The Fort St George restaurant’s bar was rammed, Midsummer House was all booked up, neighbour’s dogs were barking which can only mean one thing… Cambridge Fireworks Night has come round again. Hoards of people came across Victoria Bridge like historical armies of old, all wrapped up in their hats and scarves with their children lighting the paths with sticks of sparkes with that smell of spiced wine in the air. We can all agree that the donations from last year were spent more than well as there were many more Ooohs & Aaahhhhs than last year. The team at Cambridge Fireworks really presented a spectacular artistic display in the crisp night sky of our fair city. A big thank you to the organisers as the 2014 Fireworks was a great success.
However the fireworks aren’t the only thing lighting up Cambridge this November. This weekend is the Big Switch On of the festive lights in the city centre. The event doesnt just involve a flick of a switch like the ol’ days, there is much more of a buzz (not an electrical one we hope) this year. See your childrens faces light up brighter than Rose Crescents bulbs with the appearance of the kid’s telebox’s broadcast stars Ben & Holly from the popular show “Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom” as well as our beloved St Nic. You may also get to see some other little treats (excuse the pun!) all the way from the North Pole, yes the elves are hitting Cambridge by the masses.
As well as this great cast the Grand Arcade is host to many musical delights such as The Abbey Ward Glee Club, Cambridge Has Talent’s own Tom Korni and many other choirs to make the occasion much more memorable. If there are some of you who have not yet lent their ears to Tom Korni’s talents then I suggest you get down to this festival and appreciate his great voice, his excellent guitar skills with the added addition of his toe tapping percussion. The full band played by just one boy. For a sneak peak you may want to entertain yourselves with his version of Oasis’ Champagne Supernova joined by his own backing dancer. Who can this mysterious dancer be you ask? Well no other than our local pub celebrity Disco Kenny. If you want a little chuckle check out the YouTube vid, taken by a very well timed passer by:
Tom Korni – Champagne Supernova (feat Disco Kenny)
Oh if that does not tempt you to put on your Uggs and get down to the centre this weekend then there is also a Penguin Circus. Yes a friggin Penguin Circus! I say why not?! So let me say no more but “I shall see you there my pedigree chums!”
So over the weekend I may have had a wee tipple at The Pint Shop to experience their Friday Night buzz. Over a delicious Camden Stout we were chatting about the table layout… fun chat, I know! This had to brought up as Cambridge is known for it’s friendly & welcoming pub atmospheres. The Pint Shop has got this down to a tee! With the long Wagamama-style tables you are definitely going to be joined by some new company. Maybe it is the vast selection of 16 different craft ales & lagers? You are no doubt going to be exchanging personal ale preferences with a randomer at the bar then conversing with some new jolly chums at the table. Along with Rob entertaining you whilst serving your selected jar of gorgeousness or Emil, the always happy Polish waiter serving The Pint Shop’s excellent food you will not be walking out disappointed. Whether you are looking for an after theatre drink, a few jars on a Saturday arvo or just a nice catch up meal with some old friends, look no further than The Pint Shop! Thumbs up, once again guys!
So let me take you back to our world… The River Cam. You might have noticed the days are getting a tad shorter, which means the sunsets are earlier. So why not book one of our Winter Warmer punts before your meal to watch the sun’s last light set over Kings College Chapel then see the lights of St johns & The Jerwood library create a Monet masterpiece over the calm waters of the River Cam. All this beauty with the added extra of Slankets & Hot Chocolates for a snug family treat. Check out our Winter Warmers page for more information and ways to book.
If you have had a stroll down the La Mimosa boardwark you may have seen one of our boats having a little lie down on the others. These cooler months is Punt Resoration time for us here at Let’s Go Punting. After a great season of all of you lovely folks taking tours, it’s time to restore the hulls. Our painter and resident boat owner Joe Merviac was even snapped up by the local wonder we call Martin Bond. For more local treasures please do check out this arteeeests website, A Cambridge Diary.
I will now leave you with a little poem to get you through this limbo before the Christmas Hype:
“Leaves may fall, but the robins call their cheeky delights,
Rain may soak our boats but they are all dry by the night,
Grab a palm or a lovers arm and try the The Pint Shop’s bites,
Smell the spiced air, theres music everywhere,
In Cambridge City’s Festival of Light!”
Merry Autumn Folks!
