The city’s historic Midsummer Fair returns to Midsummer Common this week, from Wednesday 18 to Sunday 22 June, for its 812th year.

The council is encouraging visitors and residents to plan their trips in and around the city during the fair, especially across the weekend when it is expected to be busy.

Roads may be more congested than usual, especially those closer to Midsummer Common, so travel times might be longer than expected.

As with all large events the council is working closely with partners, including Cambridgeshire County Council and the police, to prepare for one of the city’s most popular annual outdoor events.

Extra litter bins are being provided and additional litter picks will be carried out. Temporary toilets are also being provided on Midsummer Common to support the event. 

Over the weekend it is important that non-emergency crimes are reported through 101 and emergencies to 999, so that resources can be allocated in a timely manner.  

On Saturday 21 June there will be a community hub based at the nearby Wesley Methodist Church, Christ’s Pieces. Residents and fair goers can use the hub to report any concerns in person from 9am until 5pm. On Saturday, concerns that require an emergency response from the council can also be reported by calling 0300 3038389.

This year the official proclamation of the fair will take place at 11.15am on Thursday morning. A party including the Mayor of Cambridge, Cllr Dinah Pounds, will form a procession to the fair from Wesley Church at 11am, ahead of the proclamation and the traditional distribution of coins to children.

The proclamation is being arranged in partnership with the Cambridge Rutherford Rotary Club to coincide with their annual ‘Kids Out at the Fair’ session on Thursday for around 60 local schoolchildren with special education needs and/or disabilities.