Eddington Carnival Returns for 2026

A celebration of community, culture and collaboration comes to the Cricket Pitch, Eddington, on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 July

After a fantastic first year, Eddington Carnival is back – bigger and brighter – right in the heart of summer. Building on the success of its debut, the event returns with an expanded programme of live music, family activities, dance, food, and community performances, offering two free days of celebration for all.

The Eddington Carnival will take place on Friday 17 July (1pm–9pm) and Saturday 18 July (12pm–9pm) at the Cricket Pitch, Eddington. Entry is free, but visitors are encouraged to register in advance to help the organisers manage the number of people attending.

Eddington’s vibrant multicultural community made the debut edition truly special, bringing together a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and backgrounds that reflect the spirit of the neighbourhood: a place where everyone belongs. Now that spirit returns stronger than ever, with a public celebration and platform for local participation where creativity, culture, and collaboration come alive for all.

For families, the Carnival is built for all ages. On Friday, younger visitors can enjoy a character performance and meet and greet with Kpop Demon Hunter Rumi, a magical multi-sensory adventure with Hartbeeps Cambridge, and a School’s Out Disco with Jumping Jemma’s Children’s Disco. Sammy Magic Magic brings live magic to The Hill Group Stage across both days, while the funfair – with rides including Funhouse, Teacups, Bumper Cars, and Bungee Trampolines – and The Hill Group Kick Zone, featuring football darts and a giant inflatable pitch, offer non-stop activity throughout the weekend.

For those who like to explore, the Whipple Museum of the History of Science (Friday only), Museum on a Bike, and Cambridge University Museums (Friday only) all join the Carnival. Woodcraft Folk will run craft activities, parachute games, and scavenger hunts, and the LEGO Station caters for everyone from early years Duplo builders to more ambitious creators. Little ones can also enjoy the much-loved sandpit and bubble fun, and on Friday, have beautiful hand-painted henna designs. Cloud 9 candy floss art – with designs from Cookie Monster to Pikachu – adds a sweet finishing touch. And ahead of Saturday’s Eddington Parade, supported by Durkan Homes, children can stop by the crafting station to make flags and masks to wear in the procession.

For adults, whether coming solo, with friends and family, or neighbours, both days offer a rich and varied programme. Live music takes centre stage at The Hill Group Stage, with headline acts The Koala Syndicate on Friday and Cores Do Samba on Saturday, plus a special teaser from the Cambridge Folk Festival. Dance runs throughout the weekend, from Indian to street, culminating in the Eddington Parade on Saturday, supported by Durkan Homes. Creative workshops with Present Made and street magic from The Pentangle Club Cambridge add to the mix, while fitness enthusiasts can join sessions with the University Sports Centre, Let’s Run Girls, Optimum (Friday only), and Senzala Cambridge’s Afro-Brazilian martial arts (Saturday only).

Local hobbyist, charity, and retail stalls bring the community together, with organisations including the RSPB and Volunteer Cambridge alongside makers selling fused glass art, hand-made rope products, and much more. Saturday also brings a meet and greet with Pro Wrestling EAST tag team champions Kharnage and Tim Lee – the Super Raffle Bros. And throughout both days, visitors can enjoy food from around the world alongside drinks from Gentleman Jim’s horsebox bar, Granny Ma’s bubble tea, and Eddie’s café.

Biky Wan, Eddington’s Marketing Manager for the University of Cambridge, said:

“The Eddington Carnival reflects the very essence of this neighbourhood – diverse, welcoming and driven by community spirit. As one of our placemaking initiatives, the event is more than a weekend of activity; it’s about creating opportunities for people to come together, share cultures and build lasting connections. We’re proud to support this vibrant celebration that puts the community at its heart and gives everyone – local talent, entrepreneurs, makers, charities and residents – a space to participate and feel at home.”

Event Details

Dates: Friday 17 July 2026 (1pm–9pm) and Saturday 18 July 2026 (12pm–9pm)

Location: Cricket Pitch, Eddington, Cambridge

Admission: Free. Pre-registration encouraged.

Register and find the full event listings here.