Northstowe’s summer 2025 highlights

As the days warmed up, so did Northstowe as partners continue to build a truly pioneering, international, independent town with green space, lakes, and active travel at its heart. Summer brought community life into full swing, and steady progress was made on the places that make quality of life here special. Whether this is your first summer settled in Northstowe, or you’re thinking about joining the community next year, here’s a round-up of what’s been happening in summer 2025…

The 2025 Midsummer Festival lit up The Green

Northstowe’s Community Activation Fund supported a fantastic line-up of events this year, including the return of the popular Midsummer Festival on Saturday 21 June. Neighbours, performers, and local groups came together on The Green and at The Cabin for a full day of music, dance, crafts, and food in a celebration of Northstowe’s diverse, multicultural community and pioneering spirit.

Advancing the next stages of Northstowe

Construction progressed across the central and southern sections of the Northstowe site. In Phase Two, preparation for the Eastern Sports Hub moved forward, and the BMX track and outdoor gym are in progress. Along the way, partners are enabling greener ways to get around, with connected open spaces and active travel routes designed in from the early stages.

Around the future town centre, partners are working on enabling a new temporary commercial space in Phase Two of Northstowe, and a new commercial space located under the Keepmoat Homes apartments is under construction. In Phase Three, plans are being prepared so that partners can be lined up to start enabling infrastructure work required to support more homes. Significant archaeological works have been undertaken, so expect more visible change over the coming months as we continue to build a low-carbon, people-first town.

Award-winning education campus

 In a landmark moment for the growing town, Northstowe Learning Community was named Best Education Project at the UK Forum East of England Property Awards, recognising its low-carbon design and inclusive, all-through offer from nursery to sixth form. Delivered in partnership with construction partner Kier and Northstowe Learning Community, part of Meridian Trust. Cambridgeshire County Council and Frank Shaw Associates, the architect and lead designer, were also key partners in the project.

The campus doubles as a community hub for sport and the arts and will go on to serve thousands of students as the town grows, helping people grow their family, career, business, and life in the town.

London–Edinburgh–London rolled through Northstowe

One of Europe’s biggest endurance rides came to town as London–Edinburgh–London 2025 routed through Northstowe, with the first control hosted at Northstowe College. Whilst much of the route beyond Northstowe was cut short due to stormy weather and concerns for riders’ safety, thousands of cyclists took on the challenge, with local volunteers and supporters cheering them on – with Northstowe a perfect fit as a place that prioritises cycling, wellbeing and active travel.

Northstowe Running Festival 2025 

On 30 August, the Northstowe Festival of Running celebrated its fifth birthday, welcoming runners of all ages and abilities for a day of racing and community cheer around the town. With incredible volunteer support and plenty of spectators, it captured Northstowe’s active, healthy and fun spirit.

What’s coming up

With a busy summer behind us, attention turns to the next wave of activity across town this autumn. Here’s what’s coming up …

Northstowe Open Art Exhibition

An open‑to‑all showcase of local creativity is on the way. The Northstowe Open Art Exhibition preview evening is on Friday 26 September between 6:30 - 8:30 pm, and the open exhibition will be on Saturday 27 September from 10 am - 5 pm at the Assembly Rooms in The Cabin. Whether you’re a first-time exhibitor or a seasoned artist, come along and show your work, or just drop in and enjoy the local talent on display. It’s a great example of the independent, creative energy shaping our town.

Keep an eye out for updates as Northstowe’s development progresses.