Northstowe events to benefit from Homes England funding

£16,376 from the Northstowe Community Activation Fund has been granted to support the Northstowe Holi Mela, the Midsummer Festival 2025, and the Northstowe Open Art Exhibition.

Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency, has awarded local community groups over £16,000 in 2025 alone to help deliver major upcoming community events in Northstowe, one of the UK’s most significant new communities close to Cambridge City. The investment will help accelerate a calendar of events that champions the town’s pioneering, diverse community spirit.

Support is being delivered through the Northstowe Community Activation Fund (CAF), which South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) administers on behalf of Homes England.

Supported by £2,019.50 from the CAF, the Northstowe Holi Mela was organised by Hindu Samaj Northstowe and took place on Saturday 26 April, celebrating Indian culture through music, dance, food, and the joyful play of colours.

Following the success of the inaugural event in 2024, Northstowe Hub has also been awarded £10,000 from the CAF to deliver the 2025 Midsummer Festival. On Saturday 21 June, friends and neighbours can celebrate midsummer on the Green and in the Cabin while sharing the vibrancy, diversity, inclusivity and strength of the Northstowe community.

Matthew Brown, head of large sites at Homes England, said:

“Northstowe’s success is measured not only by the places it provides but by the life that flourishes between them. These events emphasise the importance of supporting pioneering, independent community groups in the town who are dedicated to bringing residents together. 

“We’re pleased to be funding several community projects and initiatives in Northstowe that promote the use of community facilities, improve access to arts and cultural activities in Northstowe, and support the health and well-being of residents. The funding will also go some way to supporting the local economy, with many services subcontracted to different local businesses to help deliver safe, inclusive, and engaging events.”

An additional £4,356.50 from the CAF will support a free, open-to-all Northstowe Open Art Exhibition on Saturday 2 September. The event will champion the breadth of creative art talent within Northstowe, offering the opportunity for residents to display works that they have created.

Mari O’Neill, director at Northstowe Arts CIC, one of the local funding recipients, added:

“This funding helps us do what really matters, creating events that belong to the people who live here. It means we can plan ahead, work with brilliant local partners, and keep finding new ways for residents of all ages and backgrounds to get involved.

“Whether you’re dancing at the Midsummer Festival or trying something new at a Make & Mingle session, these moments are about more than art. They’re about connection, pride, and building a town where everyone has a voice in what happens next.”

The CAF application portal is still accepting submissions. More information and full details of the submission criteria can be found at SCDC’s website, which can be navigated via: https://www.northstowe.com/community-activation-fund.