Pride and Prejudice in the open air at the ICE Summer Festival

Theatre, movies, concerts, a sustainable food festival and fascinating lectures – all at the University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education at Madingley Hall from June to September.

An outdoor theatre performance of Pride and Prejudice and an open-air movie showing of The Theory of Everything are just two highlights of a spectacular summer festival at Cambridge’s Madingley Hall.

A packed programme of events also includes classical concerts, workshops and lectures, a summer ball and literary-themed dinners organised by the University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education.  

For many the highlight will be seeing Jane Austen’s classic love story brought to life in the Hall’s spectacular grounds by the Chapterhouse Theatre Company. And as well as seeing the production on September 3, fans of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy can also enjoy a pre-show talk about the novel from Cambridge’s world-class lecturers.

"It promises to be a magical evening,” says ICE’s director of programmes Emma Jennings. “What better way to enjoy one of English literature’s greatest love stories than against the beautiful backdrop of Madingley Hall? Bring a picnic, a rug, a chair – just soak up the atmosphere."

And there’s more outdoor entertainment with open-air cinema showings of two classic Cambridge-themed movies – Stephen Hawking biopic The Theory of Everything on 9 July and, on 6 August, Maurice, the Merchant Ivory film starring Hugh Grant about the city’s early 20th-century social circuit.

Other attractions include free concerts, including a recital by renowned classical pianist Marianne Schönle, and the Summer Ball on August 5, with music by The Umbrella Big Band and Drivin’ South.

The varied festival also includes a literary lunch with BBC war correspondent Martin Bell, lectures, fun team-player workshops involving outdoor games, lecture suppers, food and wine tasting evenings and, for those who simply want to enjoy the wonderful surroundings, mindfulness retreats on August 12 and 13 and open garden afternoons.

"There really is something for everyone," says Emma. "Whether you love theatre, cinema, food, want to come and learn or simply be entertained, Madingley Hall is the place to be this summer!"

For full details of ICE’s summer festival, which runs from June 4 to September 8, visit www.ice.cam.ac.uk/SummerFestival or contact enquiries@ice.cam.ac.uk.