Cambridge Corn Exchange 150th Anniversary Community Open Day - Programme

Stage

Dance Workshops (45 mins) – Join Bar Groisman as she introduces basic dance principles and ways to get our bodies boogying! Start with an energetic warm up, learn a short routine, and make your own sequences. Get ready to dance and and laugh! 10.30am, 1.20pm (Ages 8-16).

Drama Workshops (45 mins) – Join Will Townsend as he introduces basic principles of drama and physical theatre in the most engaging way – games, play, exercises, and plenty of movement. Be prepared to move your body and play like a pro! 11.55am, 2.45pm (Ages 8-16).

Auditorium

Technical Workshops (30 mins) – Discover the magic behind the scenes with our tech team. This hands-on session introduces the essential elements of theatre and event production exploring how lighting and sound design work together to create seamless and captivating performances.11.20am, 12.45pm, 2.10pm, 3.30pm (All ages).

Capturing Community Stories - For 150 years Cambridge Corn Exchange has been at the heart of the city’s cultural life – hosting legendary gigs, unforgettable performances, and shared experiences that have shaped so many lives. We know this venue has been a part of many of our community’s journey’s; from first concerts to family traditions, and we’d love to hear your stories. Leave us video messages or voice recordings at our dedicated area above the bleachers or drop your story into one of our memory boxes on the day. Your stories will help shape our 150th Anniversary Exhibition later down the line, ensuring these moments are captured for future generations. All Day (All ages).

Activities Zone – Explore our main auditorium where non-bookable, drop-in, fun, interactive, and family-friendly activities await. You can also unleash your creativity with arts and crafts and construct architectural wonders in the Building Block Fun Zone. Don't miss the chance to contribute to our time capsule by bringing a personal item to include on the day. All Day (All ages).

• Create your own concert poster with Lele Saa (Average duration 30 mins) - Join Lele at the Arts & Crafts station to celebrate music legends who have performed at the Corn Exchange. Get inspired by artists like David Bowie and his alter ego Ziggy Stardust and create your own gig poster. What would you wear? Which instrument would you play? What rock star name would you have? (Ages 5-12)
• Time capsule – Contribute to our time capsule by writing a letter to a future audience member or bring along an item from your lifetime you would like to leave to be opened in 2175; another 150 years’ time.
• Market House (20 mins) – Learn how to make dumplings (11am, 1pm, 3pm) and Sushi (12pm, 2pm) with local independent Cambridge restaurant, Market House.  
• Museum On a Bike – Join Museum of Cambridge as they bring their Corn Exchange archives to the day and uncover some of the venues most exciting and hidden past.  
• Building Block Fun Zone – Recreate the Corn Exchange or build your own architectural wonder in our Lego inspired area, fun for children of all ages.  

Stalls - Come and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Corn Exchange's past as a farmers’ market while exploring our local stalls offering unique products throughout the day. (All Day)

• Garden House
• Webbsour
• Mucky Pups
• Chocolat Chocolat

Foyer Bar

Venue Tours (45 mins) – Embark on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of our venue. Immerse yourself in the rich history and captivating stories that bring the Corn Exchange to life, look out from stage, venture backstage, step into dressing rooms once graced by iconic names, and discover our timeline mural highlighting renowned artists and the years they graced our stage. 10.45am, 12.10pm, 1.35pm, 3pm. (All ages – Please note: Venue tours are held in locations that may not be fully accessible to customers with mobility or accessibility needs).

Live Performances – Experience 45-minute sets from local musicians celebrating historical performances that have graced our stage throughout the decades. (All ages)

• 12pm - Elliot Porter (1960’s – 1970’s)
• 1pm - Jess Brett (1980’s - 1990’s)
• 2pm - Will Robert (1990’s – 2000’s)
• 3pm - Tom Dulieu (2000’s – Present)

St John’s Bar

Come and Sing Workshops (45-60 mins) – Join Cambridge Jazz Choir for an uplifting singing workshop! Start with some fun warm-ups to get your bodies and voices moving, enjoy easy-to-learn rounds, and sing uplifting songs together. Whether you're a seasoned singer or just love belting out a tune in the shower, this relaxed and joyful workshop is for everyone! 10.30am, 3.15pm (All ages).

Storytelling Sessions (30 mins) – Join local storyteller Marion Leeper exploring the tales and legends hidden away in the cracks and corners of the Corn Exchange. Expect stories that are silly, thrilling, scary, but not necessarily true! 11.40am, 1.05pm, 2.30pm (All ages).

King’s Room

Quiet Zone – Take a moment away from the main event when needed and join us in our King’s Room for quiet activities such as colouring and TV streaming. All Day. (All ages)

Please note – INFO POINT will be located in the foyer bar to collect pre-booked workshop and tour tickets and free event programmes, collect lost property, report first aid incidents, act as lost child point, and for any further information you need on the day.  

BOX OFFICE will also be situated in venue, where you can save 10% on upcoming select 2025 children’s shows when booking in venue on the day.