Strawberry Fair 2025 cancelled due to rising costs
Organisers have announced plans to reassess the event’s future to ensure its return in 2026
Strawberry Fair, a much-loved event marking the start of summer in Cambridge for 50 years, will not take place in 2025 due to unsustainable financial pressures.
The organising committee announced that the rising costs of running the free-to-attend festival have created a deficit that cannot be maintained. Plans are now underway to restructure the Fair’s business model and fundraising efforts, with hopes of bringing it back in 2026. An online fundraiser has already been launched to support these efforts at strawberry-fair.org.uk/SaveTheFair.
“The costs of running the Fair have doubled over the past decade, with over half of that increase happening since 2021,” explained Committee Chair Liz Nathan. “Every year, the volunteers work hard to raise the required funds, but last year was the most difficult I have experienced in more than a decade of helping to run the event.
“We can’t keep increasing the fees we charge traders and bars, as they too are facing rising costs. There’s only so much they can afford to pay,” she added.
Strawberry Fair has been a staple of Cambridge culture since its inception 50 years ago. It is entirely volunteer-led and remains free for attendees, with funding traditionally coming from trader and bar fees, community fundraising, and public donations. Cambridge City Council has also supported the event through community and cultural grants, which organisers say have been invaluable.
However, costs have outpaced these income streams, particularly since the pandemic. Organisers highlighted that similar challenges are affecting events across the UK, with several festivals being forced to cancel in recent years and many festival traders facing financial difficulties.
The committee is now seeking both financial support and fresh ideas from the community to help secure the Fair’s long-term future. “Together, we can put the Fair on a firm financial footing for the next 50 years,” a spokesperson said.
Those wishing to contribute ideas or volunteer their support can contact the committee via email at [email protected].