Tuesday, April 7, 2015

F is for Festivals

The UK is known for its festivals, and two we were fortunate enough to enjoy multiple times were the Cambridge Beer Festival and the Cambridge Shakespeare Festival.

The Cambridge Beer Festival is held in May each year on Jesus Green.  You pay your admission and get a commemorative pint glass (each one is dated, so people often collect them from each year), and then have access to a variety of beers and fermented alcohol, including ciders (there is no such thing as "regular" cider in the UK--it's all alcoholic) and mead. You can buy samples of the drinks in varying amounts--I believe anywhere from a quarter of a pint to a full pint--to enjoy.  I'd recommend going with the smaller amounts, then you can try more of them before you get too full (or tipsy).  There are usually plenty of food vendors to try, so you won't be hungry or thirsty.  The festival also goes on rain or shine, so bring your Wellies and rain jackets.  

The Cambridge Shakespeare Festival runs from mid-July to the end of August each summer, and offers up to eight plays for your viewing pleasure. The plays are stripped-down versions in the sense that they're not performed on a stage--they're performed in the lovely college gardens all around Cambridge.  You can bring your own seat or get there early to claim one, and have a picnic while you wait for the play to start.  Nibbles and wine are encouraged.  My husband and I have been lucky enough to see The Merchant of Venice, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and The Taming of the Shrew.  I'm a firm believer that, in order to get the most out of Shakespeare, you need to see it performed, not just read it, and what better place to get that experience then like this.

G is up tomorrow...it's gonna be great!

xoxo Sarah

7 comments:

  1. Although I don't like beer, I think both festivals would be fun.

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    1. Not a problem! They had ciders and mead as well, and tons of food choices. The Shakespeare festival encouraged picnics, which I'm all for! Thank you for stopping by!

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  2. Both festivals seem very pleasant and fun. I love beer but don´t want or like to be tipsy. The Shakespear festival is my kind of thing. I love the plays and have seen A Midsummer Night's Dream. And to have picnic in this historical garden is a dream!

    Charlotte @My Green Nook

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    1. It's a lovely experience! I think a lot of places have similar set-ups around the world, so see if there's something like that near you! It's totally worth it. :-)

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  3. Something for everyone in those festivals.
    Thanks for dropping in Under The Porch Light...here from the A to Z Challenge.

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    1. Definitely something for everyone! Thank you for stopping by! :-)

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  4. Something for everyone in those festivals.
    Thanks for dropping in Under The Porch Light...here from the A to Z Challenge.

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