As a twenty-something with little disposable income, I'm not the Cambridge club's usual demographic—its liberal attitude toward camp chairs, kid-friendly atmosphere and lavish sponsorship make this tiny festival popular with middle-class disco-loving families—but with an all-star lineup that includes Chaka Khan and Jessie Ware, it's hard not to love it.
The three-day event delighted soul-loving fans with a jam-packed schedule of funk, pop and disco. The lone remaining member of Sister Sledge truly shone in the sun with her standout performance on Saturday. From the bejeweled outfits to the dance-off to find the “best dancer” in the audience, it felt like a true family event.
Chaka Khan was another expected highlight. The legendary 10-time Grammy winner closed the festival with her usual swagger, her vocal cords sounding as strong as ever on classics like “I Feel for You” and “Aint Nobody.” It would have been a near-perfect performance if not for a lengthy costume change, which included a rather bizarre cameo from her aspiring nephew.
If you sometimes just weren't feeling too into it, there was plenty of other stuff to keep you going. The Discovery Den hosted some fantastic comedy shows over the weekend, including Zoe Lyons who entertained the crowds with her hilarious renditions of menopause and the joys of colonoscopies. There were also free screenings of nostalgic crowd-pleasing films throughout the weekend, and a play area to keep the kids entertained.
It's certainly not the most colourful or massive festival, but it's a great option for those who don't want to sacrifice big name artists for a more relaxed, family-friendly experience. With a decidedly friendly atmosphere and plenty of sparkle, Cambridge is a surefire way to make your summer a shining one.