Sounds Green 2026

Our annual 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 as well as 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 on a July evening.

🎶 The 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 and a variety of food trucks and stands.
🎶 Bring a rug or picnic chair and relax in beautiful surroundings to some wonderful music!

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!

Find out more and buy tickets on the 1 July event page.

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.

Find out more and buy tickets on the 8 July event page.

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.

Find out more and buy tickets on the 15 July event page.

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.

Find out more and buy tickets on the 22 July event page.

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?

Find out more and buy tickets on the 29 July event page.

Tickets are the cost of normal Garden entry and include entry into the Garden from 10am on the event day. Paying visitors are advised to book online  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:

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

Sounds Green forms part of the wider Cambridge Summer Music Festival. Each summer, the festival brings outstanding musicians to some of the city’s most beautiful and historic venues. From college chapels and concert halls to the open air of the Botanic Garden, the festival offers a rich and varied programme that celebrates the breadth of musical performance.

The festival is proud to present internationally acclaimed performers alongside emerging artists and young musicians, creating opportunities for audiences to experience music in all its variety across Cambridge. Highlights this year include the magnificent Sea Symphony by Vaughan Williams at Saffron Hall, Handel’s dramatic oratorios Saul and Il trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno in the inspiring settings of Ely Cathedral and Trinity College Chapel, and a finale concert from the London Mozart Players. Recitals by outstanding soloists, including soprano Sophie Bevan and accordionist Ryan Corbett, sit alongside opportunities to hear emerging artists and young composers.

Cambridge Summer Muisc is also proud to continue its partnership with Young Classical Artist Trust, presenting five outstanding artists. The festival continues to support three of the UK’s finest musical competitions, with recitals from Ewan Millar (Royal Overseas League Gold Medal winner), Lily Mo Browne (Ferrier Award First Prize Winner) and Canadian pianist Ryan Wang (winner of the 2024 BBC Young Musician competition, aged 17).

With its combination of internationally acclaimed performers, rising stars and community events, Cambridge Summer Music Festival once again invites audiences to enjoy an inspiring programme of live music across the city throughout July.

All details and booking at 2026 Festival | Cambridge Summer Music