SOUND AND VISION FESTIVAL - APRIL 21-23

 It has long puzzled me; why isn’t Cambridge more of a festival city? We have as many church halls as Edinburgh (well nearly), lots of theatre venues and a vibrant arts-loving community. Well now it’s clear that we are on the way to fIesta status with the arrival of The Sound and Vision Cambridge Festival. It will take place in April across six venues on eight stages. Into the mix go the Junction, The Portland Arms, The Blue Moon, the Storey’s Field Centre, The Boathouse and Thirsty. The line up offers dozens of opportunities to catch established acts, such as Tim Burgess or Kristin Hersch or newer favourites like Pom Poko or Penelope Isles. On Saturday night the festival hosts the 25th anniversary party of the Bella Union record label. There will also be showcases from local and brand-new bands including the students of Access Creative College.

Comedy is well represented with headliners such as Rosie Jones, Felicity Ward and Nick Helm in the Junction’s J2 space. Other acts familiar from Taskmaster, Live at the Apollo and 8 out of 10 Cats like Mike Wozniak, Isy Suttie and Olga Koch will be presenting their work-in-progress shows. Saturday 23rd April sees a full day of comedy on the Fringe’s home turf of Mitcham’s Corner from 12pm – 10pm.

Being Cambridge, it can’t be all fun so the festival will also host an industry conference on 21 and 22 April. The aim is to give up-and-coming creative professionals the opportunity to learn more about establishing themselves in sustainable careers in the arts. Networking events and Q&A will maximise opportunities to learn from industry big-hitters.

Sound and Vision will hit town soon and hopefully provide a spur to putting our somewhat sedate city firmly on the festival map.

Line up and ticket details can be found at www.soundandvisionconvention.co.uk and on Instagram @soundandvisionconvention on Facebook @soundandvisionconvention Twitter @SoundandVis