Strawberry Fair

The Fair

Each year, on the first Saturday of June, Midsummer Common bursts into life as Strawberry Fair transforms the centre of Cambridge into a vibrant, joyful celebration of music, art, and community.

Since 1973, the Fair has grown into one of the UK’s largest volunteer-run, free festivals, welcoming tens of thousands of people. This unique one day fair is all about creativity, inclusivity, and that unmistakable Strawberry Fair spark.

From the moment you arrive at Strawberry Fair, the great energy surrounds you. Music drifts across the Common, colour fills every corner, and the whole place buzzes with imagination, possibility and happy faces.

What the day holds

History

In 1973, Cambridge’s Mayday Group ran an alternative one-day fair on Midsummer Common and then in 1974 staged a June follow-up branded Strawberry Fair. Through the 1970s and 1980s, the fair grew from a single stage into a major city event run by volunteers.

By the 1990s attendance reached around 50,000, and Strawberry Fair continued to evolve through changing regulations and costs, returning in 2011 with a refreshed layout and a renewed emphasis on children and young people.

In 2025 Strawberry Fair took a year off, like many other festivals in the UK. We worked on modernisation and improvements, embracing positive changes and creating a refreshed festival for 2026.

Photos of the first ever fair

Archive photography from early Strawberry Fairs on Midsummer Common.

Organisation

Strawberry Fair is the UK’s largest volunteer-run, Free festival. The fair remains independent and not-for-profit, funded by traders, donations, and year-round fundraising.

Our constitution sets two central principles: the Fair is free to enter, and it exists for the benefit of the local community, particularly children and young people. That principle shapes everything from programming to welfare and access.

How we operate

Planning is led completely by volunteers through a committee structure with working groups for programming, communications, finance and admin, infrastructure, and event management, with a steering group coordinating decisions and delivery. We are always open to new volunteers.

Get involved

Strawberry Fair is registered as a Community Interest Company (CIC), registration number 07638923. Director and committee roles are re-elected annually.

Environment

We’re proud to be an eco-friendly festival committed to protecting Midsummer Common and reducing our environmental impact. There’s only one planet, and we believe every event should play its part in keeping it clean, green, and thriving.

From recycling and reuse to reducing festival waste, sustainability is built into the way we plan, run, and pack down our event. Our goal is simple: to leave Midsummer Common tidier than we found it and create a greener festival experience for everyone.

Our commitments

  • Recycling streams for cans, plastic, cardboard, wood, and on-site glass drop points.
  • No glass bottles on site and no sales of helium-filled balloons.
  • Reduced single-use plastics, plus water refill points and returnable cup schemes.
  • Greater reuse and upcycling of decor, entrances, and art across seasons.
  • A no-paper programme model, with programme information available online.

The Environment team supports setup, litter picking, sorting, and post-event clear-up from before fair day through to pack-down. If you’d like to help, contact us via Get in touch and ask for the environment team.

Merchandise

Our exclusive festival merchandise is designed and printed locally, supporting independent creatives and businesses close to home.

You’ll only find our limited-edition merch at our fundraiser gigs or on fair day itself, making every item a special piece of the festival experience.

Merch in pictures

Festival T-shirts and stall photography from Strawberry Fair merch.

Cambridge Band Competition

The UK’s longest running band competition returns each year to spotlight local talent, with finalists playing at Strawberry Fair.

For 2026, entries are now closed. Heats take place at The Portland Arms, with the final at The Junction. Winners receive prizes, exposure, and industry connections, and are added to the competition honours list.

Hall of Fame

Past winners (newest first).

  • Hardrive2026
  • Manic Stanley2025
  • The Flying Symbols2024
  • TONYT2023
  • Oli Harris2022
  • Strawberry Lace2020/21
  • Grassroof2019
  • Influx of Insanity2018
  • Flint Moore2017
  • Permission to Dance2016
  • Swamptruck2015
  • 4th Labyrinth2014
  • The Simpletone2013
  • Grace Sarah2012
  • Supercasino2011
  • Th’ Parish2010
  • Ed Hope and Friends2009
  • The Winter Kings2008
  • The Hot Bang2007
  • The Alex Harris Band2006
  • Lounge2005
  • AR (AnAchoic Reflection)2004
  • Houston 5002003
  • Bag One2002
  • Alice Band2001
  • Calling Orson2000
  • Simplicity1999
  • Fabulous Kitchenware1998
  • FUR1997
  • Summerhouse1996
  • Beach Blanket Bingo1995
  • Summerhouse1994
  • Ezio1993
  • Tribe of Dan1992
  • The View from Without1991
  • The Big Blue1990
  • Cherry Orchard1989
  • Nutmeg1988
  • Spirit Walk1987
  • Double Yellow Line1986
  • The Detective1985