Popular Amusements
When he laid the foundation stone for the Corn Exchange, the Mayor declared it a place ‘devoted to the very useful object of popular amusements’ as well as for trading corn. Early Edwardian fads filled the hall from “rinking”, as skating was known in those days, to ping pong.
The lady competitors, generally in smart costumes, played a milder game, though there were some who would have made the male sex jump about.
Changing roles
After the Second World War, a new era of entertainment and leisure began. Women’s roles in the home shifted as many remained in paid work, claiming new financial and social independence. At the same time, a new social category emerged, the ‘teenager’, and with it, a new kind of music. The Corn Exchange adapted: rock ’n’ roll took over the stage and wrestling and boxing matches packed the bill. Boxing had been entertaining crowds at the Corn Exchange throughout its history but became particularly popular in the 1950s as men returned home from war. Matches attracted crowds of up to 1,500.
‘Going to see all-in wrestling in the late 1970s. A lady took exception to one of the wrestlers, and at the end of the round, jumped up from her seat, went to his corner of the ring and, although she was half the size of him, proceeded to bash him with her umbrella, until security talked her back into her seat.’ Angus 1970s
Growing Demand
Even as early as the 1930s, there were safety fears that the vibrations from concerts and big events would loosen the glass roof. Whilst leisure and entertainment thrived at the Corn Exchange, Cambridge explored the possibility of building additional concert venues to meet the growing demand. In 1972, the council decided to convert the Corn Exchange into a fully functioning concert hall and entertainment venue. Work began in 1982 and it reopened in 1986, reborn as the city’s stage.
Rollerskating at the Corn Exchange 1961
Image Credit: The Cambridgeshire Collection
Table Tennis at the Corn Exchange 1962
Image Credit: The Cambridgeshire Collection
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Community Pastimes
The Cambridge Corn Exchange has long been a place for celebrations, community events and past times. From hosting the infamous student May Balls, to motor and cycle shows. With the new era of ‘rock and roll’, the venue adapted, becoming the concert venue it is today.
