Sounds Green 2026 programme

The open-air music festival from Cambridge Summer Music Festival will take place on Wednesday evenings throughout July on the Main Lawn.

Welcoming back some familiar performers and some new faces, this celebration of music and summer is a perfect opportunity to enjoy great music and the sights, sounds and scents in the Garden with family and friends.

🎶Music begins at 6.30pm, and lasts approximately one hour
🎶Visitors are welcome to enjoy the Garden until 8.30pm when the gates will close.
🎶Picnics are welcome and food and drink will also be provided by The Garden Café.
🎶Bring a rug or picnic chair and relax in beautiful surroundings to some wonderful musical sounds!

We’re delighted to welcome back Prime Brass to launch Sounds Green with a blast! Known for performances at the lighter end of the musical spectrum, this lively brass ensemble is sure to get people of all ages up and dancing!

Bringing its trademark IndoJazz to Sounds Green this summer, we’re excited to host the Arun Ghosh Quintet once again. Clarinettist Arun Ghosh is a leading light on the UK jazz scene and captivates audiences with his passionate and dynamic performance style, and a healthy dose of rock ‘n’ roll spirit.

Described as ‘London’s top hot jazz ensemble’ by visitlondon.com, The Basin Street Brawlers will bring New Orleans style swing and jazz to the Garden. The band has featured live on BBC Radio 3 and as The Sunday Times’ CD of the Week.

Named the UK’s leading Balkan music Band, Paprika is known for electrifying and energizing performances that captivate and lure audiences in to the vibrant world of Balkan music. With influences, ranging from traditional folk through to jazz and rock, to classical music, the band blends Balkan, Gypsy and Eastern European music to create their own distinctive sound.

Wrapping up Sounds Green with a carnival flourish, Cores Do Samba is led by Brazilian singer Caru Lins and a collective group of talented musicians. Together they explore the infectious, uplifting rhythms of Brazil, including ‘MPB’ (Música Popular Brasileira), samba, bossa nova and funk, celebrating artists such as Gilberto Gil, Chico Buarque, João Donato, Tom Jobim, Djavan, Joyce and Ivan Lins. What better way to end the season?

Tickets will be available to buy in June.

Tickets are the cost of normal Garden entry and includes entry into the Garden from 10am on the event day. Paying visitors are advised to book online for this event as tickets cannot be guaranteed on the gates. Online tickets can be purchased up until 5pm on the day of the event.

It is not necessary to purchase advance tickets if you are:

• An essential carer for a disabled visitor
• A child aged 0-16 inclusive (must be accompanied by an adult)
• A CUBG Friend or Corporate Friend (on display of a membership card)
• A CU student (on display of a student card)