Out and about

Fen Edge Family Festival 2009, Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st June, Cottenham

The bi-annual festival has been running since 2005. This year's festival will be the third, and is the biggest to date with events for all age groups and families across the four days.

It's a fun weekend for the people of Cottenham and the surrounding villages to get together, take part or simply sit back and soak up the atmosphere. Plus, attendance is free!

There are around 150 activities on offer, and with dual themes of 'Africa' and 'Monsters', there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to let their hair down; from 'monster' fancy dress competitions to African dance, drumming and story-telling workshops, and performances by the acclaimed World Muzik Makers.

Fun and games!

There will be loads of activities to keep kids and teenagers entertained including a giant Scalextric racing track, petting zoo, face painting, laser tag, puppet shows, drama workshops, mask-making, 'hose the house' with the fire brigade and, for 13-16 year-olds, a rare opportunity to get behind the wheel of a car and take a test drive!

And the 'big kids' among you aren't left out - there's plenty of fun to be had with a laser shooting range, the chance to 'bowl the stumps' and 'beat the goalie', and a variety of sports like roller-hockey, target tennis, fencing, scuba-diving and golf games.

There are light-hearted sports too including games for 'Festival Superstars' including competitive carrot-flinging, and the slowest bike race in the world!

Marvellous music

Musical entertainment includes a performance by the 20-piece jazz Galaxy Big Band, a junior band competition, a buskers' tent, workshops and performances by the World Muzik Makers and a to end the festival on Sunday a concert by the Children of the Kingdom Gospel Singers.

Food glorious food!

For those who prefer a traditional country fayre, there are over 100 fete and farmers' market stalls serving produce of every different description, including Cottenham Festival marmalade, books, plants, arts and crafts, gifts, clothes, accessories and jewellery. There's even a stand showing off the unique and historic recipe for 'Cottenham Cheese'.

The festival will host the usual range of refreshments including barbecues, pizzas, snacks, ice cream and drinks throughout the weekend.

Open Gardens

More than a dozen beautifully designed and maintained gardens will be open for your enjoyment on roads just off the High Street throughout Sunday afternoon, with free transport available and refreshments available at many.

The Red Arrows

Red Arrows

In a first for the Fen Edge Family Festival, the world famous Red Arrows have agreed to honour this year's celebrations with a fly-past. Keep your eyes open throughout Sunday - they'll be hard to miss!

Venue information

The festival takes place on Cottenham Village Green and a variety of other Cottenham venues including Cottenham Sports Centre, Cottenham Community Centre (formerly the Methodist Church) and Cottenham Village College.

Plenty of parking is available on Histon Road and at several of the venues around the village.