Out and about

Mill Road Winter Fair, Saturday 6th December 2008 from 10.30am to 5pm

For a mile of smiles to brighten up the chill of midwinter, there's nowhere better than Cambridge's Mill Road. It's an experience at any time of the year, but when residents and retailers decided four years ago that a winter fair would be a great way to bring everyone together, they probably had no idea just how popular this annual event would become.

A storyteller at Mill Road Fair

This year, the fair, which takes place on Saturday 6th December, has expanded beyond recognition. Stretching the length of Mill Road from Donkey Common (next to Parkside Pool) right down to Romsey Mill, and taking in loads of venues in the surrounding streets, this year's event is bigger and better than ever.

Couple that with the ice rink on Parker's Piece, and you've got yourself a fabulous day out.

Over 100 venues will be opening their doors - including places like Jimmy's Nightshelter at the Zion Hall and the mosque, Hindu Shrine on the bridge and the Baptist church.

This is one day of the year when nearly every shop and restaurant along Mill Road ply their wares on the pavement, offering free tastings and special offers for fair-goers. Try something different from one of the deli's, the Indian restaurants, or something spicy from Africa, China or Korea - it's all there. And the specialist beer and wine shops always have something warm and spicy to warm those chilly cockles! It's a feast for the senses as well as the tummy!

Santa gives the crowd a wave in 2006

New for this year

As well as the now traditional Chinese Dragon Dance, Donkey Common, by the pool, will be home to a marquee filled with festive crafts and food; an exhibition showcasing the work of local artists, running the length of Mill Road throughout the day; an open mic day at the Argyle Street Housing Co-operative; a beer festival at the Cambridge Blue on Gwydir Street from midday until 4pm; a Recycling, Regeneration Fashion Show at the Salvation Army shop, with restyled clothing from charity shops along Mill Road... and much, much more!

For a taste of what it's all about, why not take a peek at our photo galleries from the last couple of years:

Or use the link below which will take you straight to the Mill Road website, where you'll find a full list of venues, times and participating shops, artists, designers and other organisations involved in this year's fair.