EVENTS
Performance & workshops
Zine Workshop
Come and get creative at this relaxed zine-making workshop – no experience needed, just curiosity and a willingness to have fun.
What’s a zine?A zine (short for magazine or fanzine) is a small, handmade booklet that can be about anything – from your thoughts, art, poetry, and photography to topics you care about or just things you love. It’s a DIY way of expressing yourself, telling stories, and sharing ideas.
What to expect:
Materials provided – collage bits, magazines, pens, paper, scissors, glue
A quick intro to what zines are and how to make one
Time to create your own mini zine
A relaxed space to meet new people, chat, and be creative
Whether you’re into journaling, art, writing, or just want to try something new, come along and make something totally your own.
Poetry Showcase - Transformation
Love Mill Road presents two evenings of themed poetry by local poets.
The showcase will mostly feature poetry that has been specially curated via a submissions process, however there will be a limited number of open mic spots available across both nights if you would like to turn up and have a go!
The second event will be held on Monday 27th October at Thrive, with the theme ‘Transformation’.
The event will start at 7 pm with doors opening at 6 pm, and we will have two breaks scheduled into the evening.
Entry is £3.
There will also be a booklet of poetry available for purchase, featuring the submissions read on the night.
Thank you for your interest and we look forward to seeing you there!
For queries and submissions, please contact millroadpoetrygroup@gmail.com
Eleanor Grant - Inside me tour
Inspired by the music of Joni Mitchell, The Carpenters, Simon & Garfunkel, and a sprinkle of Sabrina Carpenter, Eleanor Grant presents the “Inside Me" tour, named after her upcoming debut single. Her collection of original songs aim to heal the hiding heart, inviting you in to a truly intimate live music experience.
Hailed as “one of Britain’s greatest talents” (Hollywood in Vienna 2019), Eleanor is a singer and double bass player who has been writing music since the age of 17. As someone who sings in so many different styles, it’s taken a while to discover her sound as an artist. Versatility lies at the core of her identity, regularly touring Europe and Asia as a vocal soloist with Avatar, Titanic, and Howard Shore’s Lord of the Rings in Concert, requiring her to move seamlessly across different styles of music. She studied double bass at the Royal Academy of Music in London and is one half of the multi-genre duo ‘Eleanor and Gus’. However, fast forward to 2025, Eleanor feels that now after 8 years of writing, she has finally collated a collection of music that feels true to her inner self.
"I’ve always been so conflicted as an artist who loves singing and writing in so many different genres. I’m never going to put myself into a box, but I can wholeheartedly say that this set of songs are equivalent to my cosy every day jumper. I would be happy singing these songs every day of the year, and that doesn’t mean that I want to abandon the rest of my musical wardrobe, I’ve just finally written songs that truly feel like home.”
Zine Workshop
Come and get creative at this relaxed zine-making workshop – no experience needed, just curiosity and a willingness to have fun.
What’s a zine?A zine (short for magazine or fanzine) is a small, handmade booklet that can be about anything – from your thoughts, art, poetry, and photography to topics you care about or just things you love. It’s a DIY way of expressing yourself, telling stories, and sharing ideas.
What to expect:
Materials provided – collage bits, magazines, pens, paper, scissors, glue
A quick intro to what zines are and how to make one
Time to create your own mini zine
A relaxed space to meet new people, chat, and be creative
Whether you’re into journaling, art, writing, or just want to try something new, come along and make something totally your own.
Zine Making Social
Join The Cambridge Zine Society for a zine-making social - we will have supplies to make zines with, or you can bring your own supplies too!
A great opportunity to make some new friends and explore Cambridge.
Whilst all our events are free, we appreciate donations to support our endeavour to offer these opportunities and events!
Halloween Afternoon Tea (GF)
Vegan Chef Danielle Maupertuis is back for a Halloween Afternoon Tea, fully vegan AND Gluten free!
Menu:
- Pumpkin cheesecake
- Black cat on a red pepper pannacotta
- Dark side of the moon, chocolate and orange
- Homemade cornbread, “coronation” beans, rocket
- Egyptian falafel wrap, red pepper houmous
- Buttersquash, spinach and feta pie
There will also be a special kids menu!
- Dark owl on a pumpkin and caramel cupcake
- Chilli skull on a coconut and chocolate bounty
- Smokey ghost on a sweet potato scone
There will be a prize for the most original kid’s costume!!
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£39 per adult including tea or coffee and juice for the kids
£12 per child
The event usually sells out so make sure to secure your seat with a £10 deposit
Free Embroidery workshop
Join us on 30 September 2025 (Tuesday) for a relaxed and creative fashion personalisation workshop to liberate our fashion choices!
Just bring a garment with non-stretchy, reasonably thin fabric (see FAQ), you will be provided with all the materials and tools to be used during the workshop.
All abilities welcomed including beginners.
Workshop includes:
1.5 hours of relaxed embroidery tuition including starting your embroidery, different stitches and button sewing techniques, blending threads and finishing your embroidery
All materials and tools including embroidery hoop, yarn, thread, button and needle will be provided to be used during the workshop. Please note that all tools and remaining materials (hoops, needles, scissors, etc.) must be returned at the end of the workshop.
Your very own personalised fashion to take home and keep!
Zine Workshop
Come and get creative at this relaxed zine-making workshop – no experience needed, just curiosity and a willingness to have fun.
What’s a zine?A zine (short for magazine or fanzine) is a small, handmade booklet that can be about anything – from your thoughts, art, poetry, and photography to topics you care about or just things you love. It’s a DIY way of expressing yourself, telling stories, and sharing ideas.
What to expect:
Materials provided – collage bits, magazines, pens, paper, scissors, glue
A quick intro to what zines are and how to make one
Time to create your own mini zine
A relaxed space to meet new people, chat, and be creative
Whether you’re into journaling, art, writing, or just want to try something new, come along and make something totally your own.
Word Salad
WORD SALAD is an open-hearted open mic, bringing you live poetry from plant-based cafe Thrive. Hosted by Daisy Thurston-Gent and Wes Freeman-Smith. Sign ups in advance, come one, come all – we would love to meet you. We're back in September for our 3rd event, and we very much hope to see you there.
We welcome both listeners and performers. Join us for an evening of nourishing entertainment – friendly, community-focused, lovingly tended.
Cinnamon Press's 20th Anniversary
Join us to celebrate 20 years of Cinnamon Press publishing 556 books, hundreds of authors (over a 1000 including those in anthologies), and 21 new books to come this year!
Join Sue Rose launching Aleph bet and Jacqueline Haskell launching Takotsubo with Elaine Briggs reading from Cusp, and Jane Monson reading from The Chalk Butterfly.
FREE EVENT, everyone welcome
Zine Workshop
Come and get creative at this relaxed zine-making workshop – no experience needed, just curiosity and a willingness to have fun.
What’s a zine?A zine (short for magazine or fanzine) is a small, handmade booklet that can be about anything – from your thoughts, art, poetry, and photography to topics you care about or just things you love. It’s a DIY way of expressing yourself, telling stories, and sharing ideas.
What to expect:
Materials provided – collage bits, magazines, pens, paper, scissors, glue
A quick intro to what zines are and how to make one
Time to create your own mini zine
A relaxed space to meet new people, chat, and be creative
Whether you’re into journaling, art, writing, or just want to try something new, come along and make something totally your own.
Climate Fresk Workshop
Climate Fresk is a France based charity that has developed a card based game to understand the science behind climate change. The cards and facts used in the game are backed by IPCC (Intergovermental Panel on Climate Change). The aim of the workshop is to take climate change education to the masses.
As of December 2024, over 1.9 millions people have participated in a Climate Fresk workshop across 162 countries and 45+ languages.
What to expect?
The 3-hour immersive workshop is run by a facilitator but largely relies on participant's collective intelligence. It is a completely hands-on experince with chart papers and colored markers, so get ready to be creative!
Biodiversity Collage
The biodiversity collage is a France based charity that has developed a card based game to understand the science behind the erosion of the biodiversity. The cards and facts used in the game are backed by IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services)). The aim of the workshop is to take the biodiversity erosion education to the masses.
What to expect?
The 3-hour immersive workshop is run by a facilitator but largely relies on participant's collective intelligence. It is a completely hands-on experince with chart papers and colored markers, so get ready to be creative!
Climate Fresk Workshop
Climate Fresk is a France based charity that has developed a card based game to understand the science behind climate change. The cards and facts used in the game are backed by IPCC (Intergovermental Panel on Climate Change). The aim of the workshop is to take climate change education to the masses.
As of December 2024, over 1.9 millions people have participated in a Climate Fresk workshop across 162 countries and 45+ languages.
What to expect?
The 3-hour immersive workshop is run by a facilitator but largely relies on participant's collective intelligence. It is a completely hands-on experience with chart papers and coloured markers, so get ready to be creative!
Summer Afternoon Tea
Summer Afternoon Tea is here! Join us for a delicious vegan & gluten-free afternoon tea with indulgent treats crafted by Chef Danielle Maupertuis for £39/person (tea included). There will also be a demo from Danielle herself so you can replicate the gorgeous desserts yourself!
Menu
• Sweet potato scones with cream & homemade jam
• Sunflower tart, lemon mousseline, blueberry and poppy seed cream
• Duo of chocolate cheesecake
• Raspberry & caramel trifle
• Seeds bread, vegan cheese and rocket
• Olives, mint and spring onion patties
• “philly” wrap, cream cheese, radish and spring onion
Any questions?
Email: info@freefromdesserts.com
Places are limited and the event usually sell out so make sure to secure your spot with a £10 deposit
WORD SALAD: Open Mic Poetry
WORD SALAD is an open-hearted open mic, bringing you live poetry from plant-based cafe Thrive. Hosted by Daisy Thurston-Gent and Wes Freeman-Smith. Sign ups in advance, come one, come all – we would love to meet you.
We welcome both listeners and performers. Join us for an evening of nourishing entertainment – friendly, community-focused, lovingly tended.
Sand painting workshop
Come join us for a fun and creative Sand Painting Workshop where you can unleash your artistic side and create beautiful masterpieces.
Climate Fresk Workshop
Climate Fresk is a France based charity that has developed a card based game to understand the science behind climate change. The cards and facts used in the game are backed by IPCC (Intergovermental Panel on Climate Change). The aim of the workshop is to take climate change education to the masses.
As of December 2024, over 1.9 millions people have participated in a Climate Fresk workshop across 162 countries and 45+ languages.
What to expect?
The 3-hour immersive workshop is run by a facilitator but largely relies on participant's collective intelligence. It is a completely hands-on experience with chart papers and coloured markers, so get ready to be creative!
Cambridge Songwriting Circle
The Cambridge Songwriters Circle is a friendly, community-driven space for songwriters of all levels to connect, create, and share.
Whether you’ve written dozens of songs or you’re just starting out, please join our relaxed and supportive gathering where we take turns sharing original music. Bring a finished piece, a rough idea, or something in between. No pressure, no judgment — just encouragement, inspiration, and genuine connection.
What to Expect:
A small, unplugged circle (no mics or amps) to keep things intimate and easygoing.
Songwriters only — no audience — so we can focus on our craft in a safe and open environment.
A chance to hear diverse voices, styles, and stories, and get inspired by fellow artists.
A welcoming vibe, whether it’s your first time sharing or your fiftieth.
Bring your instrument, your voice, and your creativity.
This event is free, but purchasing a drink if you’re able would be much appreciated
Easter Afternoon Tea
You love them and we do to : Danielle’s fully vegan and gluten free afternoon teas! This time, Danielle is doing an Easter Afternoon Tea on Sunday 13th April!
Menu:
- Sweet potato scones with cream and jam
- Easter nest, mango and passionfruit cheesecake. Robin’s House, brownie, raspberry jam, chocolate soft-boiled vegan egg, coconut panacotta and halva.
- Homemade seed bread, vegan cheddar, rocket, Mexican wrap, guacamole, beans, tomato salsa, French ratatouille tartlet, zucchini, aubergine
£39 per person, including coffee or tea.
Limited availability so secure your seat with a £10 deposit
Enquiries: info@freefromdesserts.com
Saturday Night Write
Saturday night's all write with Artemis! Experiment with poetic forms and the themes of time and space, guided by two qualified teachers and keen writers. Grab yourselves a cake & a drink and get ready to thrive.
Presse Pause - Zine Workshop
Come join The Press Pause from 2-4pm on Sunday 23rd March 2025 for a fun and creative zine-making workshop! Whether you're a seasoned zinester or a complete beginner, this workshop is perfect, low-pressure and open to all! All materials and plenty of inspo provided to make zines about pressing pause: just bring yourself and a willingness to slow down and enjoy the process!
Pottery Painting
Oliva Pottery is bringing pottery painting with 2 hours of pottery paining fun! Once finished, your creations will be glazed and fired in the kiln. Your finished pieces will then be returned to you within 10-14 working days.
Please book your spot HERE. There’s a £8 booking fee (non-refundable).
Please note the pottery is not included and will need to be paid for on the day.
To get an idea of prices please visit their online shop.
Please note ALL children must be accompanied by an adult 18+
Christmas Afternoon Tea
Join vegan chef Danielle for a Christmas themed afternoon tea on Sunday, December 15th!
Danielle will also give a demonstration on how to make some of these gorgeous desserts
On the menu:
- Sweet potato and cranberry cones, cream and homemade jam
- Vanilla cheesecake snowman
- Santa’s hat raspberry mousse and a chewy coconut sponge
- An orange and chocolate yule log, caramel crumble and chocolate sponge
- Danielle’s unmissable seed bread with plant based cheese and rocket
- Aubergine caviar, greek-style cheese on a rich shortcrust
- Philly wrap, cream cheese, radish and spring onion
Her first event SOLD OUT so quickly secure a spot by clicking the link below!
Cultivating Mindfulness Workshop
How we spend our days is how we spend our lives. Taking time to slow down and be present is more important than ever in our busy and frantic world. Join us this autumn for one hour of relaxation, reflection and mindfulness.
This in-person event will help you learn techniques to bring your mind back to the present moment, improve your focus, and enhance your overall wellbeing. As a registered Health Coach and 10 of Zen Mindfulness Teacher, Andreea Unwin will guide you through several mindfulness practices that can help you be more present in your day to day life.
Whether you're completely new to mindfulness or you tried it in the past but didn't really know how to apply it in your life, this workshop is perfect for anyone seeking to be more intentional with where their attention goes. Don't miss out on this opportunity to cultivate mindfulness in a supportive and nurturing environment!
There are limited spots available, so make sure you book early to avoid diappointment.
Halloween Afternoon Tea
After the success of her first Vegan and Gluten Free event in Thrive, vegan chef Danielle is organising a new afternoon tea for Halloween on Saturday, October 9th!
Danielle will also give a demonstration on how to make some of these gorgeous desserts
On the menu:
- Sweet potato and chocolate swirl cones, cream and homemade jam
- Pumpkin cheesecake decorated with a cute pumpkin marzipan
- Bat on a nutella mousse, lemon curd and a hazelnut sponge
- A Black olive, spring onion and fresh mint patty
- Danielle’s unmissable seed bread with plant based cheese and rocket
- A gloomy black sesame tartlet, red pepper houmous and greek style cheese
Her first event SOLD OUT so quickly secure a spot by clicking the link below!
Comedy Club
On Friday 18th October, come and enjoy a free comedy night for Mill Road Fringe’s first ever comedy venture. The evening will be led by award-winning comedians Kit Loyd and Ollie West, with support from Ali Warwood, Mark Ahier and Steve Ward from Cambridge’s fabulous Commoners’ Comedy Club.
Tickets are free but places are limited so please reserve your seats in advance on Eventbrite.
Doors from 6.30pm. Comedy from 7pm to around 9pm. Bar and food available throughout.
Acoustic Nights
Come and enjoy Acoustic Nights in Thrive
All welcome!
For more information, visit cambridgeacousticnights.com
Yoga Mimosa
Join Amanda on the 12th of October for Yoga & Mimosas- Taylor’s version 2.0! We will jamming to a playlist full of our favourite Taylor tracks as we flow through a 60 minute vinyasa class!
Maryen Cairns Concert
One-Woman-Band solo performance by Maryen Cairns, plus singer-songwriter Charles Gorrie (from Glasgow). Being held upstairs in the Hive gallery, with great vegan food/drinks available from Thrive. Tickets are available in advance - £10 or £5 for Students (See Separate Ticket Link Below) All ages welcome.
For over 30 years, singer-songwriter Maryen Cairns’s allegorical folk-pop has offered a form of literate escapism for her worldwide fanbase. “I feel driven to create songs that people can disappear into. I want to pluck them away from reality so that they can lose themselves for a few minutes,” says the Guernsey-based Australian.
Maryen is a solo performance artist, a multi-instrumentalist, a producer, and a storytelling songwriter. Live, her work is both delicate and powerful, and surprisingly diverse… "Rainstick in one hand, keyboard in the other, microphone and voice firmly linked, feet punching a KikBox rhythm, clapping stick, shaker, medicine drum and guitar waiting in standby"
Maryen has released 7 critically-acclaimed albums; been produced and mentored by Rolling Stone's producer Chris Kimsey; and had a professional association with former Marillion lead singer Fish.
Today, the restless creative shows no signs of slowing down - she issued her first vinyl record in May 2024 - One Woman Band, Live at Echotown Studios, Vol 1.
SoundHunt
Monthly event Soundhunt will this month welcome Tim Hodgkinson, Sue Lynch, NO Moore and Dominic Lash.
Come and enjoy some improvised and experimental music !
£5/£8 on the door, for more information please email domlash@hotmail.com
Afternoon Tea (Vegan&GF)
On Sunday 8th September at 3:30PM, come and enjoy a fully vegan and gluten free Afternoon tea in Thrive, hosted by chef Dnaielle Maupertuis.
MENU:
Sweet potato scones, cream and jam
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Lemon pie with passionfruit meringue
Revisited black forest gateau
White chocolate, apricot and lavender cheesecake
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Homemade seed bread, plant based cheese, rocket
Mexican wrap, guacamole, assorted beans, tomatoes and pineapple
French ratatouille tartlet, courgette, auberine, peppers, tomato, garlic
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Tea
£39/person
Limited tickets available!
Secure your seat with a £10 deposit HERE
Acoustic Nights
Come and enjoy Acoustic Nights Open Stage featuring local singer-songwriters
All welcome!
Contact: cambridgeacousticnights.com
Mindful meditation
Join this mindful mediation on how to connect with nature paintings by Izabela Imiolczyk
August 22nd ¦ 3:30-5PM
Our events calendar
To book tickets for events and classes, contact the organisers directly using the links provided, or ask a Thrive staff member for assistance.
To book one of our venues, contact us at cafe@thrivecambridge.com
VENUES
Build your audience, grow your community
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The Hive
A beautiful loft studio, home to yoga classes, massage therapy, workshops, art exhibitions, talks and more.
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The Basement
A performance space with a rich history, showcasing eclectic local and touring musicians, comedy, theatre and more
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Gallery Spaces
In addition to the Hive, we exhibit artists on our mezzanine and upper level. Check out our current exhibitions.
