Northstowe’s Midsummer Festival – the town’s biggest celebration yet

In any World Cup summer, hat-tricks always draw attention. Northstowe scored its own triple by celebrating its third consecutive Midsummer Festival.

Were you there to enjoy it?

Bigger and brighter than ever, this year’s event showed why it’s one of the best expressions of what this community is all about – togetherness, fun, great food, and celebration. Around 1,000 people came to the Green to connect with local groups, watch local performers, eat well, enjoy a drink, and meet with their neighbours.

There was even a milestone moment for the town with the official opening of the Unity Centre. The Mayor, Carla Bros Sabria, cut the ribbon and welcomed residents into a space that will support community life for years to come.

We caught up with Northstowe Hub Chair and festival organiser, Hektor Marden, to reflect on what was a brilliant day. 

Bringing Northstowe's biggest festival to life

Made possible by volunteers

At the heart of the Festival is Northstowe Hub, the charity that exists to help the town grow its identity and support residents as the community expands. It was this team of volunteers that brought about the biggest Midsummer Festival yet.

Hektor, the Hub’s chair, was the event organiser this time around. He has lived in Northstowe for five years and is well known locally as a personal trainer (ShapeXchange). When he’s not working with clients, you’ll often find him practising handstands at the outdoor gym at Pioneer Park.

For Hektor, the idea behind the Festival has always been clear: “We want to keep giving the town opportunities to come together and celebrate what makes Northstowe great.”

Partnerships making it happen

The Festival was primarily funded through the Community Activation Fund, administered by Homes England and South Cambridgeshire District Council, with significant support from Northstowe Town Council.

Hektor knows the value of these partnerships: “We’re massively grateful for the support, and when the event happens, you see it was all money and time well spent.” 

A day full of community spirit

The Festival’s purpose was visible throughout the day, particularly in and around the performance stage.

If you took a moment to look at the scene from the entrance to Northstowe from Longstanton, it really was something. Full of life and colour. But looking a little closer, you saw that connection first hand – just away from the performers and food trucks, we loved seeing a chess match that brought together residents of different generations.

We also enjoyed seeing staff from Pathfinder School leading their enthusiastic and very talented young singers. Dance performers, including those from Stardust Dance Academy, treated us to a whole range of performances. Some of these featured boys and girls bravely stepping on stage at the beginning of their dance journeys. Alongside these, many more experienced dancers (equally bravely) showcased their own routines, and even led the younger groups – what role models! We also had brilliant dance and music from our Hindu Samaj community, which was enjoyed by all.

Around the edges, you will also have seen young people from the Air and Army Cadets, who were marshalling brilliantly. Many of the young people involved in the day will have spent their whole lives here and are evidently thriving and proud of their town.

Residents were quick to share their thoughts. One said it was “a fantastic event that was enjoyable, well organised, and welcoming to everyone.” Another commented that “it’s amazing how this festival is growing each year,” while a third described it as “always one of our favourite days and this year it was incredible.”

Hektor’s own highlight was the atmosphere. “It was positive, and full of people feeling part of something and enjoying themselves.” He also enjoyed calling “Bin crew assemble!” to fellow volunteers, who responded with a smile after a long day. And, as he put it, “it certainly helped that it didn’t rain.”

Building on the town’s togetherness

Alongside the Festival, the Hub also supported the Christmas Light Up Northstowe event, which has enriched the town. It has also been busy expanding the Micro Library into the Unity Centre, while establishing the community cafés at the Unity Centre and Northstowe Secondary College. Beyond these initiatives, they have supported projects such as the Over 60s Meet-Up and the new Northstowe Fibre Arts Community, while continuing to work closely with many other community groups including Sustainable Northstowe, Hindu Samaj, The Youth Hive, Pathfinder Church, Northstowe Muslims and Bethel Revival Church.

This snapshot shows the breadth of activity taking place behind the scenes to strengthen community life.

After a well-earned rest, we’re banking on Hektor and the team fixing next year’s date. We’ll be there, and we hope you will be too.

Looking ahead

Do you have an idea for a community group that will bring people together in Northstowe? Are you already part of a group that would benefit from connection? Make sure you get in touch with Hektor and the Northstowe Hub team.

Looking ahead

Do you have an idea for a community group that will bring people together in Northstowe? Are you already part of a group that would benefit from connection? Make sure you get in touch with Hektor and the Northstowe Hub team.