From award-winning music, food and drink festivals to carnivals and steam engine shows, there are lots of exciting local events to get in your diary for the next few months.
In date order, here are 13 essential events coming up in the Huntingdonshire area between May and the end of July.
Ramsey Fen Fair: May 21
Ramsey Rural Museum, in collaboration with the Ramsey 1940’s committee and the Fenland Classic Vehicle Show, present the annual Fen Fair. There will be a classic vehicle show, over 70 stalls, exhibits and displays, and an evening dance event in the camp. The museum tea-room and the camp NAAFI will be open and the admission fee includes free parking and entry to the museum.
St Neots Street Food Festival: May 28
Get ready to tantalise your taste buds with an array of mouth-watering flavours, aromas and textures when the ultimate street food experience arrives at St Neots Rugby Club. More than just local and international food, though, it’s a celebration of community; there will be live music, dance, and entertainment to enjoy. The street food festival also comes to Alconbury on July 1 and returns to St Neots on August 12.
St Neots Folk Festival (40th): June 9-11
With St Neots Folk Club having been running since March 1966, meeting at The Priory Centre, this year's folk festival is the 40th edition - and the line-up is suitably impressive. Highlights include musicians Jez Lowe, Miranda Sykes, Jack in a Barrel, Suntrap, The Shackleton Trio, Anna Hester, Lynne Heraud & Pat Turner, and Den Miller. Tickets are now available online and from the club and Priory Centre.
St Neots Food and Drink Festival: June 16-18
Set on the Regatta Meadow alongside te the Great River Ouse, this feast of food-focused fun will feature grocery foods and craft stalls, street foods and bars, as well as entertainment including a live music stage, fairground rides, children's comedy workshops and cooking demos.
Somersham Carnival: June 24
There's lots to look forward to in Somersham this summer. 'Dancing In The Park' is the theme of this year's carnival, so expect an exciting event full of classic cars, stalls and entertainment. But that's not all - ahead of carnival day, the committee is hosting its annual pool competition (at the Centurion Club on June 19), a quiz night at the Rose & Crown on June 20 and a bingo competition on June 22 (venue TBC).
St Neots Festival: June 24-25
'Music, arts and unexpected delights': that's the tagline of this new performing arts festival, which encourages attendees to 'take part, get creative and get messy'. As well as local, national and international live music, theatre, dance, visual art and spoken word will feature at the Priory Park event. The festival also aims to be net zero carbon, zero landfill.
READ MORE: First-ever St Neots festival given green light for weekend of 'delights'
DSCNNCT Festival: July 1
With a 2023 theme of 'fractured realities', this one-day, 12-hour multi-genre music experience across seven stages brings 2,000 people to Crystal Lakes Leisure in Fenstanton. With dozens of DJs on the line-up - including Denney, Robbie Doherty, Bladerunner and Nicky Blackmarket - it's likely that you'll find your new favourite.
Needingworth Music & Beer Festival: July 1-2
Expect bangers, anthems and beer from the return of this longstanding community festival, which takes place at Needingworth Village Hall & Playing Fields. Voted the fourth best in Cambridgeshire at the East Anglian Festival Network Awards 2022, organisers say this year's edition will feature a greater diversity of performers, new food options and even more barrels of locally-produced, real cask ale.
Ramsey Steam & Fire Show: July 1-2
Held annually at Ramsey Rural Museum to raise money for The Fire Fighters Charity, there will be miniature steam, fire appliances, classic cars, arena/fire displays, static exhibits, a local ale tent, food stands, stalls, BBMF flypast and special guests Reaper Squad.
Houghton & Wyton Feast Week: July 1-9
A major summer event in both villages, the annual 'feast week' is held over the first full week in July and comprises a huge number of diverse events - often two or three each day.
St Ives Carnival and Music Festival: July 7-9
With a new committee at the helm for 2023, this year's festival is said to have something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you love the outdoor cinema, proms in the park, dance displays, fun of the fair, live bands or just sitting in the sun with friends.
Paxfest & Fun Dog Show: July 8
A free afternoon of family fun awaits when this 'traditional village fete' returns to the QEII Playing Field/Village Hall. As well as a range of stalls, there will be a BBQ, Beer tent, refreshments, games, face painting, children's craft activities, magic shows, a fun dog show, musical entertainment and lots more.
Buckfest: July 22
Supporting charity and local talent through promoting live music in Cambridgeshire, this award-winning volunteer-run festival attracted a sell-out crowd of 2,400 people in 2022, making last year's the largest event in the festival's history. With Dexter - The Band, So 80s and Shaun Clark on this year's line-up, the team are sure to build on that success when Buckfest returns to the recreation ground behind Buckden Village Hall.
READ MORE: More than 2,000 people attended this year's Buckfest at the weekend
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