by Nikki Lombardi
This month, we caught up with Sam Mellor, from the Cambridge Club Festival to talk about what the event has on offer this year.
Hi Sam, so how would you describe the festival to someone who has never been before?
S: It’s a feel-good family festival, accessible to all age groups. Based around positive energy and happy, dancey music; disco, funk and soul, and throwbacks to the 70s, 80s and 90s. This year we have Grace Jones, Lionel Richie, Kool & The Gang headlining, music that makes you move and that everyone can enjoy, there’s a very uniting and inclusive nature to it.
Is it family friendly?
S: Families are absolutely welcome! There’s a great kid’s entertainment area in the orchard and lots of family friendly activities across the site, such as graffiti painting, catapult making, circus skills and live music for the kids. We have everyone from people in their 20s to families of all ages and people in their 60s and 70s, who all just love it. All just enjoying the feel-good philosophy that runs through the music and the atmosphere.
Tell us about where it’s set, is it easy to get to?
S: Childerley Orchard, a beautiful, scenic orchard just outside of Cambridge, full of apple trees on one side along with the main fields for the music on the other side, a very idyllic Cambridge Countryside setting. Very easy to get to, we now have onsite parking, and we encourage everyone to car share or use public transport where possible. We have shuttle buses from the train stations and also Big Green Coach which runs return trips for various cities.
Is it just live music?
S: It’s not just music, there’s plenty of arts & culture & activities on offer too.. We have live artists on the main stage, The Discovery Den for DJs, but also lots of non-music entertainment such as comedy (Ed Byrne will be here), podcasts and talks, which all happen in the orchard space in the Auditorium of Intrigue. There are also lots of excellent food traders, we made a big point of levelling up the food offering this year. It’s one of my favourite parts, I’m going to eat loads!
What would surprise people?
S: The dedicated dance music area The Discovery Den, it has Ibiza classics and house music. There’s a strong LGBTQ+ representation on the dance stage and some of our audience have never been in such a diverse, party atmosphere or experienced anything like that before and everyone included absolutely loved the inclusivity of it.
What type of camping is available
S: We’ve really expanded the camping area. There are options to bring your own tent or camper van, or you can choose to go pre-pitched, there are lots of options from the standard tents to a ‘canvas palace’ bell tent for a really lovely glamping experience.
Talk us through the wellness element
S: That comes as a part of the camping element. The orchard opens to the public at 12pm, so in the morning the campers can get breakfast and coffee and have access to the wellness element. It’s a really wholesome way to start your day with yoga in the orchard in the morning’s sun.
Tips for the day?
S: Sun cream, drinking bottles and ear defenders for kids. We’re cashless on site so bear that in mind. Bring charging packs for your phone, we do have charging options but that could be easier. Travel light when in the area. Don’t hold back when it comes to your outfit, glitter, sparkles, loud shirts and disco attire – go for it!
How can we get tickets?
Yes! Head over to www.thecambridgeclub.co, there are lots of options of tickets for the day, weekend, camping and kids tickets as well. You can also get hospitality tickets for The Clubhouse, an exclusive area with complimentary food and drink. You can also get premium tickets for The Paddock which is cheaper than The Clubhouse with exclusive food and drink and really gives you an upgraded experience. Come along and join in!