Cambridge arts festival

CamCreatives Art Show: Drop-in sessions

9th February to 18th February

FREE

Contact details

Email: info@camcreatives.com

Web: https://www.facebook.com/CamCreatives/?locale=en_GB

Address: St Andrew's St Cambridge CB2 3BJ

CamCreatives Art Show: Drop-in sessions

All activities are suitable for all ages and abilities, and family-friendly.

Mon 9th, Tues 10th, Fri 13th, Tues 17th – Open Drawing Day

Drop in, pick up a pencil, and get drawing. Scribble, sketch, or settle into something more detailed – it’s completely up to you.

All materials are provided, and artists will be around all day to offer tips, encouragement, or just a friendly chat.

Weds 11th Screen Printing Day with Adam Bridgland

Have a go at screen printing with Adam, who’ll be bringing his full setup along for the day. With hands-on support, you’ll learn the basics of the process and print your own poster to take home.

No experience needed – just curiosity. All materials provided.

Thurs 12th Collage Day with Mike Cole

Cut, layer, rearrange, and play with images. We’ll have plenty of paper, magazines, and source material ready to go, plus safety scissors, glue sticks, and tape. Featuring images from the John Cole Archive.

A relaxed, tactile day that’s great for all ages, whether you’re experimenting or just enjoying the process. Artists on hand all day.

Sat 14th Ballpoint Pen Day with Gail Hoban (10:30–1:30)

Discover how surprisingly versatile a simple ballpoint pen can be. Gail will guide you through techniques to help you draw confidently – from observation to detail – using everyday tools. All materials provided.

Sun 15th Symbols and Letters Day with Steve O’Connor and Suzanne Morris

Explore how simple shapes, symbols, and letters can communicate ideas. Using drawing, cut-out shapes, and playful design exercises, you’ll create your own marks – from badges and symbols to simple logo-style designs.

It’s about experimenting, not getting things “right”. It’s just as much for curious kids as it is for adults interested in design, typography, or visual storytelling. All materials provided.

Mon 16th Creative Masks Day with John Monks

Start with a simple paper mask and transform it using drawing, patterns, and imagination. A great activity for experimenting with expression and character – whether bold, silly, or beautifully detailed. All materials provided.

Weds 18th 3D Faces Day with Suzanne Morris

Create playful, expressive faces using recycled materials. Build, cut, and combine shapes to invent characters with personality — silly, strange, or surprisingly lifelike.

We’ll be using egg cartons and other simple materials to explore form, expression, and texture in 3D.

You will find the CamCreatives art show upstairs on the first floor of Grand Arcade opposite Everyman cinema and this is where these activities will be held.

See more events...

ALL EVENTS

Cocktails and calligraphy workshop at The Lab

Friday 13th February

The Cambridge Calligrapher has teamed up with Cambridge BID and The Lab, as part of The Cambridge Arts Festival, to bring you a creative evening of Valentine's Day themed calligraphy, great company and excellent drinks*. Your ticket includes one cocktail from our whimsical festival themed collection.  read more

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A Stage in Time: Celebrating 150 Years of the Corn Exchange

Tuesday 17th February and Wednesday 18th Feb

Visit the Corn Exchange during February half-term to celebrate 150 years of Cambridge Corn Exchange in a new exhibition. read more

Public Art Walking Tours

12th February to 15th February

Explore the fascinating world of public art in Cambridge with a knowledgeable guide from the Society of Cambridge Tourist guides. read more

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Yarn Art Takeover

9th February to 18th February

As part of Cambridge Arts Festival 2026, a joyful yarn art project brings handmade public art into the heart of the city. read more

Studio Sundays at Kettle’s Yard, Supported by Cambridge Arts Festival 2026

Sunday 15th February

Join our free, artist-led Studio Sunday workshops for families and unlock your creativity. This workshop is supported by Cambridge Arts Festival 2026. read more

Twilight at the Museums

Wednesday 18th February

Delivered by the University of Cambridge Museums, family favourite Twilight at the Museums returns this half term for a special 20th anniversary edition. Museums across the city will open their doors and dim the lights for an evening of torchlit trails, hands-on activities, crafts, storytelling and more. On Wednesday 18 February - the closing day of Cambridge Arts Festival - enjoy fun and games at city-centre museums including the Fitzwilliam Museum, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, the Polar Museum, and the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences. read more

Competition: “Secrets of Cambridge”, with Campkins Cameras

Over Arts Festival

Hidden Courtyards. Untold Stories. Overlooked Corners. Which secrets will you uncover? read more

Pendant Design Competition with Harriet Kelsall

Monday 9th February

Spark your child’s creativity with Harriet Kelsall’s free "Kindness in my world" pendant design competition (open across all four of their studios). Four winning children will have their inspired artwork transformed into a beautiful hand engraved keepsake. read more

Jazz Sunday Lunch at Parker’s Tavern, The University Arms Hotel

Sunday 15th February

Enjoy an exciting Sunday afternoon at Parker’s Tavern, University Arms Hotel, with live music from Brazilian jazz quartet, Cores Do Samba, presented as part of the Cambridge Arts Festival. read more

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Rowan Humberstone mixed media workshop (drop-in)

Tuesday 17th February

Join Rowan for a welcoming, drop-in creative workshop at Cambridge Central Library in the EverySpace area (3rd floor). read more

Family-friendly comedy show with Big Deal Comedy (& optional comedy workshop for kids)

Wednesday 18th February

Celebrate the final day of Cambridge Arts Festival 2026 with an afternoon of laughter, creativity, and family-friendly fun, hosted by Big Deal Comedy. Designed especially for children and young people, this event is a brilliant way to spend a half-term afternoon. Families can choose to attend the comedy show, take part in the workshop, or enjoy both as a great-value package. read more

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The Arts Theatre: Theatre Tours

Wednesday 11th Feb – Saturday 14th Feb

To celebrate the 90th birthday of The Arts Theatre and their recent reopening after a transformational redevelopment, they’re opening their doors for Cambridge Arts Festival 2026! read more

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MODO: Cambridge Lectures on Art and Intelligence

Sunday 8th Feb, Wednesday 11th Feb, Thursday 12th Feb, Monday 16th Feb, Wednesday 18th Feb

A public lecture series exploring how human intelligence evolves alongside AI, from education to industry, innovation, and the future economy. read more

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King Street Mural

9th February – 14th February

Darin Mount, Melissa Lhoirit and Susy Snow are three Cambridge-based artists commissioned by Cambridge BID to create a new public art mural on King Street. read more

Ekphrastic Poetry Workshop at the Fitzwilliam Museum (SOLD OUT)

Wednesday 11th February

Spend a creative afternoon at the Fitzwilliam Museum as we explore the art of responding to objects and artworks through poetry. This relaxed, free session welcomes everyone - from complete beginners to seasoned writers, from students to freelancers to anyone with a free afternoon to immerse themselves in the museum’s collection!  read more

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Cambridge Arts Festival: Opening Night at Clarendon Fine Art Cambridge

Monday 9th February

Join us as we celebrate the opening of the Cambridge Arts Festival with a new exhibition inspired by water - the element that captures light and transforms views through movement and reflection. read more

Introduction to Indian Block Printing Workshop with artist Jenny Rampling (SOLD OUT)

Tuesday 10th February

Step into the Dishoom Permit Room in Cambridge for a creative morning of Indian wood block printing with artist Jenny Rampling from Emerald & Embers. Enjoy a relaxed, hands on experience where you will experiment with patterns, colours, and composition using an array of beautifully carved wooden blocks. You will be able to choose to print a cushion cover, tote bag or tea towel. read more

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CamCreatives Art Show: Drop-in sessions

Monday 9th February - Wednesday 18th February

All sessions are drop-in, free to take part, and designed for curious minds of all ages - from first-time makers to experienced creatives. read more

Cambridge Arts Festival 2026: Gallery Crawl

Thursday 12th February

njoy an inspiring evening of culture and creativity with the Cambridge Arts Festival’s Gallery Crawl. Taking place between 5–7pm, visitors and residents alike have the chance to discover new artworks, hear inspiring talks, and watch artists at work across the city – all with a complimentary glass of bubbles in hand*. read more

Art Makers Fair

Saturday 14th February

Discover a brand-new addition to Cambridge Arts Festival 2026 with our vibrant Art Makers Fair. Visitors and residents are invited to explore an inspiring showcase of regional artists, makers, and creators working across a wide range of disciplines. read more

Cambridge Film Festival presents a free screening of The Fisherman

Tuesday 17th February

The Cambridge Film Festival is delighted to present a free screening of The Fisherman read more

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In Bloom: a playful light and sound installation at Station Square

9th February - 18th February

In Bloom is a striking interactive light and sound sculpture coming to Station Square, CB1 as part of Cambridge Arts Festival 2026, inviting visitors to pause, play and explore. read more

Community Open Day at Corn Exchange

Monday 16th February

Last year’s Open Day saw over 1000 visitors through the doors of the Corn Exchange, experiencing everything this venue has to offer for our local communities. read more

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Traditional Brush Painting

Monday 16th February and Tuesday 17th February

Celebrate Chinese New Year with a free, artist-led workshop at Lion Yard Shopping Centre, open to all ages and perfect for families and young creatives alike. read more

Christ’s Lane Exhibition Benches

9th February to 18th February

Visit Christ’s Lane to view prints by three Cambridge artists commissioned by Cambridge BID to create the new King Street Mural. Darin Mount, Melissa Lhoirit and Susy Snow will be showcasing prints of their original work. read more

SketchTogether with Cambridge Drawing Society & Café au Chocolat (SOLD OUT)

Monday 9th February

Join the Cambridge Drawing Society as we kick off the Cambridge Arts Festival with SketchTogether - an inspiring opportunity to draw alongside members of one of the UK’s oldest art societies. read more

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