Archaeological dig underway at Grafton Centre

As the redevelopment of the Grafton Centre commences, archaeologists have begun digging into the surrounding area, known as “The Kite” neighbourhood. Yvonne Robertson of AOC Archaeology Group said: “The redevelopment of the Grafton Centre gives us an opportunity to dig into the history of the neighbourhood, and will provide a fascinating insight into the everyday lives of the people and communities who lived in The Kite in the 18th-19th centuries as well as the potential to identify even earlier remains.” She added: “People have lived in Cambridge for more than 2100 years – from prehistoric settlement, to a Roman fort, a Viking camp, then a thriving medieval town and an important modern city.” The dig site is based in the former Abbeygate House car park.

Cherry Hinton Hall to host weekend of free folk music

Cherry Hinton Hall, which was set to host the Cambridge Folk Festival earlier this year, has announced that it will host a weekend of free musical entertainment this summer. The Folk Festival, which was due to be celebrating its sixtieth anniversary this summer, was cancelled for 2025 on financial grounds. However, Cherry Hinton Hall will now be offering a weekend of free music to the public as part of the Cambridge-wide “Folk in the City” event. On 2 August, an “open-air concert” will take place at the venue, “bringing together a mix of local and national artists,” with family events also on offer. The following day, “a relaxed afternoon of live folk performances” will take place at the Hall.

Derelict Cambridgeshire pub faces possible revival

The Cherry Tree Pub on Oundle Road, Woodston, has been out of business for almost a decade. Now, its grounds could be converted into a care home and a new pub. Peterborough City Council approved a planning application to turn part of the former pub grounds into a care home and the main Cherry Tree building into a “pub” or “quiet lounge” last week. The care home would house up to 80 higher-dependency elderly people who would have access to residential, nursing, and dementia care, according to Cambridgeshire Live. The pub, which was constructed in the 19th century, has faced vandalism and graffiti since its closure in 2016.

Police call cider and music festival venue ‘wholly inadequate’

A hearing will take place after police have objected to the venue chosen for the Cambridge Cider and Music Festival, which is due to take place from 31 May to 1 June. The festival is planned to be held at Shelford Rugby Club in Great Shelford, and had been described by its organisers, OnTick Ltd, as a “family orientated festival” with “the very best tribute acts across two days of music” on offer. However, according to Cambridgeshire Live, Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s licensing officer has described the site as “wholly inadequate for this type of event”. On Thursday (17/04), a hearing will take place to decide whether the event will be provided with a licence and allowed to go ahead.

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