RFC

Wednesdays are lively once again at St Ives Rugby Club, where Touch Rugby welcomes everyone aged 13 to 64—players of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels are in the mix.tivesrufc.co.ukfacebooThe sessions hum with light-hearted energy—rivalry without the bruises and teamwork without the tackles. It’s neatly summed up by Sunday recovery smiles and shared pints afterward. Come along one evening—it’s sport without the stress.

Evening Athletics Under the Stars in St Ives

On 18 June, St Ives hosted an Evening Open Meeting on the track, blending championships with wheelchair and race-runner events stivesrufc.co.ukbritishcycvelouk.net+3. Families lined the lanes as athletes sprinted, jumped, and threw under floodlights—a rare festival of speed and inclusion. Watching sibling rivalry among kids on the track, and hearing proud cheers from grandparents, was somehow more inspiring than any headline win.

Wisbech Town Back in Action on the Cricket Field

After a soggy week, Wisbech Town CC returned home to face Old Leys in the Cambridgeshire & Hunts Premier League. They were keen to build on last week’s draw in Cambridge—and the sun even poked through. Later that afternoon, March Town CC picked up a solid win against Barnack in’s Senior Two division. League cricket in Fenland is quietly flourishing, and with homemade refreshments (and Nan’s famous cake) on offer, it’s a great way to spend a Sunday. stivesrufc.co. 

Cambridgeshire Village Cricket: Blazers, Bats & Biscuits

Weekend after weekend this June, village cricket keeps rolling across Fenland towns—March, Chatteris, Littleport and beyond fenlandcitizen.co.uk. It’s proper summer cricket: unhurried overs, enthusiastic chatter, and guardians with biscuit tins salt-shaking by the tea tent. And with an influx of new players, it’s less the same old faces and more a warm welcome that spans generations.

From track athletes to touch‑rugby rookies, from solo cyclists to village cricket fans—our county’s sports scene is alive, varied, and filled with people who make it more than just games. Whether you’re there to cheer, to play, or simply soak it all in, Cambridgeshire’s sporting summer is just getting going.

Tomato, Basil & Puff Pastry Tart

The vibe: Crisp, colourful, and ridiculously satisfying. This tart is basically sunshine on a plate.

Perfect for: Picnics, garden dinners, or showing off to guests with shockingly little effort.

🛒 You’ll Need:

• 1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry (because life’s too short)

• 2–3 large ripe tomatoes (or a mix of cherry and vine — go rainbow!)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp pesto (optional, but fab)

• A handful of fresh basil leaves

• 125g mozzarella (or crumbled feta if you fancy)

• Salt & pepper

• 1 egg (for glazing)

👩‍🍳 Method:

1. Preheat and prep:
   Oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Unroll the puff pastry onto a baking sheet and lightly score a border about 1cm from the edge.

2. Tomato time:
   Slice your tomatoes (or halve the cherry ones). Lay them out on some kitchen roll and lightly salt — this keeps your tart from going soggy.

3. Assembly joy:
   Spread a thin layer of pesto in the middle (if using). Top with sliced tomatoes and torn mozzarella. A little pepper on top never hurt.

4. Bake it beautiful:
   Brush the border with egg wash. Bake for 20–25 mins until golden, puffed, and outrageously tempting.

5. Finish with flair:
   Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve warm or let it cool for picnic perfection.

🌿 Serve it with:
A chilled glass of white, a handful of rocket leaves, or just your smug sense of seasonal achievement.