First Castle Hill open day

Five historic and cultural venues in the unique Castle Hill area of Cambridge are joining forces to present the first ever Castle Hill Open Day on Saturday 22 September, from midday to 5pm. Packed with activities, talks, tours, music, family drop in activities, refreshments and picnic areas. There is something for everyone to enjoy. The day will culminate in the unveiling of a Blue Plaque for Jim Ede, founder of Kettle's Yard by Deputy Mayor Councillor Paul Saunders.

All venues will be free to visit for the day including the two unique collections at the Folk Museum (normally has an admission fee) and Kettle’s Yard, the historic church of St Peter’s with an art installation by Lorna Macintyre, St Giles’ Church and Castle Mound.

Andrew Nairne, Director of Kettle's Yard said: "Castle Hill is a beautiful and historic part of Cambridge. We are delighted, alongside our partners at the Folk Museum, St Peter’s and St Giles’ churches and Castle Mound, to present the first ever Castle Hill Open Day. By opening our doors to all we hope to welcome in new visitors as well as old friends. From music to contemporary art and Roman Cambridge to social history there’s a rich variety of attractions and events on offer. We hope whole families will come and spend the day here – bring a picnic (we have a wet weather option!), explore the venues and collections and enjoy everything on offer. We want to celebrate the variety of history, heritage and art in this corner of the city – please come and join us."

The Castle Hill area of Cambridge is where the city began in Roman times. The Roman city of Duroliponte was located in this area and there is even evidence of some pre-Roman activity. The 17th Century timber framed building that contains the wonderful and varied collections of the Folk Museum is next to Kettle's Yard, itself a beautiful building that houses one of the UK’s most remarkable collections of 20th century art. Opposite Kettle's Yard is St Peter’s, a simple, tiny church with an elegant spire. Originally built in the 11th Century and with Roman tiles in its walls, it is now cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust. On the other side of Castle Street is St Giles’ an active church with a history going back to 1092. A short walk up the road is Castle Mound, the site of Cambridge Castle which played an important role in the Civil War, refortified by Oliver Cromwell in 1642. It is now cared for by Cambridgeshire County Council. Returning to the present day, the Folk Museum and Kettle's Yard run lively programmes of events relating to social history and to contemporary and modern art.

Events will run throughout the day with both timed and drop in activities. The Open Day will begin with an opening prayer in St Peter’s Church by Reverend Dr Janet Bunker and music by Claire Finnimore, principal violist of Britten Sinfonia.

Confirmed events include the following. Allan Brigham, famous local historian, Blue Badge Guide and former road sweeper will give tours of the area and up Castle Mound. Peter Aiers, Head of Regeneration at the Churches Conservation Trust and Honor Ridout, Blue Badge Guide and local historian will speak about St Peter’s Church. Roman Cambridge will be explored in talks by Alison Dickens of the Cambridge Archaeological Unit, Cambridge University. There will be a variety of drop-in family activities led by artists from Irregular Circle. The archivist at Kettle's Yard, Dr Claire Daunton will be on hand in the house with a selection of letters from the archive for visitors to look at. Artist Lorna Macintyre whose work Nocturne is currently on display in St Peter’s Church will be in conversation with Kettle's Yard curator Lizzie Fisher.

For full details and a list of events, please visit https://www.kettlesyard.cam.ac.uk/openday/