51st Strawberry Fair: UFOs, Music, and Community Spirit

The Strawberry Fair returns to Cambridge this year, marking its 51st celebration. This free, one-day event will take place on Midsummer Common on Saturday, June 7th, 2025, expecting to attract approximately 30,000 people. The festival begins with a parade through the city at 11:00 BST, with gates opening simultaneously and the parade reaching Midsummer Common an hour later. The fair concludes at 23:00.

This year's theme is 'Area 51,' a playful nod to the famous US Air Force base, featuring a UFO model as a central attraction. Attendees can expect a diverse lineup across 10 stages, including dedicated areas for eco-conscious activities, Americana, indie, and electronic music, with Spacehopper headlining the Rebel Love stage. Organizers strongly advise walking, cycling, or using public transport as onsite parking is minimal, aside from limited disabled access.

The fair, initially a free alternative to college May Balls, has been run by local volunteers since the 1980s. Last year's cancellation was attributed to doubled running costs, which had risen to at least £200,000. A successful crowdfunding campaign raised over £26,500, demonstrating strong community support for this "unique event for the city."