Ten arts venues to explore in Cambridge

From indie gigs to classical concerts, spoken word to stand-up: here are ten local arts venues we think you’ll love.

Cambridge Corn Exchange

Expect real variety from the Cambridge Corn Exchange, which hosts some of the biggest names in music, spoken word and stand-up comedy. It also hosts Anglia Ruskin’s graduation ceremonies and was the venue for Syd Barrett’s last ever public performance.

Cambridge Arts Theatre

With its eerie 666-seat capacity, the Cambridge Arts Theatre is the largest theatre in the region. This is the place for professional theatrical productions, from Greek classics and Shakespeare to contemporary dance and musicals. You can also volunteer to gain experience in the world of theatre.

The Mumford Theatre

This one’s right in the heart of the ARU Cambridge campus. The Mumford Theatre is a gathering spot for professional touring, local community and student theatre. Also a great place to grab a sandwich and catch a free lunchtime concert.

Cambridge Junction

Cambridge Junction isn’t just a solid venue for music, comedy, theatre and dance performances. It also hosts ARU's own student band nights and many of the events in our annual Festival Week. Located in the heart of Cambridge Leisure Park, the Junction is surrounded by restaurants and other facilities; date night, sorted.

The ADC Theatre

The ADC Theatre is the University of Cambridge’s student-run performance space, and the oldest University playhouse in the country. Home to the world-famous Cambridge Footlights club, which launched the careers of Stephen Fry, Peter Cook, Sue Perkins, and Eric Idle, among many others.

Cambridge Arts Picturehouse

The Cambridge Arts Picturehouse is at its best when showing foreign language and independent films, but it’s also a great venue for live theatre, concerts, ballet and opera. Check out the calendar for Arts streams and on-screen exhibitions, too.

The Portland Arms

If you prefer your gigs more intimate, The Portland Arms is the perfect place to enjoy a pint and catch up with the local indie music and comedy scene. With a 200-capacity performance space, this traditional English pub sometimes plays host to more familiar names as well – its 2018 performers included Jesus Jones and Norman Lovett.

The Blue Moon

The Blue Moon Pub is very popular with ARU’s music students, being only two streets from the main Cambridge campus. Don’t miss their pizzas which are out of this world – no really, they’re astronaut themed. Just trust us, okay?

Hidden Rooms

For a touch more class, cocktail bar Hidden Rooms on Jesus Lane has a jazz night every Thursday, courtesy of local society Cambridge Modern Jazz. If you’re a student jazz musician who wants to get involved with the local scene, CMJ is a great platform for getting your name out there.

West Road Concert Hall

Finally, for more traditional musicians and music fans, West Road Concert Hall puts on many classical and choral concerts including performances by ARU’s own orchestra and chorus. At its largest configuration, the hall has a capacity of over 500 and is known for its superb acoustic qualities.

What is Clearing?

Clearing is an opportunity to reconsider your options, and join a university where you can study something you really want to learn about.

You can apply for uni through Clearing if

• you didn’t apply before the UCAS deadline
• your grades are different to what you expected
• you’ve only just decided to go to uni
• you’ve changed your mind about what or where you want to study since you originally applied.

Explore music and performing arts courses at ARU