Cambridge Can Dance - Friday 19 March

Cambridge is home to many talented dancers, young and old, skilled in numerous different styles. Come along and see contemporary dance, ballet, rock ‘n’ roll, and a feast of international dance from Scotland, India, China, Japan, Spain and Latin America.

Sponsored by:

WHEN: Friday 19 March
AT: 7pm
WHERE: Cambridge Town Hall
Gold Coin Donation

Experience Japanese Culture - Saturday 20 March

Did you know Cambridge has a Japanese sister city called Bihoro? Find out more about Bihoro and enjoy these Japanese experiences… dress in a Kimono, a Japanese tea ceremony, Origami and write your name in Kanji.

WHEN: Saturday 20 March
Origami and Kanji 9am-12 noon & 1pm-3.30pm – booking not required.

Dress in a Kimono (15 min session) 9am – 12noon – booking required, phone Julie 07 827 8013 or email info@cambridgeautumnfestival.co.nz

Japanese tea ceremony (30 min session): choose a session time and book by phoning Julie 827 8013 or email info@cambridgeautumnfestival.co.nz
Session 1: Watch demonstration and do tasting from 1:00pm to 1:30pm (up to 10 people)
Session 2: Join in ceremony – making and tasting from 1:30 to 2:00pm (up to 7 people)
Session 3: Watch demonstration and do tasting from 2:30 to 3:00pm (up to 10 people)
Session 4: Join in ceremony – making and tasting from 3:00 to 3:30pm (up to 7 people)

WHERE: St Andrew’s Church Hall

Choir Singing Workshop - Saturday 20 March

Our friendly community choir invite keen locals to join this interactive event. No experience required! Come and sing as part of the MOSAIC crew, led by Brooke Baker & Eon Malan. Register or enquire: hr@mosaicchoir.com  www.mosaicchoir.com

WHEN: Saturday 20 March

WORKSHOP 9:30am-4pm:
TICKETS: Adults $20 | Unwaged $15

CONCERT 3:30pm:
TICKETS: Adults $5 | Seniors, students & kids – gold coin

WHERE: Bridges Church, 28 Duke Street

Secret Spaces of Cambridge - During the Festival weekends

The opportunity for inquisitive locals to get a peek inside Cambridge’s most unique places. Historical and contemporary photos are juxtaposed to showcase the use (or disuse) of different spaces over time.

This exhibition is funded by the Creative Communities Scheme, in association with the Waipa District Council and Creative NZ. 

With the support of:

WHEN: Saturday 20th, Sunday 21st, Saturday 27th, Sunday 28th March
AT: 10am – 4pm 

WHERE:  Arnold Cottage, Te Awa Lifecare Village, 1866 Cambridge Road

Groundwork - Contemporary Sculpture - During the Festival weekends

An exciting new contemporary sculpture event presented by St Peter’s School, MESH Sculpture Hamilton and the Cambridge Autumn Festival.

“GroundWork – Contemporary Sculpture” is the inaugural outdoor sculpture exhibition for Cambridge, featuring nationally significant artists.

Come and enjoy a family day out appreciating art in beautiful surroundings. Refreshments will be on sale during public opening times.

WHEN: 20 – 21 March, 27 – 28 March
AT: 10am to 6pm
WHERE: St Peter’s Cambridge School grounds, 1716 Cambridge Road

Photo: “Immersive Echoes by Gregor Kregar, owned by St Peter’s School”

Self-Publishing for Beginners - Saturday 20 March

Former Journalist and local Cambridge resident Trudi Caffell is a fantasy fiction writer who writes under the pseudonym Trudi Jaye.

Trudi will share how she got started and her journey into self-publishing. She will also talk about writing as a viable career, the basics of how to get started, and how to get your books up on Amazon and start selling them and where to find more information.

WHEN: Saturday 20 March
AT: 10am
WHERE: Cambridge Library
ENTRY: Free. Numbers limited, registration required: www.waipalibraries.org.nz/events/self-publishing-for-beginners/61

GURL x Priscilla (R18) - Saturday 20 March

Get dressed up and join local drag diva Piper Blaster for a fabulous double feature of award-winning NZ film “GURL” and classic Australian Road comedy “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”. R18

WHEN: Saturday 20 March
4.00pm Arrival, meet and greet
4.45pm All seated, intro by Piper Blaster
5.00pm Screening of GURL
5.20pm Intermission
5.40pm Screening of Priscilla Queen of the Desert

WHERE: Tivoli Cinema

TICKETS: $17.50 (includes a glass of bubbles) from Tivoli Cinema 07 823 5064
Drinks and snacks available for purchase.

'Party Like Gatsby' - Saturday 20 March POSTPONED

Sorry, Party like Gatsby has been postponed – more details will follow

With special guests “Lyrica”
Dance the night away with Lyrica as they sing you through the frivolous fun and opulent glamour of the Gatsby era – when speakeasies were hot, gin was cold and jazz was king!

Lyrica perform sold out shows at arts festivals and provide wow factor entertainment for corporate events across New Zealand.

Main Street Carnival & Autumn Art Market - Sunday 21 March

Over 200 performers, around 50 art stalls of original works, and the footpaths of Victoria and Empire Streets come alive with sound and activity. There will be the Big Muffin Serious Band, Sylvia’s Toaster, drummers, the Chinese Orchestra, jazz bands, local emerging performers, classical, Riverside Ukes, and much more.

For children and families, be entertained by a magician, puppets and face painters and have photos taken with Batman, Elsa from “Frozen”, stiltwalkers and more.

There will be dance from the local dance groups including Rock ‘n’ Roll, Scottish, contemporary and many others.

In between performances check out the annual Autumn Art Market. Watch artists at work – see them painting at their easels, wood turners in action, glassware to jewellery, photography to pottery, the footpaths will be brimming with original art of all types. And don’t forget, if we need to go to the wet weather plan, the Art Market will be in the Cambridge Town Hall but the entertainment will remain under the shop canopies. Details of where each of the acts will be performed will be in the Cambridge News on Friday 19th March.

With the support of:

WHEN:  Sunday 21 March
AT: 10am – 2pm
WHERE: Victoria Street and Empire Street

Hammers and Horsehair in “Three’s Company” - Sunday 21 March

Hammers and Horsehair is a trio comprising distinguished pianist and composer Douglas Mews, cellist Robert Ibell and soprano Rowena Simpson.

The widely praised programme includes classical works by Brahms, Schubert, Offenbach and Rimsky Korsakov.

This will be a delightful concert in the historic St Andrew’s Church.

Sponsored by:

WHEN: Sunday 21 March
AT: 2pm
WHERE: St Andrew’s Church
TICKETS: $20 at Paper Plus Cambridge, or purchase online here at Humanitix Ticketing

Unique Film Opportunity - Actors’ Read-Through - Monday 22 March

A New Drama/Romance Series Featuring COVID 19

 Local thriller writer Dr Nick Marsh and his team are developing ‘Living Well’, a drama/romance series set in the New York Covid outbreak – featuring immune cells as characters (like the toys in ‘Toy Story’). The script is at an early stage but has the bold ambition of becoming a Netflix film series. Be entertained and inspired as Nick leads us on an interactive session which previews the project:
– Actors’ read-through of samples of the pilot episode
– Exploring the entertainment value

WHEN: Monday 22 March
AT: 7pm
WHERE: Bridges Conference Centre, 28 Duke St, Cambridge
ENTRY: Free. Registration required – email nick.marsh@nextcorporation.net or text 021 617267

Pecha Kucha - Tuesday 23 March

Time to experience something new!

From the Japanese word for ‘chit-chat,’ Pecha Kucha celebrates the unique stories we all have to tell. All in a six-minute slot.

The presentation format is based on a simple idea: 20 images x 20 seconds. It’s a format that makes presentations concise, and keeps things moving at a rapid pace. Presenters have just 20 seconds to talk about each of their 20 slides.

Pecha Kucha events connect people, fuel conversation and inspire thinking with topics ranging from the intellectual to the sublime and hilarious.

Tickets also available at the door (cash only). Doors open at 7pm.

WHEN: Tuesday 23 March
AT: 7pm (7.30pm start)
WHERE: Bridges Conference Centre, 28 Duke Street
TICKETS: $15 at Paper Plus Cambridge, or purchase online here at Humanitix Ticketing

Foglie D’Autunno (Autumn Leaves) Concert - Wednesday 24 March

Songs in the theme of Autumn 

Foglie D’Autunno (Autumn Leaves) is a magical evening of songs about autumn sung by Musica Bella, Waikato’s star Divas: Elaine Wogan, Pamela Wallace and Sarah Court, with accompanist Francis Cowan.

Includes music by Handel, Puccini, Strauss, Mozart and others, in the beautiful surroundings of Cambridge’s historic St Andrew’s Church.

Sponsored by:
Ken Sheldrick, Colonial Heritage Antiques

WHEN: Wednesday 24 March
AT: 7.30pm
WHERE: St Andrew’s Church
TICKETS: $20 at Paper Plus Cambridge, or purchase online here at Humanitix Ticketing

Nairobi Trio - Thursday 25 March

Performing for over 30 years together, New Zealand’s favourite jazz band Nairobi Trio are more passionate about their music than ever. Enjoy an expressive and spontaneously improvised musical journey through a selection of jazz standards re-worked by the group, and skilfully crafted original pieces, many of which evoke images of New Zealand’s geographic beauty and cultural diversity.

Sponsored by: 

WHEN: Thursday 25 March
AT: 7.30pm
WHERE: Te Awa Lifecare Village – The Woolshed Village Centre, 1866 Cambridge Road
TICKETS: $20 at Paper Plus Cambridge, or purchase online here at Humanitix Ticketing

‘I have a novel in me’ - Friday 26 March

… how to make that a reality, a workshop with Cambridge author Julie Thomas.
Practical advice on plotting, pacing, characters, dialogue and how to end!
Julie started writing at the age of eight, has worked in the media for over 25 years, radio, TV and film. She has written three novels and seven feature film scripts.

WHEN: Friday 26 March
AT: 6.30pm
WHERE: Cambridge Library
ENTRY: Free. Numbers limited, registration required: www.waipalibraries.org.nz/events/i-have-a-novel-in-me/57

Friday Night Blues - The Flaming Mudcats - Friday 26 March

“Blues sunny side up, over easy, spicy or funky …. it’s all on the menu with these guys.”

Regarded among New Zealand’s premier Blues acts, The Flaming Mudcats’ energetic live blues sets blend original material and covers drawn from their eclectic influences. This guitar and harmonica Rhythm & Blues band has released four albums and performed in festivals around the world.

Sponsored by:

WHEN: Friday 26 March
AT: 7.30pm
WHERE: Te Awa Lifecare Village – The Woolshed Village Centre, 1866 Cambridge Road
TICKETS: $20 at Paper Plus Cambridge, or purchase online here at Humanitix Ticketing

Box of Birds - Saturday 27 March... FUN FOR THS KIDS!

Puppetry and songs for ages 3 to 6 years.

Peter and Grandma build a nesting box for Ruru – but how long must Peter wait to find out who will eventually nest in his ‘Box of Birds’?

A journey of exquisite artistry and simplicity that will leave you wanting more.

WHEN: Saturday 27 March
AT: 10am
WHERE: St Andrew’s Church Hall

The Boy with Wings - Saturday 27 March... FUN FOR THS KIDS!

Puppetry, storytelling, and music for ages 5 to 95! Award-winning ‘Birdlife Productions’ promise laughter, tears and thrilling adventure when a young man’s epic journey merges with the miracle of Kuka/Bar-tailed Godwit migration, asking the question “how do we trust our inner map – how do we find our own wings?” 

WHEN: Saturday 27 March
AT: 1.30pm
WHERE: St Andrew’s Church Hall

Two NZ Legends - Dennis Marsh & Brendan Dugan - Sat 27 March

Join complete entertainer and multi award winner Dennis Marsh and the “Gentle Giant of Country Music” Brendan Dugan for a show full of fun, laughter, great music and great company.

Celebrating 30 years (Marsh) and 50 years (Dugan) in the music and entertainment industry, they still have the magic that makes them NZ legends.

Sponsored by:

WHEN: Saturday 27 March
AT: 2pm
WHERE: Te Awa Lifecare Village – The Woolshed Village Centre, 1866 Cambridge Road
TICKETS: $20 at Paper Plus Cambridge, or puchase online here at Humanitix Ticketing

“A Night at the Races” Piper Blaster Drag Show R18 - Sat 27 March

Get your Glam on for A Night at the Races!

The Divas Down Under bring Glamour and all the ingredients for a good night out. Complete with nationally toured performers, Waikato Queens of Glam, Piper Blaster [the youtube sensation] and her drag mother, Gloriousole, bring laughter and true Waikato originality to the Festival stage. R18

WHEN: Saturday 27 March
AT: 7.30pm
WHERE: Cambridge Raceway

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS:
– General Admission tickets $20 at Paper Plus Cambridge, or puchase online here at Humanitix Ticketing 
– Door Sales available from 7pm – General Admission tickets $25

– VIP TICKETS $40 book via email divasdownundernz@gmail.com

Teddy Bears’ Picnic - Sunday 28 March... FUN FOR THE KIDS!

Hosted by the ‘Big Trains’ and ‘Little Trains’

A Teddy Bears’ Picnic to celebrate the addition of ‘Little Trains’ to the family-friendly activities at the Domain! The Greater Waikato Railway Modellers (GWRM) have set up a ‘Little Trains’ permanent model railway exhibition, adding to the fun of the ‘Big Train’ rides.

Teddy Bears & their owners will ride and drive for free (adults – gold coin donation). Music from Cambridge Brass and Bruised Brothers Bands. Food and drinks available to purchase. Proceeds to the two Playcentres and Cambridge Community House.

WHEN: Sunday 28 March
AT: 10am
WHERE: Leamington Domain – the ‘Big Trains’ at the railway track and the ‘Little Trains’ in the old Bowling Club building

Ploughman’s By The River - Sunday 28 March POSTPONED

Sorry, Ploughman’s By the River has been postponed. Ticket holders will be contacted by Hospice Waikato.

Hospice Waikato’s ever popular ‘Fashion over a Teacup’ brings you ‘Ploughman’s By the River’ – an exciting new look and feel event. Enjoy a glass of bubbles or beer on arrival, and a delicious Ploughman’s platter to share. Be inspired by a great range of second-hand clothing and get some handy tips on how to wear some of your favourite pieces!

‘Love From a Stranger’ - Running throughout the Festival

By Agatha Christie and Frank Vosper
Directed by Karen Carroll

Cecily Harrington has led a staid and proper existence. After winning a large amount of money in a sweepstake she desperately yearns for a life of adventure. Enter Bruce Lovell, a handsome and charming stranger who sweeps her off her feet. An intense and chilling psychological thriller which examines the sadistic mind of a serial killer and the extremes to which the power of suggestion can be pushed.

WHEN: 13 – 27 March
AT: Various show times
WHERE: Gaslight Theatre, Alpha Street
TICKETS: From Paper Plus Cambridge, Cambridge i-Site and Eventfinda.co.nz

Photo Competition "Victoria Street" - Closes 5 March

Cambridge’s Victoria Street was named the nation’s Best Street in the 2020 Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards and offers many stunning photo opportunities.

Get snapping and enter our competition to find the best photo of Victoria Street and be in with a chance to win $250 first prize or $50 highly commended!

Email entries to info@cambridgeautumnfestival.co.nz – Full details at www.cambridgeautumnfestival.co.nz

CLOSING DATE: Friday 5 March, 5pm

Sponsored by:

ANOTHER EVENT WE HAVE HEARD ABOUT... JAZZ & BLUES WORKSHOP

An event has popped up in town that we want to do a shout out for.

It’s a Jazz & Blues workshop organised by ‘Arc en Ciel’ local community music group (Arc en Ciel is the french word for rainbow), on Saturday 20 March from 10am–1pm, at the New Zealand Red Cross Hall, Milicich Place, Cambridge. Run by pianist Burty Bedeux. Contact through their facebook page ‘Arc en Ciel – Jazz & Blues’.