THEATRE

Panto season is warming up nicely with two magical productions to light up your November. Over in Bury St Edmunds, Rapunzel climbs onto the Theatre Royal stage from 21 Nov – 18 Jan, promising talking dogs, wicked witches and more sheep-based chaos than you can shake a stick at. Meanwhile, Cambridge Arts Theatre reopens after a major glow-up with Sleeping Beauty (27 Nov – 4 Jan), starring beloved dame Matt Crosby, UK Panto Award-winner Steven Roberts and a glittering West End cast. Expect sparkle, slapstick and a serious dose of festive feel-good.

It’s not all panto sparkle this month — there’s plenty to feed the brain too. Over at the Cambridge Corn Exchange on 15 Nov, broadcaster, historian and Celebrity Traitors cast member, David Olusoga takes to the stage with A Gun Through Time, exploring how a single weapon can alter the course of history. Meanwhile, over in Bury St Edmunds, Annabel Croft swaps tennis balls for glitter balls at The Apex on 6 Nov, spilling behind-the-scenes stories from Centre Court to the Strictly ballroom. Two icons, two fascinating evenings — and zero chance of nodding off.

MUSIC

It’s all happening at the Cambridge Corn Exchange this month — and yes, CMAT might be sold out (we’re still sobbing), but there’s plenty more to sing about. The legendary Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra hit the stage on 1 Nov, joined by the fabulous Imelda May for a night of toe-tapping brilliance.

Then on 14 Nov, Rizzle Kicks bring their infectious energy back with a new album — their first in 12 years — and a headline tour that’s selling out faster than you can say “Down with the Trumpets.” Round off your month on 22 Nov with The Amy Winehouse Band, fronted by an incredible female vocalist and led by Amy’s longtime musical director Dale Davis — a heartfelt, soul-soaked tribute that keeps her legacy burning bright.

For those who prefer strings to synths, November in Cambridge hits all the right notes for the Cambridge Music Festival. On 7 Nov, it’s all grandeur and goosebumps as the BBC Singers, Concert Orchestra and Choir of King’s College unite for Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius, conducted by Daniel Hyde. For something more intimate, Kaviraj Singh brings the shimmering santoor and soulful vocals to Pembroke on 13 Nov, before world-renowned pianist Angela Hewitt graces Trinity on 24 Nov with a refined Baroque-inspired programme. Rounding off the month, Quatuor Danel performs an emotional deep dive into Shostakovich’s world across 28–29 Nov at Pembroke Auditorium — three concerts of raw beauty, dark humour and defiant spirit.

Cambridge Jazz Festival is taking place this month from 9 – 23 November with workshops and performances at a whole host of cool venues around the city. Check out the full line up here.

COMEDY

It’s all about fierce, funny and fabulously female energy on the comedy circuit this November. Urzila Carlson kicks things off at the Ipswich Corn Exchange on 11 Nov, bringing her no-filter Kiwi charm and sharp wit to the UK with her You Don’t Say tour. She’s followed by fellow powerhouse Georgie Carroll on 16 Nov, whose new show Infectious proves laughter really is the best medicine. Over at the Apex on 17 Nov, Rosie Jones dishes out her trademark mischief in a brand-new set tackling everything from being single to the politics of gravy (and yes, boobs). Finally, Jen Brister lands at Cambridge Corn Exchange on 27 Nov with Reactive, her hilariously exasperated take on modern life — zen not guaranteed.

EXHIBITIONS

Get ready for a feast of creativity this month. On 1 Nov, Gainsborough’s House lights up for the dazzling finale of The Big Draw Festival 2025, where the week’s artistic experiments by young creatives burst to life in a technicolour projection show across the historic gardens — expect light, music, and plenty of wow factor. Back there on 6 Nov, swap screens for print screens with the Handmade Christmas Lino Print Card Workshop — perfect for anyone keen to carve out (literally) some festive flair. Meanwhile, over in Cambridge, Murray Edwards College hosts a curator-led tour of The Sleepers on 6 Nov, where Laura Moseley guides you through this thoughtful exhibition celebrating rest and reflection in women’s art. And from 15 Nov – 1 Mar 2026, Kettle’s Yard presents the first major UK solo exhibition of Harold Offeh, bringing together striking works from across his career that showcase his playful, thought-provoking and globally-reaching artistic vision.

FOODIE

Tuck in, Suffolk style — November’s bringing flavour and a little drama to the table. Over in Long Melford, The Black Lion is serving up suspense on 13 Nov, as The Pantaloons return with a brand-new murder mystery supper club. Expect a delicious three-course dinner with a side of Cluedo-style chaos — characters perform between courses, and by pudding, you might just crack the case. Then on 14 Nov, Flint Vineyard turns up the heat with a gorgeous sharing feast crafted by chef Alex Firman. Picture focaccia with Spanish olive oil and charcuterie, beetroot-cured salmon with cow’s curd and salted lemon, and roasted guinea fowl with truffled gratin and bacon, followed by a Norfolk Mardler cheesecake with honey and ginger crumb. Served in a twinkly barn, glass in hand, this is autumn dining at its most delicious.

And from 24 Nov, The Winter Garden at The Packhorse Inn opens its canvas canopy for the season, inviting you to bundle up beneath fairy lights with cosy blankets, flickering heaters and plates of festive comfort food. Snuggle, sip, and stay as long as the mulled wine keeps flowing.

WORKSHOPS

Need a breather from the festive frenzy? On 27 Nov, The Studio Bartlow hosts a Christmas Calligraphy Workshop with the fabulous Cambridge Calligrapher. Expect a cosy, creative evening of inky elegance where you’ll learn to craft those swoon-worthy flourishes and metallic details that make every card and tag look straight off Pinterest.

Then on 28 Nov, The Styled Writing Company in Suffolk hosts A Suffolk Christmas — a beautifully creative Christmas Foliage and Tablescape Styling Workshop with floral artist Alarna from The Wild Society and colour-loving stylist Emma Paton. Think candle painting, festive calligraphy, tablescaping perfection, and a foliage centrepiece to take home — plus a delicious lunch and plenty of fizz-fuelled inspiration for your holiday hosting.

Finally on 29 Nov, head to The Crown in Stoke by Nayland for a Festive Wreath Making Workshop in their magical Winter Garden. Led by local florist Clare Lock, you’ll sip mulled wine, get hands-on with greenery, and leave with a beautifully handcrafted wreath (and possibly a light cinnamon buzz).

OUTDOORS

’Tis (almost) the season, and Suffolk & Cambs are getting their festive glow on. On 15 Nov, High Lodge Leisure near Southwold hosts its charming Christmas Market, bursting with local makers like Bee Natural, Cow Parsley Living and Woodlands Fudge — basically heaven for gift-hunters and sugar fiends alike. Then on 20 Nov, Bury St Edmunds flips the switch for its Christmas Lights Event, complete with twinkly stalls, The Snow Lion, the Red Queen and even a Polar Bear making the rounds (as you do). And over at Ely Cathedral from 20–22 Nov, the Christmas Gift & Food Fair brings 170 artisan stalls, festive street food and a vintage carousel to one of the most magical shopping settings in the country. Mulled wine, anyone?

Huntingdon puts on a slick Christmas market each year and it’s running from 21 – 23 November for 2025, and looks set to be just as well-organised and festive. You can expect all the usuals – stalls full of stocking fillers, mulled wine, mince pies and local produce as well as kids’ entertainment and live music and dancing.

Want to get a load of Christmas shopping done in one fell swoop? Presents Galore is a huge Christmas Market at Newmarket Racecourses where you can do just that thanks to over 100 boutique stalls selling fabulously festive wares, with free parking and a restaurant on site to keep your Christmas shopping energy levels up too. It’s on this year from 28 – 30 Nov.

FESTIVALS

Newmarket’s annual Sausage Festival is happening on 1 November and alongside sizzling bangers and mash, Discover Newmarket is running a new Best Dressed Sausage Dog competition at 10am in Market Square where owners are encouraged to bring their sausage dog along in their best outfit, or any breed of dog along in a sausage outfit to be in with a chance of winning a goody bag of prizes.

It’s the season for literary festivals and this month it’s good one – Cambridge Literary Winter Festival from 22 – 23 November. Top picks include Larry Lamb and Wendy Cope.

Your November hit list: Sparkle, spice & nights that twinkle

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