Homes England grants over £24k to boost Northstowe community events

Funding has supported the Northstowe Holi Mela and Skip Morning, and will help deliver the Midsummer Festival, Northstowe Art Show and Light Up Northstowe later this year

Residents in Northstowe, one of the UK’s most significant new towns, are set to benefit from £24,901 of funding to support vibrant community-led events in 2026. The investment will support a programme of events that reflects the town’s pioneering and diverse community spirit.

The funding has been allocated by Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency and master developer for phases two and three of Northstowe, through the Northstowe Community Activation Fund (CAF). South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) will administer the fund on behalf of Homes England.

Celebrating culture, creativity and community

Supported by the CAF, the Northstowe Holi Mela, organised by Hindu Samaj Northstowe, took place on Saturday 18 April. The event brought residents together to celebrate Hindu culture through music, dance, food, and the joyful play of colours.

Hosted by Sustainable Northstowe, a community Skip Morning took place in Northstowe on Saturday 25 April, which helped residents dispose of bulky household waste responsibly while encouraging recycling and reuse. The event included a free Bring-and-Take stall, with local volunteers and community groups supporting the day.

Following the success of recent years, Northstowe Hub has been awarded funding through the CAF to help deliver the third annual Midsummer Festival in 2026. On Saturday 20 June, friends and neighbours will be invited to celebrate midsummer on the Green and in the Unity Centre, sharing in the vibrancy, diversity, and inclusivity of the Northstowe community.

Northstowe Hub has also received funding for Light Up Northstowe, a popular, free winter community celebration featuring a Christmas lights switch-on, along with performances, stalls, food and family activities.

The Northstowe Art Show will also return in 2026. There will be a private viewing for artists and invited guests on the evening of Friday 16th October. On Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October, the event will be open to the public. The exhibition will be free to attend at the Unity Centre and will showcase creative work by people from across the Northstowe community, with free workshops and a session on ‘How to exhibit your work’

Supporting Northstowe’s growing community

Matthew Brown, head of development at Homes England, said: “Northstowe’s success is shaped not only by the homes and infrastructure being delivered, but by its growing resident community. Events like these are a great way to bring people together, celebrate the town’s diversity, and strengthen the independent spirit that makes Northstowe such a distinctive place.

“We’re pleased to continue supporting community-led initiatives through the Northstowe Community Activation Fund, helping residents create opportunities to connect, share experiences, and enjoy more arts and cultural activity close to home.”

Cllr Henry Batchelor, lead cabinet member for communities at South Cambridgeshire District Council, added: “Northstowe’s community groups play a vital role in shaping local life, and it’s great to see this funding helping a range of events and activities come forward in 2026. From cultural celebrations and creative showcases to practical community initiatives, these projects give residents more opportunities to come together, get involved and make the most of life in Northstowe.

“As administrator of the Community Activation Fund on behalf of Homes England, we’re pleased to support a programme that reflects the energy, diversity and growing confidence of the Northstowe community.”

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.