With summer fast approaching, we thought we would bring together a snapshot of the wonderful festivals, events and exhibitions that are happening in and around Newmarket. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy so get your diaries out and start making those summer plans.
Abbey Celebrations 2022 – May onwards
A year of celebrations has been planned for 2022 in Bury St Edmunds to mark 1,000 years since the founding of the Abbey of St Edmund by King Canute. One of the highlights over the summer is the monthly changing display of sculptures in the crypt within the Abbey ruins, where the shrine of St Edmund would have stood. These amazing pieces of art are well worth visiting. Learn more here.
Art Unequalled Exhibition – 11th and 12th June
One of the region’s best loved art exhibitions is back. Art Unequalled is an established event in nearby Ely, showcasing a wide range of high quality handmade work presented direct from the maker. Come and meet inspirational artists and watch them demonstrate their crafts. With artworks from £5 to £2,000, there is something for everyone!
Click here for more information.
The Cambridge Club Festival – 11th and 12th June
If music is more your thing then come and boogie at the feel-good festival featuring Diana Ross, Nile Rodgers and CHIC, The Jacksons, TLC, Level 42 and many more – plus comedy, family fun and more. This is a summer celebration to remember. Find out more here.
Crowns and Gowns II Exhibition, Ely Cathedral – 30th June to 11th August
The sequel to one of the most popular exhibitions ever held at the magnificent Ely Cathedral. Featuring costumes from films which used UK Cathedrals as a location. The exhibition will include the famous official replica of the Queen’s Coronation dress commission by Harrods in 2012 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee. This dress was famously worn by Claire Foy at Ely Cathedral for the sumptuous Netflix drama, The Crown. Click here to find out more.
Mad Hatters Music Festival – 1st July to 3rd July
Three days, 2 stages and 22 bands! This is going to be one special music festival set within the beautiful fen countryside. Expect amazing children’s activities, wonderful street food, a wellness area, eco-stalls, drinks bar, neon disco, demonstrations and storyteller. Make a whole weekend of it and book your pitch or cabin at this themed camping and glamping site or just purchase day tickets.
July Festival, Newmarket Racecourse – 7th to 9th July
Summer isn’t summer in Newmarket without the July Festival. The eyes of the world descend to the picturesque July Course for the Moet and Chandon July Festival. Three days of world-class flat racing and fabulous fashion. Check out the full range of hospitality packages available and make this event extra special.
Party at the Palace 2022, National Horseracing Museum – Saturday 23rd July
Back by popular demand, once again step back in time and immerse yourself in the decadence of the restoration period. The Museum comes to life with a multi-sensory, living history event, recreating the era through re-enactment, sights, sounds, tastes and smells. Join in with some country dancing and have fun with the 17thcentury games. An event for all the family to enjoy.
Newmarket’s Soap Box Derby – Sunday 28th August
We simply love this quirky event as teams race down the Soapbox course (aka Warren Hill) with much creative hilarity. This year the track has been extended and will have five new, exciting jumps. We can’t wait to see how the many teams tackle these new challenges in their bid for soap and glory. Come and join the fun and cheer on the brave (or do we mean fool hardy!).
Click here to find out how you could take part.
For more ideas of what is on this summer, check out our What’s On page.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day (8th March 2025), we’re taking the opportunity to look back at a definitive time in history when Ellen Chaloner, a trailblazing trainer became the first woman to be given a permit to train horses by the Jockey Club in 1886.
Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to slow down, spend quality time together and show Mum just how much she means to you.
The National Stud has announced that the first mares covered by Diego Velazquez have been scanned in foal.
The tourism body Discover Newmarket has unveiled the first of its 2026 series of ‘Morning With’ trainer tours – which provide exclusive behind-the scenes access to the world of horseracing.
Greater Anglia and the Ipswich to Cambridge Community Rail Partnership (CRP) are launching a competition to find a promotional name for the Ipswich to Cambridge line.
Valentine’s Day is all about spending time with the certain someone you care most about, and showing that appreciation of love… along with maybe a glass of bubbles or two!
Camilla Perrett has been appointed as the new Chair of Discover Newmarket, the not-for-profit organisation at the heart of British horseracing.
Discover Newmarket is backing the bid to secure UK Town of Culture status for Newmarket, marking an exciting opportunity to celebrate the town’s rich heritage, culture and history while inspiring new cultural projects for the future.
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